Heirloom Tomato Salad with Hot Bacon Vinaigrette
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There's something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly ripe heirloom tomato. If you’re lucky and can pick one warm from the sun, do it. And bite into it. Pure joy. The tender skin offering a gentle resistance before yielding to your teeth, releasing a flood of flavors that can only come from sun-ripened goodness. Its juicy flesh, bursting with a robust blend of tang and natural sweetness, is a reminder of nature's artistry, a reminder that simplicity can be exquisite.
A simple, fresh tomato salad is one way to truly celebrate the essence of these vibrant gems, and when tossed with a hot bacon dressing, it becomes something magical. This colorful salad begs to be made at the height of summer when farmers markets are brimming with heirloom tomatoes of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I promise that with every bite of this salad, you'll experience a delightful harmony of tastes and textures that dance on your palate. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the smokiness of the bacon, while the tangy vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. The satisfying crunch of the toasty breadcrumbs This dish is a reminder that culinary delight can often be found in the simplest of ingredients, and that letting the ingredients speak for themselves is a true testament to the magic that can be woven in the kitchen.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without some form of a tomato salad, so head to your local farmers market this week and indulge in this Heirloom Tomato Salad with Hot Bacon Vinaigrette!
INGREDIENTS
Tomatoes: High in lycopene, Vitamin C & K, potassium, folate, and fiber, tomatoes have been linked to several potential benefits, including protection for brain, heart, skin, and gut health, as well as cancer prevention.
Ricotta Salata: A rich source of calcium, Ricotta salata is simply fresh ricotta that has been salted, pressed, and aged. It has a harder, less creamy texture that takes well to crumbling or shaving. However, feel free to omit or use a dairy-free/vegan cheese if you desire.
Basil: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, basil is a powerhouse benefiting digestion, skin health, mental health, heart health, and helping fight inflammation.
Chives: Rich in Vitamins C, K, and A and is said to help promote digestion and may boost the immune system.
Toasted Bread Crumbs: Can be a good source of fiber and carbohydrates depending upon what kind of bread you use. I love to make my own crumbs from homemade gluten-free.
Bacon: As I like to say, everything in moderation, even moderation sometimes.
Honey: Contains antioxidants that may help protect the body from inflammation. It is also said to be used as an antibacterial agent and may help fight colds and flus.
Dijon Mustard: The mustard seeds may stimulate digestive enzymes, promoting a healthy digestive system, and Dijon mustard is full of nutritious chemical compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Contains natural probiotics that can help improve your immune and digestive systems by boosting good stomach acid production, as well as antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.
Garlic: Full of anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost your immune system and make it effective against fighting colds and infections, as well as antibiotic properties to fight bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites.
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RECIPE NOTES:
To make your own seasoned bread crumbs: toss store-bought or homemade bread crumbs with a little olive oil or melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often until they start to sizzle, color, and crisp, about 5 min. Reduce heat and continue to cook, stirring, until the crumbs dry out and are evenly golden, about 5 min. I used homemade gluten-free bread crumbs!