Here is a salad to evoke late-night meals at the restaurant Odeon, in downtown Manhattan, in the era of “Bright Lights, Big City.” There the country salad is somewhat smaller, and serves as a fine introduction to a plate of steak frites. But made larger, and piled high on a plate, it makes for a delicious dinner best accompanied by a glass of slightly chilled red wine. Need more protein? Put an egg on it!

Ingredients

  • ¼pound slab bacon, cut into 1-inch-long lardons
  • ½cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 1clove garlic, minced
  • 2teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ⅓cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼cup good-quality blue cheese, crumbled
  • Kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1head romaine lettuce
  • Nutritional Information
      • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

        392 calories; 32 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 18 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 9 grams protein; 25 milligrams cholesterol; 425 milligrams sodium

    Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

4 servings

Preparation

  1. Fry the bacon over medium heat until almost crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve a splash of bacon fat.
  2. Return bacon pan to heat and add the bread crumbs, tossing until just golden. Remove from pan and reserve.
  3. Combine the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and mustard in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and reserved bacon fat until dressing emulsifies. Add a tablespoon of blue cheese and whisk again. Season to taste.
  4. Roughly chop the lettuce and put in a salad bowl. Add bread crumbs and remaining cheese, then the dressing. Toss to mix. Serve immediately.

15 minutes

Dining and Cooking