Creating a French-style Mango & Pancetta Salad is a delightful way to combine sweet and savory flavors with a touch of sophistication. Here’s a recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices pancetta or bacon
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or mint) for garnish
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
For the Salad:
1. Prepare Salad Greens:
– Wash and dry the mixed salad greens, then place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Slice Mango:
– Peel, pit, and slice the ripe mango. Add the mango slices to the salad bowl.
3. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Red Onion:
– Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Toss them into the salad bowl.
4. Cook Pancetta:
– In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels, then break them into smaller pieces.
5. Toast Nuts:
– In the same skillet, toast the walnuts or pecans over medium heat for a few minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
6. Assemble Salad:
– Add the crispy pancetta or bacon, crumbled goat cheese or feta, and toasted nuts to the salad bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine.
For the Vinaigrette:
7. Make Vinaigrette:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
8. Dress the Salad:
– Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
9. Garnish:
– Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as basil or mint.
10. Serve:
– Divide the French-style Mango & Pancetta Salad onto individual plates and serve immediately.
Optional:
– Protein Addition: For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced grilled steak.
– Bread Croutons: Top the salad with homemade croutons for added texture.
– Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the salad for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
This French-style Mango & Pancetta Salad is a lovely combination of flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and elegant option for a light meal or as a side dish. Enjoy!
