Warm Bacon Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette Recipe
This Warm Bacon Balsamic Fig Vinaigrette combines smoky bacon, sweet fig preserves, tangy balsamic vinegar, shallots, mustard, and olive oil for a unique and exciting flavor experience. The dressing is served warm to prevent the bacon fat from solidifying and to enhance the heady aroma of the bacon.
Servings 1 salad
Ingredients
- 1 slice thick cut bacon , diced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced shallots
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fig preserves*
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves (the leaves from 3 or 4 stems)
Instructions
- Preheat a small skillet over medium until water droplets flicked on the surface sizzle away.
- Add the bacon and sauté until the fat has rendered and the bacon pieces are browned and firm (5-8 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the shallots and sauté until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes (the residual heat will cook them through).
- Pour in the olive oil and whisk into the bacon mixture.
- Add the vinegar, fig preserves, mustard, and thyme leaves and whisk until smooth.
- Note that the vinaigrette will not be fully emulsified – this is okay. (But if it's really bugging you, pour the vinaigrette into a jar with a lid and shake vigorously.)
- Set the pan aside while you assemble your salad, or transfer the cooled dressing to a jar and refrigerate.
- Spoon the dressing over your salad, taking care to distribute the bacon pieces as you go.
Notes
* Fig preserves are a thicker version of fig jam — although fig jam will work in a pinch — and are sometimes found in the speciality deli section of the big chain grocery stores, if not in the jams and jellies aisle.