This is a truly remarkable recipe. A classic French-inspired chicken liver salad gets a hearty twist with crispy croutons and a tangy hot bacon dressing. Each bite is a flavor explosion, with the creaminess of the livers, the smoky richness of bacon, the crunch of croutons and the fresh crispiness of frisée lettuce. It's a riot of tastes and textures that will keep your palate excited from the first bite until the last.
Allspice and frisée lettuce might not be common ingredients in your pantry. Allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of a plant known as Pimenta dioica. It has a flavor that’s reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can find it in the spice aisle of any well-stocked supermarket. Frisée, on the other hand, is a type of curly endive with a slightly bitter flavor. If you can’t find frisée, you can use another type of chicory or even arugula.
Ingredients for Chicken Liver Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Croutons
Country style bread: This hearty, rustic bread adds a delightful crunch to the salad when turned into croutons.
Olive oil: It's used for roasting the croutons and cooking the chicken livers, imparting a rich, fruity flavor.
Frisée: Its slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the creamy livers and rich dressing.
Red onion: It adds a punch of flavor and color to the salad.
Salt and pepper: They are essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Bacon: Its smoky, salty, and crispy texture makes the perfect dressing for the salad.
Chicken livers: They are creamy and packed with flavor, a great source of protein.
Allspice: It gives a warm, sweet flavor to the chicken livers, making them even more delicious.
Wine vinegar: It adds tanginess to the salad, balancing out the richness of the bacon and liver.
One reader, Karie Carrasco says:
This chicken liver salad with hot bacon dressing and croutons recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy croutons, tender chicken livers, and savory bacon dressing is simply divine. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salad game!
Mastering the Art of Chicken Liver Salad
How to make croutons: Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and bake until crisp and golden brown.
How to prepare the salad: Combine frisée, onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
How to cook the bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp, then remove it and reserve the fat for the dressing.
How to cook the chicken livers: Season the livers with allspice, salt, and pepper, then cook in a nonstick frying pan until browned on the outside but still pink inside.
How to make the hot bacon dressing: Heat the reserved bacon fat in a pan until sizzling, then pour it over the salad along with the vinegar and toss.
How to serve the salad: Place the salad on plates and top with the cooked chicken livers.
How To Make Chicken Liver Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Croutons
Meaty chicken livers, bitter frisée, and spicy bacon are tossed together in a rich spiced dressing to yield a flavorful chicken liver salad meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbscountry style bread,(1 loaf)
- 7tbspolive oil
- 2large frisee heads
- 1red onion
- ¾tspsalt
- fresh ground black pepper
- ½lbbacon
- 1lbchicken livers
- 1tspground allspice
- 3½tbspwine vinegar
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of the oil and put on a large baking sheet.
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Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the bread cubes are crisp and golden brown. Let the croutons cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the frisée, onion, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper
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In a large nonstick frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and pour the fat into a measuring cup.
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Add enough of the oil to make ½ cup and reserve. Wipe out the pan.
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Heat 1½ tablespoons of the oil in the pan over moderately high heat. Season the chicken livers with the allspice, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper.
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Put the livers in the pan, in two batches if necessary, and cook 2 minutes. Turn and cook for about 2 minutes longer, until browned. The livers should still be pink inside.
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Remove the livers from the pan and put in a warm spot. Wipe out the pan.
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Add the reserved ½ cup fat and the bacon to the pan. Heat over moderately high heat until the bacon is sizzling.
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Pour the hot bacon and fat over the salad and toss. Toss in the vinegar and then the croutons.
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Put the salad on plates and top with the livers. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1062.60kcal
- Fat: 57.35g
- Saturated Fat: 13.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 29.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.26g
- Carbohydrates: 90.27g
- Fiber: 9.28g
- Sugar: 12.22g
- Protein: 45.73g
- Cholesterol: 428.64mg
- Sodium: 1340.23mg
- Calcium: 292.93mg
- Potassium: 905.39mg
- Iron: 17.12mg
- Vitamin A: 3851.58µg
- Vitamin C: 32.20mg
Elevate Your Salad Skills with This Simple Tip
When cooking chicken livers, it's crucial not to overcook them. They should still be pink inside when you remove them from the pan. Overcooking can make them tough and grainy. Also, remember to clean them properly before cooking. Remove any visible fat or connective tissue, and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This will ensure a smooth, rich flavor and texture.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Delightful Salad
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, make croutons, and cook bacon in advance to save time during the final preparation.
Multi-task: While the croutons are baking, prepare the salad and dressing to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools before starting to cook to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Quick cook: Use a nonstick frying pan to quickly cook the chicken livers, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
Efficient assembly: Have all components ready before assembling the salad to streamline the plating process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes while cooking to minimize post-meal cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Liver Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Croutons Recipe
chicken livers - Substitute with beef liver: Beef liver has a similar texture and flavor to chicken liver and can be used as a substitute in this recipe. However, it may have a slightly stronger flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured but not smoked, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. It can be used as a substitute for bacon in this recipe, adding a delicious savory and salty flavor to the dish.
Elevate Your Salad Game with This Presentation
Elevate the croutons: Cut the country style bread into rustic cubes and toast them with a drizzle of olive oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This will add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to the salad.
