Tomato, Bacon and Corn Salad

Ingredients

• 8 oz bacon (cooked until crisp; 2 tbsp fat reserved)
• 1 lime (large; zested and juiced)
• 2 avocados (small; halved, pitted, and quartered)
• 10 oz ripe tomatoes (cut into large bite-size pieces)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1.5 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
• cilantro (roughly chopped, to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the bacon in a large skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Carefully pour the rendered bacon fat into a heat-safe container and reserve it for the dressing.

2. 2

   Finely grate the zest from the large lime and set it aside for later use.

3. 3

   Prepare the avocados by halving and pitting them, then cut each half into quarters. Remove the skin and arrange the avocado pieces on a serving platter.

4. 4

   Cut the tomatoes into large bite-size pieces, such as halves or wedges, and arrange them on the platter with the avocados.

5. 5

   Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the juice of one half over the avocados and tomatoes on the platter. Season generously with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   In a large mixing bowl, break the cooked bacon into smaller pieces. Add the fresh corn kernels, chopped cilantro, reserved lime zest, 2 tablespoons of the reserved warm bacon fat, and the juice of the remaining lime half.

7. 7

   Season the corn and bacon mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to combine and coat everything in the bacon fat and lime juice.

8. 8

   Spoon the corn and bacon mixture over the arranged tomatoes and avocados on the platter and serve immediately.

Notes

This salad is hearty enough to be a light dinner, but pairs excellently with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a full meal, serve with thick slices of toasted bread. You can substitute cilantro with another fresh herb like basil or parsley if preferred.

Nutrition per serving

• salad
• summer
• bacon
• corn
• avocado
• tomato
• side dish
• gluten-free