Grilled Vidalia Onion & Bacon Salad
Grilled Vidalia Onion & Bacon Salad
Grilled Vidalia Onion & Bacon Salad

Grilled Vidalia Onion & Bacon Salad

David Venable

The Vidalia Onion has been dubbed the "world’s sweetest onion." And rightly so. Its mellow, yet juicy-sweet flavor is beyond compare and really makes this salad sing.

Salad

  • 2 large Vidalia onions, sliced 1/4'' thick and separated into rings
  • 3 Tbsp melted butter, olive oil, or a combination of both
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3-4 slices bacon
  • 2 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced thickly
  • Bag of baby spring mix, or an assortment of your favorite greens
  • 2/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts (optional garnish)

Directions

Beat the vinegar in a small bowl with the sugar, scallions, soy sauce, and pepper until the sugar dissolves. Slowly, in a steady stream, whisk the canola oil to the vinegar mixture. Set aside.
Preheat a barbecue or indoor grill to high.
To prepare the salad, first grill the onions. Place the onion slices on a grill pan (if using a barbecue grill). Brush with oil and/or butter and season with salt and pepper. Cook the onions for approximately 10 minutes. Turn the slices and continue grilling for 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Place the bacon strips on the grill pan (if using) and cook until brown and crispy. Set aside.
Place a handful of baby greens on a salad plate. Top with the tomatoes, grilled onion rings, and strips of bacon. Add the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese last, and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Top with toasted walnuts, if desired.

Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp scallions, chopped
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup canola oil

Cook's Notes

To get the best quality out of your onions, they should be cut just before you're going to use them. If you need to save time, slice these ahead of time and store them in water in a sealed container for 3 to 4 hours in the refrigerator.|You can simplify the vinagrette-making process by placing all the ingredients in a screw-top jar. Just shake to combine.

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