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Rustic Bistro Salad Recipe

Rustic Bistro Salad Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Parisian bistro salad whisks classic French flavors into a delightful culinary journey through countryside charm. Fresh greens, crisp bacon, and tangy vinaigrette blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this elegant dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 5 oz (140 g) mixed greens (like frisee, arugula, baby lettuces)
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ small shallot, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp honey (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chives or tarragon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Egg Preparation: Bring water to a rolling boil in a pot. Delicately submerge eggs and cook for 6-12 minutes to achieve soft-boiled yolks. Immediately transfer to ice bath, then carefully peel and slice in half.
  2. Dressing Creation: Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a mixing vessel. Gradually incorporate olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Salad Composition: In a spacious mixing bowl, coat greens generously with prepared dressing. Incorporate shallots, crisp croutons, and most of the bacon bits. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
  4. Plating Finale: Artfully distribute salad onto serving plates. Crown each portion with halved eggs, remaining bacon fragments, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Finish with an additional drizzle of dressing and a generous crack of black pepper for added depth.

Notes

  • Boil eggs exactly 6-7 minutes for consistently soft, creamy yolks without overcooking.
  • Whisk oil gradually and slowly to create a smooth, stable vinaigrette that coats salad ingredients evenly.
  • Cook bacon until extremely crisp, then let it cool slightly before crumbling to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Dress salad leaves just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain fresh, crisp texture throughout the meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg