Wilted Arugula Salad with Asparagus, Bacon, Almonds, and Sherry Vinaigrette

Serves 4

by Allison Ehri Kreitler
from Fine Cooking
Issue 116
Last Edit Date: 2/28/2012 2:25:06 PM

You won’t believe how incredible this simple combination of crunchy almonds, crisp bacon, and tender asparagus and arugula is. It’s a game changer. The arugula will wilt as it sits, though, so serve it right away.

more about:

7 oz. (8 strips) bacon, cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems, and cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt
3 Tbs. sherry vinegar
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper
6 oz. baby arugula
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

Cook the asparagus in the skillet with the bacon fat, stirring often, until crisp-tender and browned in spots, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp. salt and, using a slotted spoon, transfer to the plate with the bacon. Add the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a scant 1/4 tsp. pepper to the fat in the skillet and whisk until combined.

In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, bacon, arugula, and almonds and toss with just enough warm vinaigrette to wilt the arugula. Serve immediately.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 210; Fat (g): 15; Fat Calories (kcal): 140; Saturated Fat (g): 3; Protein (g): 12; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8; Carbohydrates (g): 9; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 550; Cholesterol (mg): 20; Fiber (g): 4;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by NC_Designer, 12/16/2012What a fabulous salad recipe. I made this for my annual formal Christmas dinner party and we all gobbled it up. It's easy and so full of flavor. Very unusual salad. I didn't use all the dressing, it didn't need it. I will make this again and again.

by skc921, 8/20/2012My mom has made this salad for dinner an average of twice a week for the last 3 months or so. I'm not even kidding.

by mmeckstr, 6/14/2012This was very good, but the bacon fat in the dressing was a little too heavy for me. Next time I will probably drain the fat from the pan after doing the asparagus, maybe leave just a little.

by judithlks, 3/3/2012Wonderful interplay of tastes and textures and came together very quickly. I used half as much bacon as the recipe called for and it was utterly delicious. I will make this again and again.