Elegant Fig and Bacon Cheese Salad
A Sophisticated Fig and Cheese Salad Recipe, Perfect with Wine
Savor the taste of September with this exquisite salad featuring seasonal figs. We’ve paired the sweet figs with savory bacon and creamy ricotta cheese, creating a dish that is both elegant and a perfect companion to your favorite wine. It’s a simple yet luxurious salad that brings a touch of gourmet dining to your home.
Salad Ingredients- 2-3 ripe figs (choose ones with a deep purple hue)
- Ricotta cheese (to your preference)
- 2 strips of bacon
Dressing Ingredients- 5 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar or glaze (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 5 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar or glaze (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the star of your salad: the figs. Select figs that are ripe and have a deep, wine-like purple color. Gently wash them under cool running water, making sure the cut part doesn’t touch the water to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Step 2
Pat the washed figs dry with a paper towel. Now, slice them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into quarters or sixths will provide a pleasant texture and visual appeal. Slicing them generously allows you to fully appreciate the natural sweetness of the figs.
Step 3
Next, let’s prepare the bacon to ensure it’s perfectly crispy and free from any unwanted impurities. Briefly blanch the bacon in boiling water for about 10 seconds. This step helps to remove excess grease and any residual impurities, resulting in a cleaner flavor. After blanching, rinse the bacon under cold water and pat it dry.
Step 4
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the blanched bacon (no oil needed) and cook slowly, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Be careful not to burn it. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease, ensuring maximum crispiness.
Step 5
Time to whisk together a delicious dressing! In a small bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or glaze. Whisk them together until well emulsified. For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to your liking. Whisk quickly to prevent the dressing from separating.
Step 6
Arrange your fresh salad greens (like romaine lettuce or mixed greens) attractively on a serving plate. Artfully scatter the sliced figs over the greens. Then, dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese here and there, creating a beautiful contrast and adding delightful pockets of flavor.
Step 7
Finally, place the crispy bacon pieces on top of the salad. Just before serving, drizzle the prepared olive oil and balsamic dressing over everything. This elegant fig and bacon cheese salad is now ready to be enjoyed. Its combination of sweet figs, savory bacon, and creamy cheese, enhanced by the tangy dressing, makes it a perfect dish to pair with wine. Enjoy!
