It is no secret that my husband is a love of salads (all the men in his family must have salads at their dinner). When we still lived in California, every time there was a family event, the sister-in-laws would all volunteer to bring anything but the big salad. The guys don't want any typical green garden salad...it's got to be fancy, exotic and no less than fifteen ingredients. They are all aficionados in salad recipes. Hence, the reason all us girls dreaded having salad duty.
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| Ladies, if you need a "Honey Do" list completed, make these for your man! |
I have learned through my years of marriage, if I add artichoke hearts and kalamata olives to a dish, I can pretty much win the wife award for that day...and if I also add bacon to it...he's putty in my hands.
We have always been huge fans of the antipasto salad. Since most antipastos have marinated artichoke hearts in them, I thought it would be fun to take it further and wrap them in bacon. If I am going to this much work for "the big salad", I might as well benefit from the finished product also.
Oh my gosh, this salad was unbelievable!! The crisp bacon added the perfect crunch and the marinated artichoke hearts were a great flavor addition layer.
Antipasto Salad with Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts
** Portions will vary, based upon how many people you are serving.
This can be a side salad or a main entree for dinner.
4 slices bacon, cut in half, widthwise
(1) 12 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts (you will need 8 artichoke hearts)
Romaine Lettuce, cut into bite size pieces
Salami, cut into bite size pieces
Ham, cut into bite size pieces
Mortadella, cut into bite size pieces
Pepperoni, cut into bite size pieces
Kalamata Olives, cut in half
Button Mushrooms, sliced
Red Bell Peppers, cut into bite size pieces
Roma Tomatoes, diced
Pepperoncini, served whole (on the side)
Feta Cheese, crumbled
Newman's Own Family Recipe Italian Salad Dressing (or your favorite)
Make bacon wrapped artichoke hearts, (as listed below). While the artichokes are baking, in a large bowl, toss the lettuce, salami, ham, mortadella, pepperoni, kalamato olives, button mushrooms, red bell peppers, roma tomatoes and feta cheese with the italian salad dressing. Plate each salad. Serve the baked bacon wrapped artichoke hearts on top of your salad.
Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with non-stick baking spray.
Wrap each artichoke heart with half a slice of bacon.
Place on the baking sheet and bake in oven for 12 to 15 minutes
(turn over half way through the baking time). Bake until lightly browned.
