Smoky Pesto & Bacon Salad: The Best “What’s Left in the Fridge” Meal
Sometimes the most magical meals come from the days you’re too tired to grocery shop. That’s how this smoky, creamy, crunchy pesto salad was born — and it might just be the best salad you’ll make all summer. Sweet, savory, and bright, it’s perfect for slow lunches in the sun or late-night dinners under twinkling lights.
🥗 What You’ll Need
For the salad:
- 2 crowns of lettuce, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, sliced thin
- Heaping spoonful of Mama’s Lil’ Peppers (don’t skip them — they’re the smoky magic!)
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- Bacon (I used ~½ package for a hearty ratio — adjust to your taste)
For the smoky pesto dressing:
- Handful of cashews, broiled or toasted in the oven
- ~1 cup spinach (I used frozen, but fresh works too)
- ½ cup olive oil (add more if you want it thinner)
- 4 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lime
- Nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy vibes — but just as good without)
- 2 big pinches of salt (to taste)
- Honey or sweetener of choice (to taste, added after cooking)
✨ How to Make It
1️⃣ Make the pesto:
In a blender or food processor, combine toasted cashews, spinach, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, nutritional yeast (if using), and salt. Blend until smooth.
2️⃣ Cook the pesto:
If you’re using frozen spinach, pour the blended pesto into a saucepan and cook until the spinach darkens and the sauce thickens slightly.
3️⃣ Sweeten it:
While the pesto is still warm, stir in honey or your favorite sweetener to balance the savory notes. Let the sauce cool before pouring it over your salad.
4️⃣ Build the salad:
In a big bowl, toss chopped lettuce, onions, peppers, carrot, celery, and crispy bacon. Drizzle cooled pesto sauce over everything, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a smoky, sweet depth.
5️⃣ Optional extras:
This salad is a blank canvas for your cravings: chickpea pasta, lentils, grilled onions, sausage, boiled eggs — get creative and make it yours. Share your favorite additions in the comments!
✨ Why we love it:
The smoky peppers + balsamic + pesto combo creates a rich, layered flavor that’s both cozy and fresh. It’s hearty enough for dinner, and still amazing the next day.
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