This Hot Bacon Dressing is a savory way to elevate any leafy salad!
Who doesn’t love bacon? More than a side for your morning eggs, this sizzling, salty sensation is perfect in so many recipes. Bacon can be added to soups, potato dishes, breakfast casseroles, sandwiches, dips, salads, and yes, even salad dressings. And while most people love bacon, the same can’t really be said about salads. In fact, I have plenty of friends who will turn up their noses at anything remotely green. A shame, especially if you can add a hearty bacon dressing to those greens. Trust me, this is the trick that will even have salad haters licking their plates clean!
You’re going to love this dressing because it’s a great way to add a savory flavor and splash of tang to salads and so much more. It beautifully blends sweet and salty flavors with the subtle tang from the apple cider vinegar. Plus, it’s so much better than store-bought dressings, of course, because it’s got that fresh zing to it!
Tasty Tweaks
The great thing about making your own dressings is that you have full control over what goes into them. I love this recipe as is, but there’s plenty of room for experimenting here! Sometimes I’ve replaced the apple cider vinegar with balsamic for a richer taste. For a touch of sweetness, adding some maple syrup or honey would be a great idea. In fact, if adding maple syrup, why not throw in some toasted, chopped pecans, too? Instead of white onions, you can try red onions or shallots, which tend to have a milder flavor. Herbs are always a good idea. Try chopped parsley or chives. And if you like some heat, go ahead and add in a dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.
FAQs & Tips
How To Make Ahead And Store
While this dressing is best served warm, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a good shake before using.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Yes. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, turkey bacon will work well, too. However, bear in mind that the results will be less rich.
Will This Dressing Work Without Oil?
A dressing without oil may sound strange, but in this case, the bacon releases enough fat. Adding more oil would make the results heavy and cloying, ruining the perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
Like any dressing, hot bacon dressing is great on all sorts of salads. Drizzle it on a House Salad or use it to add even more flavor to this delicious Steak Salad. You could also get creative and use it over this Easy Sautéed Broccoli Recipe or some Air-Fryer Asparagus.
Hot Bacon Dressing
Ingredients Â
- 8 slices bacon diced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
InstructionsÂ
- Cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
- In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the onion until translucent and soft.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm over your favorite greens or as a dressing for a spinach salad.
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