Bacon Vinaigrette adds a delicious savory twist to any salad you serve. The smoky richness of bacon blends seamlessly with the tangy notes of vinegar, creating a satisfying dressing.
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Bacon Vinaigrette
Bacon vinaigrette combines the rich, smoky essence of bacon with the tangy brightness of vinegar. This dressing is typically made by rendering bacon fat and mixing it with other ingredients.
This savory dressing is characterized by a delightful balance of smokiness, tartness, and a hint of sweetness from added ingredients like honey or maple syrup.
This bacon vinaigrette dressing enhances salads with its warm, comforting essence and can elevate various dishes. This makes it a favorite for those seeking a flavorful twist on traditional vinaigrettes. Here’s how to make the bacon vinaigrette:
Bacon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ΒΌ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Crumble once cool.
- Carefully pour the bacon drippings from the skillet into a heatproof bowl. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth. Gradually whisk in the olive oil and warm bacon drippings until emulsified.
- Stir in crumbled bacon, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the bacon vinaigrette over salads, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meats for a smoky, savory touch.
How to serve and pair
Serving and pairing bacon vinaigrette offers versatility, from light appetizers to hearty mains.
1. Salad Applications
Green salads benefit from specific combinations:
| Green Type | Complementary Ingredients | Serving Notes |
| Baby Spinach | Hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms | Warm vinaigrette |
| Arugula | Pear slices, blue cheese | Room temperature |
| Kale | Roasted squash, pecans | Slightly heated |
2. Vegetables
- Boiled or roasted potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Green beans
- Asparagus
3. Protein Pairings
- Grilled Chicken
- Light coating while hot
- Additional drizzle when serving
- Fresh herbs as garnish
- Seared Steak
- Brush on during rest period
- Serve extra on side
- Add cracked pepper
- Seafood:
- Shrimp salads
- Grilled fish
4. Other Applications
- Dip for breadsticks or fresh vegetables
- Brush on sandwiches and wraps
- Drizzled over warm pasta dishes
- Finishing sauce for warm grain bowl
5. Serving Suggestions
- Warm the dressing slightly before serving
- Toss with sturdy ingredients first
- Add delicate ingredients last
- Serve immediately for the best texture
Variations
Explore versatile bacon vinaigrette variations ideal for salads, marinades, and beyond.
1. Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette: Substitute apple cider vinegar with 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
2. Maple Bacon Vinaigrette: Substitute honey with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
3. Bacon Mustard Vinaigrette: Increase Dijon mustard to 2 tablespoons for a bolder mustard flavor.
4. Keto version:
| Ingredient | Standard Amount | Keto Substitute |
| Honey | 1 tsp | Monk fruit (1/4 tsp) |
| Apple cider | 2 tbsp | White wine vinegar |
| Shallots | 1 medium | 2 tsp garlic |
5. Sweet and Spicy Variants: Add crushed red pepper flakes
6. Herb-infused Bacon Fat Vinaigrette
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- Add layers of flavor that complement the richness of the bacon
7. Citrus Bacon Grease Vinaigrette
- Bacon fat, orange or lemon juice instead of vinegar
- Adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the bacon fat
