Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad

Juicy & sweet cantaloupe, peppery arugula, and salty bacon are tossed together and then drizzled with a homemade bacon balsamic dressing in this Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad...

Let me set the record straight now- I am not trying to pass off bacon as "healthy" because I am putting it in a salad here for my second recipe post of Bacon Month. 

But you can feel a bit better about indulging in a little bacon goodness when it is accompanied by some leafy greens and a little fruit. ;)

It is all about balance and moderation, folks. Balance and moderation. 

And speaking of balance, that is exactly what this salad has flavor-wise.

Sweet & juicy cantaloupe paired with peppery arugula and then topped with salty bacon and a flavorful bacon balsamic dressing?

Perfection.

This Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad is so, so simple, yet impressive and elegant to boot...

Bacon, Cantaloupe, & Arugula Salad

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: None

6065137

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Bacon Balsamic Dressing

• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 3 slices of crispy bacon, chopped**
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Reserved bacon drippings
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For the salad

• 5 oz of baby arugula
• 4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped**
• 1/2 of a cantaloupe, peeled and then cut into thin strips using a vegetable peeler

Instructions

Cook 6 slices of bacon according your preferred method. Let cool slightly before chopping. Reserve any of the drippings from the bacon.

For the dressing

Combine the shallot, 3 chopped slices of bacon, balsamic vinegar, the reserved bacon drippings, olive oil, and brown sugar in your food processor or blender. Pulse until well blended. Poor into a glass jar and set aside.

*The dressing can be prepared hours before. I stored it in a glass jar with a lid so that it was easy and mess free to shake before serving later.

To prepare the salad

In large bowl, toss together the arugula, cantaloupe strips, and remaining chopped bacon. Toss directly with the salad dressing or allow the guests to dress their own plated salads.

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to one day.

Enjoy!

** Tip: I always cook my bacon by baking it in the oven. Be sure to check out my method & tips for How to Bake Perfectly Crisp Bacon, and try it for yourself! 

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I served this salad at a family barbecue, and it was a huge hit with everyone! Even my sister's boyfriend who is not a fan of cantaloupe. The strips of melon pair perfectly with the salty bacon and the dressing for this salad.

If you are not a fan of arugula, you could certainly make this salad using baby spinach.  But I really do love the peppery bite that the arugula gives this salad- plus, it just go so perfectly with the bacon. ;)

Be sure to pop over & get entered to win a copy of the Bacon Nation Cookbook this week! We will be giving away a new bacon-centric cookbook each week of Bacon Month! 

Looking for even more bacon deliciousness? Be sure to check out all the recipes being posted by the other Bacon Month bloggers this week...