Crispy Pork Belly Salad: A Perfect Blend of Crunch and Freshness

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• 1 avocado, sliced
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds

Instructions

Preparing the Pork Belly:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Prepare the Pork Belly:
   Pat dry the pork belly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Make shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern on the skin, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub sea salt and black pepper into the cuts and the underside of the pork belly. Drizzle olive oil over the skin.

3. Roast the Pork Belly:
   Place the pork belly on a roasting tray, skin side up. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes at 450°F (230°C) to crisp up the skin. Then, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for another 30 minutes or until the pork is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

4. Rest and Slice the Pork Belly:
   Remove from oven and let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Compose the Salad:
   In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.

3. Dress and Toss:
   Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat all ingredients with the dressing evenly.

4. Add the Pork Belly and Toppings:
   Top the salad with sliced pork belly. Optionally, sprinkle roasted peanuts, add slices of avocado, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Summary

Indulge in this delicious and nutritious Crispy Pork Belly Salad, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Each bite brings the rich, savory crunch of pork belly together with the refreshing crispness of mixed greens and vibrant vegetables. With a simple yet flavorful dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner. The entire dish comes in at approximately 550 calories per serving. Prep time is around 15 minutes, with a total cooking and assembly time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enjoy this modern take on pork belly in a salad that’s sure to impress!