Bacon Blue Cheese Artichoke Tossed Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Soak the onions in ice water for at least 20 minutes. Strain.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove, drain on paper towels and roughly chop.
• Whisk together the blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Worcestershire, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl.
• Using a 3-quart straight-sided tall glass bowl for 1 large salad or four 16-ounce wide-mouth glass jars for 4 individual salads, make a layer with a third of the lettuce, then add the following in separate layers: the tomatoes, the olives, half the remaining lettuce, the carrots, the croutons, and the remaining lettuce. Sprinkle the top with the onions and bacon. (The salad can be put together, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.)
• If making 1 salad, just before serving, transfer it to a large bowl, toss with about half the dressing and season with salt and pepper. If making 4 salads, add dressing to each jar, season with salt and pepper, cover with the lid and shake to coat. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.

Steps:

• In a large, dry skillet, brown the bacon over moderate heat until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to several layers of paper towels to absorb the fat. Blot the top of the bacon with several layers of paper towels to absorb any additional fat. Set aside.
• In a large, shallow bowl, combine the bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and spring onions. Toss with just enough dressing to lightly and evenly coat the ingredients. Season generously with pepper, and serve.

Steps:

• To make the salad:
• Place first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Add enough dressing to season to taste and toss well. Garnish salad with croutons and serve.
• To make the easy caesar dressing:
• Combine all ingredients in blender or processor. Blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• To make the garlic croutons
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil and garlic in small saucepan. Place bread cubes on baking sheet. Pour butter mixture over and toss well. Bake until bread cubes are golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely. (Croutons can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store at room temperature in airtight container.)
• Makes about 3 cups.