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Food & Wine Recipe

Farmer's Salad with Bacon and Walnuts

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 25 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • •FAST

This salad often includes such lusty ingredients as smoked duck breast and sautéed chicken gizzard confit. By all means, add these mail-order specialties, available from D'Artagnan (800-327-8246), or try sautéed chicken livers.

  1. 6 ounces lean slab bacon, sliced 1/3 inch thick and cut into 1-inch sticks
  2. 2 slices firm white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  3. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
  4. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  5. 1 garlic clove, minced
  6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  7. 1 tablespoon walnut oil
  8. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  9. 4 cups mesclun (1/4 pound)
  10. 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
  11. 1/4 cup minced chives
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderately low heat until lightly browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Spread the bread cubes and walnuts on 2 baking sheets and bake for about 8 minutes, or until browned and crisp.
  3. In a large salad bowl, whisk the vinegar with the garlic and olive and walnut oils; season with salt and pepper. Add the mesclun, tomatoes and chives and toss to coat. Add the bacon, croutons and walnuts, toss well and serve.