Jackson Salad
A vibrant salad featuring crisp lettuce, artichokes, hearts of palm, smoky bacon, and tangy Blue cheese, complemented by a creamy vinegar-based dressing, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. spicy brown mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 2 bunches Romaine lettuce ⓘ
- 1 (7.5 oz.) can hearts of palm, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 1 (8.5 oz.) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 4 oz. crumbled Blue cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Puree the onion and vinegar in a blender or food processor.
- Blend in the mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Continue blending and gradually add the vegetable oil in a thin stream until the dressing is thick.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then drain, cool, and crumble.
- In a large bowl, toss torn lettuce, quartered artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, Blue cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the vegetable oil with plain yogurt. You can also use Dijon mustard instead of spicy brown for a milder taste. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Serving Suggestions
This Jackson Salad makes a fantastic main dish or a side salad for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Mini Filet Mignons for a hearty dinner or alongside Pork recipes for a delightful feast. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch or serving with crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be kept separately for longer shelf life. If you need to reheat any bacon, do so in a skillet over low heat to retain its crispiness. Avoid reheating the salad itself as it may wilt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jackson Salad contains roughly 375 calories, with 5g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2410mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may separate while sitting. This way, you can save time when preparing the salad for guests.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want to make a vegetarian version of this salad, you can substitute the bacon with crispy chickpeas or smoked tempeh. These alternatives will still provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of smokiness to the dish.
Is it possible to add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You can also include some avocado for creaminess or shredded carrots for added color and sweetness, making it even more nutritious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).