Warm Alpine Swiss Bacon Salad with Winter Greens

Introduction

This Warm Alpine Swiss Bacon Salad is a delicious winter dish featuring crispy grilled bacon, fresh winter greens, and crunchy Swiss nuts. The Arteflame grill brings out rich, smoky flavors, making this a perfect dish for cold days.

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, endive, radicchio)
• 1/2 cup Swiss nuts (toasted hazelnuts or walnuts)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the Arteflame grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to heat the grill for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Cut and sear the bacon

1. Cut the bacon into thick pieces.
2. Place bacon on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
3. Once crisped, move the bacon pieces to the outer flat cooktop to finish cooking.

Step 3: Toast the Swiss nuts

1. Spread the Swiss nuts on the flat griddle cooktop.
2. Toast them until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

1. In a large bowl, toss the winter greens, red onion, and Swiss cheese.
2. Add the crispy bacon and toasted nuts.
3. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the warm dressing

1. On the flat griddle cooktop, melt the butter.
2. Add balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until combined, then drizzle over the salad.

Step 6: Serve the salad warm

1. Plate the salad immediately while warm.
2. Garnish with extra Swiss cheese if desired.
3. Enjoy the smoky, rich flavors of the grilled bacon, greens, and nuts.

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite and better flavor.
• Toast the nuts on the cooler edges of the cooktop to avoid burning.
• For added flavor, let the bacon rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Ensure the grill is fully heated before placing bacon on the center grate for optimal sear.
• Use fresh winter greens for the perfect texture contrast.

Variations

1. Spicy Swiss Salad: Add chili flakes to the dressing and top with spiced pecans.
2. Creamy Swiss Delight: Toss with a yogurt dressing instead of balsamic for a milder taste.
3. Herb-Infused Bacon Salad: Add fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for a fragrant twist.
4. Sweet Swiss Nut Salad: Drizzle with maple syrup for a caramelized flavor.
5. Mediterranean Swiss Salad: Toss in olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.

Best pairings

• A glass of Swiss Pinot Noir or an oaky Chardonnay.
• Warm crusty sourdough bread with herb butter.
• Roasted root vegetables to complement the smoky bacon.
• A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup for a cozy side.

Conclusion

This Warm Alpine Swiss Bacon Salad is a delightful winter dish that brings out the rich flavors of perfectly grilled bacon combined with fresh greens and nuts. The Arteflame grill enhances the textures, making each bite crisp, smoky, and delicious.