Bacon and Cheese Salad

Crispy, savory, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Bacon and Cheese Salad is the ultimate marriage of indulgence and freshness. Featuring a base of crisp romaine lettuce and peppery arugula, this salad is elevated with sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and thin slices of red onion for an irresistible medley of textures. The star ingredients—crispy bacon crumbles and sharp cheddar cheese—bring a rich, smoky depth to every bite, while a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy-sweet finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this irresistibly delicious salad is perfect as a satisfying appetizer or light main dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a quick, restaurant-quality meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 0.5 small red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing and drying the romaine lettuce and arugula. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl with the arugula.

Step 2

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

Step 3

Peel and slice the cucumber into thin rounds, then add these to the bowl.

Step 4

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 5

Grate the cheddar cheese and set aside.

Step 6

Peel and thinly slice the red onion, then add these to the salad bowl.

Step 7

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is emulsified.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.

Step 9

Add the crumbled bacon and grated cheddar cheese to the salad bowl.

Step 10

Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.

Step 11

Serve fresh as a delightful appetizer or a light main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1309.2 grams (1309.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1305

Total Fat 93.70g	120%
Saturated Fat 31.40g	157%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.50g
Cholesterol 141mg	47%
Sodium 3133mg	136%
Total Carbohydrate 63.80g	23%
Dietary Fiber 12.50g	45%
Total Sugars 25.60g
Protein 52.70g	105%

Vitamin D 8IU	39%
Calcium 839mg	65%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 2699mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.4%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 19.5%