Italian Bistro Bacon Lettuce Salad
Inspired by a beloved Italian restaurant chain in Columbus, Ohio, this Italian Bistro Bacon Lettuce Salad brings together a delightful blend of crisp greens, savory bacon, and tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. The freshness of chopped lettuce contrasts beautifully with crumbled bacon, providing a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty dressing. Although blue cheese can be added for extra richness, it's optional for those who prefer a milder taste. This salad is perfect for family gatherings or as a delicious side dish at any meal. Enjoy the vibrant colors and textures of this salad with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 cup (none)
White vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic powder
2-4 teaspoons (to taste)
Lettuce
1 head (chopped)
Bacon
5 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled (optional))
Red onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized jar or bottle, combine vegetable oil, white vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed and the sugar has dissolved.
2
In a large serving bowl, place the chopped lettuce as the base. Top it with crumbled bacon, slices of red onion, and blue cheese if using.
3
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad to taste, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated. Toss gently to combine.
4
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor. Serve immediately for a refreshing salad experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian Bistro Bacon Lettuce Salad?
This salad is a flavorful blend of crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and red onions tossed in a tangy homemade dressing, inspired by a popular Italian restaurant chain in Columbus, Ohio.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a beloved Italian restaurant chain located in Columbus, Ohio.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe, including the items for both the salad and the dressing.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made using vegetable oil, white vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder.
How much vegetable oil is required?
You will need 1 cup of vegetable oil for the dressing.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/2 cup of sugar to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
How much garlic powder is recommended?
You should use 2 to 4 teaspoons of garlic powder, adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the base of the salad?
The base of the salad is one head of chopped lettuce.
How should the bacon be prepared?
You should use 5 slices of bacon that have been cooked and crumbled.
Is blue cheese required for this recipe?
No, blue cheese is optional for those who prefer a milder taste, but 4 ounces can be added for extra richness.
How should the red onion be prepared?
One small red onion should be thinly sliced before being added to the salad.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder in a jar or bottle and shake vigorously until the sugar is dissolved.
How do I assemble the salad?
Place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl, then top it with crumbled bacon, red onion slices, and optional blue cheese.
How much dressing should I apply?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad to taste, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
Should I toss the salad?
Yes, after drizzling the dressing, toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
Is black pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper is added at the end for extra flavor.
When should the salad be served?
The salad should be served immediately after assembly for a refreshing experience.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare.
Can this salad be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a delicious side dish for any meal or for family gatherings.
What flavors can I expect from this salad?
You can expect a smoky flavor from the bacon, crispness from the lettuce, and a zesty, tangy kick from the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While the tags include 'vegetarian', the recipe contains bacon. To make it strictly vegetarian, the bacon should be omitted or replaced with a plant-based alternative.
What kind of lettuce texture is best?
Chopped lettuce provides a crisp, fresh texture that contrasts well with the crumbled bacon.
What size red onion is needed?
The recipe suggests using one small red onion.
How much blue cheese is recommended if used?
If you choose to include it, 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese is the recommended amount.
What container is best for the dressing?
A medium-sized jar or bottle with a secure lid is best for shaking the dressing ingredients together.
How many slices of bacon are used?
The recipe calls for 5 slices of bacon.
Does the dressing need to be cooked?
No, the dressing is a simple 'shake and pour' recipe that requires no cooking.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a salad and a side dish.
What is the key to a well-mixed dressing in this recipe?
Shaking the jar vigorously is key to ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved and the oil and vinegar are emulsified.