I was doing some research and came across what I think is probably one of the best salads I've ever eaten. There are both warm and cold elements to this salad, which bring an extra delicious dynamic! Thank you Sarah Fragoso – she gets the full credit for inventing this little divine plate – I just tweaked it to our taste! Here is my rendition:
Warm Bacon & Sweet Potato Salad
WARNING – All ingredients are organic and the salad dressing is homemade.
I seriously think I could eat this salad every single day.
Salad Ingredients:
Fresh leafy greens. (I prefer plain ol' leaf lettuce. But YOU pick – romaine, spinach, fresh baby spring mix –> all are delicious. Just stay away from iceberg.)
1 medium size sweet potato
Pure Coconut Oil
1 organic Fuji Apple
6 slices of non-cured, organic nitrate/nitrite free bacon.
Dressing Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp of organic spicy brown mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Dash of Pink Himalayan Salt
1 tbsp of fresh basil (I use fresh basil or Gourmet Garden's squeezy kind found in the cold salad section of the grocery store)
2 Pinches of cayenne pepper (I like mine a little spicer, so add it to taste)
Directions:
1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash and dry greens throughly.
2. Begin slowly cooking the bacon on your stovetop.
3. Wash, peel sweet potatoes and cut in to small chunks.
4. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, and gently coat them with coconut oil tossing with a spoon to make sure all sides are coated. (Be sure not to soak the potatoes in oil – just a light coat. Otherwise, you will end up with soggy sweet potatoes).
5. Put in oven for 20 minutes, turning half way through, or until sweet potatoes are tender with a fork.
6. Wash and dice 1 organic Fuji Apple. (I like ours without the peel). Set aside.
6. When bacon is finished, set on a paper towel to soak up some extra grease.
7. Chop up the bacon and lettuce in bowl.
8. Take the sweet potatoes out of the oven. Combine sweet potatoes and apples and place in bowl with lettuce and bacon.
9. In a small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients and stir for fresh, preservative-free salad dressing!
10. Gently toss the dressing over the salad until you achieve the right amount that suits your taste buds. I always keep my dressing on the side because some family members prefer more than others.
11. Eat up! And don't expect leftovers!
