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Frisee-Lardon Salad

This classic Frisée and Bacon Lardon Salad is a sophisticated take on a French bistro favourite, combining bitter salad leaves with the salty richness of smoked bacon. The warm vinaigrette gently wilts the frisée, creating a wonderful contrast of textures that makes every mouthful satisfying. It is visually striking yet deceptively simple to prepare, making it a reliable choice for a light lunch or an impressive starter for a dinner party.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates while providing a good source of protein from the lardons and poached eggs. The high fibre content of the frisée helps manage blood sugar levels, making it a nutritious choice for those seeking a balanced, heart-healthy meal. Serve it exactly as it is for a light flavour-packed dish that feels truly indulgent.

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Ingredients for Frisee-Lardon Salad

  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 110g slab bacon, cut into 1x1/4" pieces

  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 120ml red wine vinegar

  • 2 large heads of frisée, torn into bite-size pieces

  • Fleur de sel

  • 2 tablespoons 1 1/2" pieces fresh chives

How to make Frisee-Lardon Salad

Pour water into a large saucepan to a depth of 2" and bring to a boil. Reduce heat so water is at a gentle simmer and add white vinegar (it helps the egg whites stay compact). Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the water. Repeat with remaining eggs, waiting until the whites are starting to set before adding the next one (about 30 seconds apart). Cook eggs until whites are just set but yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels as they finish cooking.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the fat has rendered and bacon is starting to brown, 5–8 minutes. Add shallot, season with kosher salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is translucent and softened but hasn't taken on any colour, about 5 minutes. Add red wine vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by threequarters, 5–8 minutes. Taste bacon vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and pepper if needed.

Place frisée in a large bowl and drizzle warm bacon vinaigrette over top. Gently toss until frisée is evenly dressed and slightly wilted and season with fleur de sel and pepper.

Divide frisée salad among plates and carefully set an egg atop each. Season eggs with fleur de sel and pepper and scatter chives around.

Eggs can be poached 4 hours ahead. Place in a bowl of ice water; cover and chill. Reheat in barely simmering water 1 minute before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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