A fresh and fruity mango and pancetta salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Here’s a recipe for this refreshing salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and mixed baby greens)
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 4-6 slices of pancetta or bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. Set the dressing aside.
- Cook the Pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta slices until they are crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked pancetta from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the pancetta into small pieces.
- Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts or slivered almonds over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. Transfer the toasted nuts to a plate to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced mango, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled pancetta. If you’re using feta cheese, add it as well.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Garnish: Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the greens. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Top with Nuts: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad.
- Garnish with Fresh Mint: Finish the salad by garnishing it with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and additional freshness.
- Serve: Serve the mango and pancetta salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or a light and flavorful side dish.
This salad combines the sweetness of mango with the savory and crispy pancetta, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect choice for a summer meal or any occasion when you want a light and satisfying salad. Enjoy!