Crispy Pancetta and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
Indulge in a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience with this Crispy Pancetta and Avocado Salad. This vibrant dish combines the creamy texture of perfectly ripe avocados with the savory crunch of crispy pancetta and the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings all the flavors together, making it a delightful main course salad. Served alongside warm crusty bread and a glass of your favorite wine, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious combination of taste and texture!
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pancetta
12 slices (diced or cut into strips)
Pine Nuts
50 g (lightly toasted)
Balsamic Vinegar
to taste (for drizzling)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (good quality for dressing)
Avocados
6 (ripe, halved and sliced)
Baby Spinach Leaves
4 cups (washed)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta slices and fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
2
In the same pan, add the pine nuts and lightly toast them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
3
Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1 tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the proportions as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.
4
To plate, start by arranging the sliced avocados on individual serving plates. Next, evenly distribute the baby spinach leaves over the avocados.
5
Sprinkle the crispy pancetta and toasted pine nuts over the salads, adding a pleasing crunch to every bite.
6
Finish with a drizzle of the dressing and season generously with additional salt and black pepper if desired. Serve immediately, alongside warm crusty bread and enjoy with a refreshing glass of wine.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
15
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Pancetta and Avocado Salad?
It is a vibrant main course salad that combines creamy avocados, savory crispy pancetta, and toasted pine nuts, finished with a balsamic dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count for this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much pancetta is needed?
You will need 12 slices of pancetta, which should be diced or cut into strips.
How many avocados are required?
The recipe calls for 6 ripe avocados, halved and sliced.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The salad contains 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does it offer?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
The salad contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you prepare the pancetta?
Fry the pancetta in a large pan over medium heat until it is crispy and golden brown, then drain the grease on a paper towel.
How long should I toast the pine nuts?
Toast the pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown.
What goes into the salad dressing?
The dressing is a mix of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoned with salt and black pepper.
What type of greens are used in this salad?
The recipe uses 4 cups of washed baby spinach leaves.
What amount of pine nuts is needed?
The recipe requires 50 grams of pine nuts.
What amount of olive oil is used for the dressing?
You should use 2 tablespoons of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
What is the recommended category for this dish?
This dish is categorized under Vegetable and is considered a main course salad.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What should I serve alongside this salad?
It is recommended to serve this with warm crusty bread and a glass of wine.
How should the salad be plated?
Start with sliced avocados, layer the baby spinach over them, and then sprinkle the pancetta and pine nuts on top.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you can season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after drizzling the dressing.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a sweet and tangy balance to the fats in the avocado and pancetta.
How do I prevent the pine nuts from burning?
Stir them frequently during the 2-3 minutes of toasting to ensure they brown evenly without burning.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
No, fiber information is not provided in this specific nutritional breakdown.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the seasonings.
Is the pancetta served warm or cold?
The pancetta is fried until crispy and ideally served shortly after to maintain its texture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, avocado, pancetta, pine nuts, healthy, easy recipe, vegetable dish, main course salad, and quick meal.
Should I use pre-ground pepper?
The recipe specifically recommends freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Is there any sodium information?
Sodium data is not provided, though the pancetta and added salt will contribute to the sodium content.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
While it is hearty enough for a main course, it can also be served as a side dish.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features a combination of creamy avocado, crunchy pancetta, and nutty pine nuts.
How should I prepare the spinach?
The baby spinach leaves should be thoroughly washed before adding them to the salad.