PEA & BACON SALAD with FRENCH DRESSING

 

PEA & BACON SALAD with FRENCH DRESSING adapted from Molly Yeh DRESSING
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup champagne vinegar 
1 cup FRESH sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard  (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar 
1 teaspoon paprika 
1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped 
FRESH gound sea salt

• Blend together the ketchup, yogurt, vinegar, mustard, sugar, paprika, onion and salt to taste into a high-speed blender.
• Puree until smooth.
• Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

SALAD
4 slices bacon
6 ounces sugar snap peas, stringed and cut on the bias (about 3 cups) 
2 cups diced rotisserie chicken pieces (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 SMALL head butter lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces
2 cups bite size torn romaine lettuce pieces
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Italian parsley leaves
Wedge of Parmesan, for grating 

• Put the bacon in a large cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.
• Add the peas to the bacon fat, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until they get a slight color, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.

ASSEMBLY

• Scatter the peas and herbs onto a bed of butter lettuce leaves.
• Crumble the bacon and scatter over the pea layer.
• Finish with a grating of Parmesan and a drizzle of dressing.
• Serve with more dressing on the side.

NOTE: This salad is another “kitchen sink” salad that allows for substitutions, deletions or additions to clean out the crisper drawer or leftover chicken.