Chopped Blue Cheese Salad

Picture this: a warm summer evening, friends gathered around the patio table, and the centerpiece? A stunning family-style bowl of Bacon and Blue Cheese Chopped Salad. This salad is family favorite at my house wether it is summer, spring, fall, or winter!

Ingredients

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 1/3 cup dried cherries

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• Sweet and tangy vinaigrette (recipe below)

Let's Get Chopping!

1. Bacon Magic: Start by transforming ordinary bacon into crispy, golden morsels of delight. Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they're irresistibly crispy. Once cooled, crumble them into bite-sized pieces. Try not to snack on too many – we need them for the salad!

2. Green Foundation: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. The crisp, fresh lettuce will provide the perfect backdrop for our flavor-packed toppings.

3. Assembly Time: In a large, family-style bowl, toss together the chopped romaine, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese. Watch as the green canvas comes alive with pops of savory bacon and creamy cheese.

4. Salad Toppings: Sprinkle the dried cherries and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. The cherries add bursts of sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the nutty crunch of the sesame seeds that elevates every bite.

The Dressing: Sweet and Tangy Vinaigrette

No great salad is complete without an equally fantastic dressing. Here's a quick recipe for a sweet and tangy vinaigrette that will tie all the flavors together:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestion

Present your masterpiece in a large, beautiful bowl that allows all the colorful ingredients to shine. Serve the dressing on the side, allowing your guests to dress their portions to their liking. This family-style presentation encourages sharing, conversation, and maybe a little playful competition for the last bits of bacon!