Cabbage and Bacon Salad
Cabbage and Bacon Salad Recipe - New England Classic
Introduction
Cabbage and Bacon Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the crunchiness of cabbage with the savory flavor of bacon. This salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for a family dinner.
History
Cabbage and Bacon Salad has been a popular dish in many households for generations. The combination of cabbage and bacon creates a unique flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb (227 g) of bacon
- 1 large head of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped
- 1 (8 oz (227 g)) bottle of zesty italian salad dressing
- 1 (6 oz (170 g)) can of French-fried onions
- 0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
How to prepare
- Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat until it is evenly browned.
- Drain the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cabbage and dressing.
- Toss the mixture and refrigerate it overnight.
- Before serving, toss together the chilled cabbage and dressing with cauliflower, French-fried onions, bacon, and pepper.
Variations
- Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a healthier option.
- Use a different type of dressing, such as ranch or balsamic vinaigrette.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Refrigerating the cabbage and dressing mixture overnight allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious salad.
- Toss the salad ingredients together just before serving to ensure that everything is well combined.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage and Bacon Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.
Cooking Techniques
Shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- Chop the cauliflower into small florets for a nice texture in the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use green cabbage instead of red cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Swap out the French-fried onions for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
Make Ahead Tips
Cabbage and Bacon Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the bacon and French-fried onions until just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Cabbage and Bacon Salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or steak. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 300 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 20g per serving
Saturated Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 8g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 60% of daily value per serving
Vitamin K: 80% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains: Soy (in salad dressing)
Summary
Cabbage and Bacon Salad is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of protein and provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats.
Summary
Cabbage and Bacon Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy texture and savory flavor, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients long forgotten. As I flipped through the worn pages, a simple yet enticing recipe caught my eye: Cabbage and Bacon Salad.
I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about the combination of crisp cabbage and savory bacon intrigued me. I knew I had to try it for myself. And so, armed with the recipe and a newfound sense of culinary curiosity, I set out to make my own version of this mysterious salad.
The first step was to gather the ingredients. I made my way to the local market, where I carefully selected a head of cabbage, some thick-cut bacon, and a few other fresh vegetables to add some color and flavor to the dish. As I walked home with my bounty, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. This was going to be something special.
Back in my kitchen, I set to work preparing the ingredients. I sliced the cabbage into thin strips, marveling at its vibrant green color and crisp texture. The bacon sizzled in the skillet, filling the room with the rich aroma of smoke and salt. I chopped the other vegetables – carrots, bell peppers, and red onions – adding them to the mix for a pop of color and crunch.
As I tossed everything together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but smile. The colors of the vegetables mingled together like a beautiful painting, each ingredient bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. And then, the final touch – a simple dressing of vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the flavors.
I took a tentative bite, unsure of what to expect. But as the flavors exploded on my tongue – the crunch of the cabbage, the smokiness of the bacon, the tang of the dressing – I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. This was no ordinary salad – this was a culinary masterpiece.
I shared the salad with my family that evening, watching as their eyes lit up with delight at the first bite. They couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so incredible. And as they asked for seconds and thirds, I knew that I had discovered a recipe that would become a beloved staple in our household for years to come.
Over the years, I have made the Cabbage and Bacon Salad countless times, each batch slightly different from the last as I experimented with new ingredients and techniques. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all been amazed at its delicious simplicity.
But no matter how many times I make it, the magic of that first bite never fades. Every time I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Cabbage and Bacon Salad, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe in that old cookbook. And I am reminded once again of the joy and wonder that cooking can bring.
So here's to the humble cabbage, the savory bacon, and the simple pleasure of a well-made salad. May they continue to bring joy and nourishment to all who taste them, just as they have brought joy and nourishment to me.
Categories
| Bacon Recipes | Cauliflower Recipes | Fried Onion Recipes | New England Recipes | New England Salads | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Red Cabbage Recipes |