MAUI ONION TOMATO SALAD WITH PANCETTA AND BASIL BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Maui Onion Tomato Salad with Pancetta and Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 ounce pancetta, diced
1/4 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon finely minced shallot
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 large basil leaves, julienned
3 Maui onions, julienned
6 large rip Kula beefsteak tomatoes
6 cups washed and torn baby mixed greens
6 sprigs fresh basil, for garnish

Steps:

Make vinaigrette: heat the olive oil in a large saute pan and saute the pancetta, garlic and shallot over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar and half of the basil. Add the onions and return to the heat for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining basil.
Core the tomatoes; cut a slice off the tops and bottoms and discard. Cut each tomato into 3 thick slices. Try and keep the slices in order!
To assemble: place a bottom tomato slice on each serving plate. Place a layer of the greens on top of the tomato, using up about half the greens. Place a layer of the onions and a little of the vinaigrette over the greens, and then the center tomato slice. Add another layer of the greens (use the rest), onions (save some for garnish) and top with the last slice of tomato. Garnish with onion and a basil sprig.