Bacon Caprese Salad

By cmschnettler

Ingredients

• FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:
• 3/4 lb. bacon, diced and crisped, fat reserved
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup sliced shallots
• 1/4 cup roasted garlic
• 1 1/4 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tbsp. dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• FOR THE SALAD:
• 1 lb. fresh mozzarella, halved crosswise and thinly sliced
• 4 heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp. fresh marjoram leaves

Preparation

Step 1

A vinaigrette made with roasted garlic and bacon adds salty, savory flavor to a classic caprese salad. We developed this recipe to show off the dressing, which comes to us from Chef Mike Bild of

MAKES 2 CUPS

1. Make the vinaigrette: In a large food processor, process ½ lb. bacon, celery, honey, vinegar, shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and mustard until smooth. With the processor running, slowly add oil and the reserved bacon fat; season with salt and pepper.

2. Make the salad: Combine mozzarella, tomatoes, and marjoram; season with salt and pepper and drizzle with vinaigrette. Garnish with remaining bacon.

I forgot to add the stars. I'd give it 5 if the ingredient list wasn't so long!