AVOCADO-TOMATO SALAD WITH BACON AND BLUE CHEESE

Avocado-Tomato Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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2 1/2 pounds assorted tomatoes, halved or cut into wedges if large
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 slices thick-cut bacon
1 avocado
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 cup blue cheese dressing (see directions)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or scallions
Crumbled blue cheese, for topping

Steps:

Put the tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; set aside until juicy, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly, then crumble into bite-size pieces.
Pit and peel the avocado; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and toss with the lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes and gently toss. Drizzle with the dressing and top with the bacon, chives and blue cheese.
Puree 1/2 cup each crumbled blue cheese and sour cream, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 small garlic clove (smashed) and 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar in a blender. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup more blue cheese, 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce and/or hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. (Makes about 2 cups.)