Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing - A Simple Yet Elegant Salad

This classic lettuce salad is made extra special with a warm bacon vinaigrette. Crisp lettuce leaves are lightly dressed with the hot dressing, which gently wilts and coats the greens. The savory, slightly smoky dressing accentuates the fresh lettuce flavor. It's a simple yet elegant salad that can be whipped up in minutes. Read on for how to make this retro salad that never goes out of style.

Select the Lettuce

Butter or Boston lettuce are traditional, but you can also use green leaf, red leaf or romaine lettuce instead. Choose lettuce heads with fresh, perky leaves.

Wash and Dry Lettuce

Gently wash lettuce under cool water and pat dry with paper towels or spin in a salad spinner. It's important the leaves are very dry before dressing so they don't get soggy.

Chop Lettuce

Remove 12 large lettuce leaves for serving and set aside. Roughly chop the remaining lettuce into bite sized pieces.

Cook the Bacon

Chop 4 slices bacon into 1⁄2 inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until beginning to brown and become crispy.

Make the Hot Dressing

Remove all but 2 tbsp bacon drippings from skillet. Mix in 1 minced clove garlic and 2 tbsp vinegar. Cook 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in 3 tbsp olive oil and parsley.

Assemble Salad

Place reserved lettuce leaves on plates or in a shallow bowl. Sprinkle with chopped lettuce, then drizzle with a bit of warm dressing. Top with crumbled bacon.

Serve Immediately

This salad should be eaten right away before lettuce leaves wilt too much. Enjoy its wonderful simplicity!

This elegant yet easy salad lets fresh lettuce shine with just a flavorful warm bacon dressing. Perfect for any meal when you need a fresh side.

FAQs

Can I substitute the lettuce varieties?

Yes, use any variety of lettuce you prefer.

Is pre-cooked bacon okay?

Pan frying raw bacon gives the best flavor.

How much dressing do I need?

You won't need much, just a drizzle over each salad.

Can I serve this salad warm?

No, the pleasure is in the cold crisp lettuce contrasting with the hot dressing.

What about adding tomatoes or cheese?

You can, but simplicity is best for this classic salad.

With fresh crisp lettuce and a warm smoky dressing, this simple retro salad never goes out of style. It's easy, elegant and full of flavor.