Create a visually appealing salad bed: Arrange the frisée and thinly sliced red onion in an artful and inviting manner on the plate. This will set the stage for the other components of the dish.
Perfectly seared chicken livers: Sear the chicken livers to perfection, ensuring they are beautifully caramelized on the outside while remaining tender and slightly pink on the inside. This will showcase the skill and precision in cooking the livers.
Artfully arrange the salad: Carefully toss the salad with the hot bacon dressing, ensuring that each leaf is coated evenly. Then, delicately place the dressed salad on the plate, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
Strategic placement of the chicken livers: Place the seared chicken livers on top of the salad, ensuring they are positioned in a visually appealing manner that highlights their succulence and flavor.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This will enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Liver Salad
- Oven: Used for baking and toasting the bread cubes.
- Baking sheet: To bake the bread cubes until they are crisp and golden brown.
- Large bowl: Used to combine the frisée, onion, salt, and pepper for the salad.
- Large nonstick frying pan: Used to cook the bacon and chicken livers.
- Measuring cup: To measure and reserve the bacon fat for the dressing.
- Whisk: Used to mix the hot bacon fat with the vinegar for the dressing.
- Tongs: Used to turn and handle the chicken livers while cooking.
- Spatula: To remove the bacon from the pan and to toss the salad with the dressing.
- Warm spot: A designated area to keep the cooked chicken livers warm before serving.
Preserving the Freshness of Your Chicken Liver Salad Creation
To store leftover chicken liver salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The croutons may lose their crispness over time, so it's best to store them separately in a ziplock bag at room temperature and add them to the salad just before serving.
If you want to prepare the components ahead of time, cook the chicken livers and bacon as directed, and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the livers and bacon gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the salad.
The hot bacon dressing is best prepared just before serving to ensure it's warm and the flavors are vibrant. However, you can cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the bacon and proceed with the dressing recipe.
It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the delicate frisée lettuce and croutons will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. The chicken livers may also develop an unpleasant texture after being frozen and thawed.
If you have leftover cooked chicken livers, you can freeze them separately for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Thaw the livers in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before using in the salad.
Reviving Leftover Chicken Liver Salad
To reheat leftover chicken liver salad with hot bacon dressing and croutons, start by separating the components. Remove the chicken livers, croutons, and any other toppings from the salad and set them aside.
Place the frisée and red onion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the greens are slightly wilted and warm.
In a skillet, reheat the reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooked bacon and cook until crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken livers and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them, as they may become tough and dry.
If the croutons have become soggy, you can crisp them up by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and heating them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy again.
To reassemble the salad, place the warm frisée and red onion mixture on a serving plate. Top with the heated chicken livers and crispy bacon.
Drizzle the hot bacon fat over the salad, and then sprinkle the crispy croutons on top.
If desired, you can add a splash of wine vinegar or freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve the reheated chicken liver salad immediately, while all the components are still warm and crispy, for the best texture and flavor.
Discover an Intriguing Fact About Chicken Liver Salad
Chicken liver salad is a rich source of iron, vitamin A, and protein. It is a nutritious dish that can help boost energy levels and support overall health.
Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Chicken Liver Salad at Home
This chicken liver salad with hot bacon dressing and croutons recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken livers, bacon, and bread, are relatively affordable. The dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout option for a special meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-25, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Chicken Liver Salad with Bacon Dressing Healthy?
This chicken liver salad recipe, while flavorful, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- High saturated fat content from the bacon and chicken liver
- Excessive use of oil in the dressing and for cooking the livers
- Limited vegetable variety, focusing mainly on frisée lettuce
- Refined carbohydrates in the form of white bread croutons
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as the fiber-rich frisée lettuce and the iron-packed chicken livers.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner alternative like turkey bacon
- Use a mix of heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil, in moderation
- Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutrient density, such as cherry tomatoes, shaved carrots, and sliced bell peppers
- Opt for whole-grain bread or a gluten-free alternative for the croutons to boost the fiber content
- Experiment with alternative protein sources, like grilled shrimp or lentils, to reduce the overall fat content
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can transform this salad into a more balanced and nourishing meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Our Editor's Take on This Flavorful Salad Recipe
The chicken liver salad with hot bacon dressing and croutons recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy croutons add a satisfying crunch, while the frisée and red onion provide a refreshing contrast. The hot bacon dressing lends a rich and savory element to the dish, complementing the tender, perfectly cooked chicken livers. The addition of allspice adds a warm and aromatic note, enhancing the overall complexity of the salad. This recipe offers a well-balanced and indulgent dining experience, perfect for those who appreciate bold and comforting flavors. The suggested wine pairings are thoughtful and would elevate the dining experience even further.
Why trust this Chicken Liver Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Croutons Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The use of fresh frisée and chicken livers ensures a rich and satisfying experience, while the addition of crispy bacon and homemade croutons adds a delightful crunch. The hot bacon dressing brings all the elements together with its savory and smoky notes, creating a harmonious balance. With carefully selected ingredients such as allspice and wine vinegar, this recipe promises a unique and memorable culinary experience that users can trust to impress their guests.
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