This Bistro Salad is a simple yet elegant French-inspired salad recipe, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It features fresh greens, crunchy toppings, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Hello, friend! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this refreshing and flavorful Bistro Salad. Forget about boring salads; this one is packed with beautiful colors, textures, and tastes.
Imagine crisp lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy bacon bits, creamy goat cheese, and vinaigrette. It’s a light and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and create a salad that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to create this delicious salad:
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for the dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Knife
The Recipe
Bistro Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, goat cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers.
- If you want a more substantial salad, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Goat cheese | Feta cheese, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan |
| Bacon | Ham, pancetta, or walnuts (for a vegetarian option) |
| Red wine vinegar | Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar |
What to Serve with Bistro Salad:
You can pair this delicious Bistro Salad with the following:
- A crusty baguette or a slice of your favorite bread.
- A warm bowl of soup, such as tomato or French onion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and the dressing ahead of time, but toss them together just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of lettuce or mixed greens.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make this salad vegan by omitting the bacon and using a vegan cheese alternative.
What kind of vinaigrette goes well with this salad?
A simple vinaigrette with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey complements the flavors of the salad. You can also try a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon vinaigrette.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs are great additions to make this salad a complete meal.
