Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Warm Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
3cupssweet potatoespeeled and cubed
1tbspextra virgin olive oil
5thick-cut bacon slicescut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3cupbalsamic vinegar
1large shallotminced
2tbspbrown sugar
6cupsmixed salad greens
Salt and freshly ground black pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a baking sheet. Roast the sweet potato for about 45 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelized.
Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in skillet. Add shallots to the pan and cook under low heat, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened. Add balsamic vinegar and sugar, and let the vinaigrette reduce by half. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle warm dressing over salad greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and bacon, and toss gently. Serve immediately.
Notes
*This dressing must be served warm, because the bacon fat would coagulate when cold.