MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH CHICKEN, GREEN BEANS, GOAT CHEESE AND WARM BACON DRESSING

MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH CHICKEN, GREEN BEANS, GOAT CHEESE AND WARM BACON DRESSING image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

For Dressing:
1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 medium red onion, sliced
1 tbsp minced thyme
1 lb bacon, chopped
EVOO (if necessary), up to 1/4 cup
For Salad:
6 ozs mixed greens of choice
1 1/2 cups chicken (shredded off rotisserie breasts)
1 lb green beans
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
smoked paprika (eyeball it)
4 ozs goat cheese, slightly softened
1 tbsp chopped thyme

Steps:

For Dressing: 1) Cook off the bacon, reserving 1/4 cup of drippings. Store 1/2 of the bacon pieces for another use. 2) Return the drippings to the pan. Add the sliced red onion, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and mustard. Heat through, scraping any browned bits off bottom of pan. Add EVOO to taste to make the dressing consistency to your liking. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until salad components are prepared and ready to be tossed. Keep warm. For Salad: 1) Boil green beans just until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. 2) Crush or chop walnuts. Sprinkle with paprika to cover. Toast in hot pan, shaking, for 5-10 minutes, until brown. Remove from pan and let cool. 3) Arrange greens on 4 plates. Top with equal amounts of chicken, green beans, walnuts, bacon, and thyme. Drizzle dressing over. 4) Sprinkle 1 oz crumbled goat cheese over each salad.