Mixed Salad with a Warm Bacon Dressing

Sometimes all I feel like is a salad - something fresh and crunchy and light - yet with a hint of decadence and a big hit of flavour to feel satiated too. This can be a wonderful entree to get the palate going, a classy side dish alongside salmon or chicken, or a perfect light supper when you only need a super, tasty snack.

Pictured: Mixed Salad with a Warm Bacon Balsamic and Walnut Dressing

3 cups of mixed lettuce leaves – I like a soft butter lettuce, alongside a sharp, bitter green like rocket, watercress or radicchio

4 bacon rashers, rind removed, diced

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, the best you have

½ tsp Dijon mustard

 2 tbsp pouring cream

100g walnuts or pecans, roasted  - or any nut you prefer

Prepare and wash the lettuce, place in the serving dish.

Roast the nuts.

Fry the bacon in the olive oil until crisp, add the vinegar and mustard and mix well, then finally add the cream, bring to a simmer, stirring – then take off the heat.

Pour the warm dressing over the salad and toss gently, scatter over the roasted nuts.

Serves 4