Duck Breast Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Mallard Duck Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Seared duck breast is sliced over mixed greens and tossed with warm bacon dressing, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. The combination of warm duck, crispy bacon, and fresh greens creates a satisfying salad that bridges casual and fine dining with restaurant-quality presentation.
Cultural Context
This preparation represents the evolution of American salad course dining, where warm protein and dressing combinations create substantial yet elegant dishes. The technique showcases duck breast's versatility while creating a bridge between casual and fine dining presentations.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
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Duck Preparation: Score skin in crosshatch pattern. Season with salt and pepper. Let come to room temperature, 30 minutes.
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Duck Cooking: Heat oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place breasts skin-side down, cook 6-8 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and transfer to 400°F oven for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 135°F.
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Resting: Remove duck and rest 5 minutes under foil tent.
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Bacon Cooking: In same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, reserve fat.
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Dressing: Add vinegar, honey, and mustard to bacon fat. Whisk and keep warm.
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Salad Assembly: Toss mixed greens with warm dressing in large bowl.
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Plating: Divide dressed greens among plates. Top with cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese.
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Duck Addition: Slice duck breasts thinly and fan over each salad. Sprinkle with reserved bacon.
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Service: Serve immediately while duck is warm and dressing is still warm.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- The warm dressing wilts the greens slightly for perfect texture
- Slice the duck thinly against the grain for best presentation
- The contrasts of warm and cool, rich and fresh make this special
Wine Pairing
Light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais - wines with enough acidity to complement the salad while supporting the duck.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 425 calories, 28g protein, 28g fat, 18g carbohydrates. Elegant salad with substantial protein.
