Wilted Salad
A classic wilted salad featuring crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a quick, flavorful side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and chop the onion. Toss them together in a bowl.
- Cook the bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Drain excess bacon fat from the pan, leaving enough to mix with the vegetable oil.
- Mix 1/2 cup vegetable oil with the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the oil and bacon drippings mixture.
- Heat the vinaigrette mixture until warm.
- Pour the warm vinaigrette over the lettuce and onion mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the traditional wilted salad, consider adding a handful of cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes for added color and crunch. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute olive oil for vegetable oil. Using a vinegar like apple cider can enhance the flavor profile while still keeping it in line with American recipes. Ensure the bacon is extra crispy for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This wilted salad makes a fantastic side dish to hearty mains like Pork Chops And Apple Casserole or even grilled meats. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light soup, such as Harker'S Island Clam Chowder, to balance the richness of the bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wilted salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The lettuce may become soggy, so it's best to keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve. If reheating the vinaigrette, do so gently in a pan over low heat to prevent it from separating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilted Salad contains roughly 413 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 620mg per serving (27% 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 use a different type of lettuce for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for head lettuce, you can substitute it with other types such as spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that softer greens may wilt faster when dressed with the warm vinaigrette.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use a smoked olive oil or add smoked paprika to the dressing for a similar flavor. Additionally, incorporating grilled mushrooms can provide a savory depth that complements the salad beautifully.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the wilted salad heartier, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas. You could also mix in some croutons or cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition, making it a more substantial meal.
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).