PBLT Salad

(NC)—The favourite combination of bacon, lettuce and tomato tops baked portabella mushrooms instead of bread for a light lunch.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

4 slices bacon, halved
4 large fresh portabella Mushrooms (340g) stems removed
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 tsp (5 mL) dried basil
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
4 tbsp (60 mL) crumbled Chevre cheese
1 large tomato, sliced into 4 thick slices
2 cups (500 mL) mixed greens (mesculin, arugula, baby spinach)
1/4 cup (50 mL) slivered red onion
2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinaigrette
Garnish: chopped fresh basil (optional)

Place bacon in single layer on one end of large rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 3 minutes.

Meanwhile brush both sides of mushrooms with oil. Remove baking sheet and place mushrooms stem side down on other end of baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes. Then remove baking sheet again and turn mushrooms over stem side up. Sprinkle evenly with basil, salt and pepper. Top each mushroom with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of goat cheese and a slice of tomato. Return to all to oven for 4-5 minutes longer or until mushrooms are soft and bacon is cooked.

Meanwhile, toss greens and red onion with vinaigrette.

Drain bacon on paper towels. Place mushrooms on individual salad plates. Top each with 2 slices of bacon. Spoon salad mixture on top. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired and serve while warm.

Makes 4 servings.

Tips:

• For ease of clean up, line baking sheet with parchment paper.

• For convenience omit cooking bacon slices and use pre-cooked bacon slices or 1/4 cup (60 mL) of pre-cooked bacon pieces.

• Substitute 8 thin slices of pancetta for the 4 slices of bacon. It cooks faster so just bake it with the mushrooms for about 6-8 minutes or until crisp. Pancetta is Italian bacon that is not smoked and is available in the deli section of the grocery store.

More delicious recipe ideas are available online at www.mushrooms.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com

More ideas for mushroom lovers:

Easy Mushroom and Cheese Frittata
Savoury Mushroom Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Marinated Mushroom and Veggie Kabobs
Hot Cheesy Mushroom Dip
Stuffed Portabella Pizza in a Cashew Basil Cheese Sauce

Plus see what else is cooking in our in recipes archive.

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