If you’ve never made bacon bits before, you’re missing out! I usually have to make extra, because they’re eaten so quickly. Try them sprinkled on poached eggs or potato wedges. This salad makes a fantastic dinner party starter. I like to serve it with a light lemon dressing to cut through the saltiness of the bacon.
2small-to-mediumcourgettes (zucchini) - about 350g/12.3oz altogethershaved into ribbons, using a vegetable peeler
2tbspolive oil
⅛tspsalt
⅛tspground black pepper
75g(3 packed cups) rocket (arugula)
2pearscored and thinly sliced
55g(1/2 cup) crumbled Stilton cheese
60g(approx 1/2 cup) roughly chopped walnuts
Lemon garlic dressing:
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1clovegarlicpeeled and minced
⅛tspsalt
⅛tspground black pepper
3tbspolive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) - fan.
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack, with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned and crisp.
8 strips streaky bacon
Remove the cooked bacon from the oven and allow the bacon to cool completely on the rack (it should only take a few minutes).
When the bacon is cool, transfer it to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds until the bacon is broken up into crumbs. Put to one side.
Next, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Put to one side.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil
Heat a grill pan over high heat.
Place the courgette ribbons in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the courgette ribbons on the pan and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, or until grill lines appear (no need to turn). Remove from the pan.
2 small-to-medium courgettes (zucchini) - about 350g/12.3oz altogether, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
On 4 plates, arrange the rocket and courgette ribbons. Top with pear slices, crumbled stilton, bacon bits and chopped walnuts.
75 g (3 packed cups) rocket (arugula), 2 pears, 55 g (1/2 cup) crumbled Stilton cheese, 60 g (approx 1/2 cup) roughly chopped walnuts
Serve with the salad dressing.
Notes
Nutritional information is estimated per serving, including the dressing (this recipe serve 4).