My sister first made this years ago, and it is still a favorite among family and friends, requested by everyone! I like to drizzle a good quality balsamic glaze on top. Use as much or as little of the vinaigrette as you like. I often double the dressing and save the extra for another salad or marinade. Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.
1 baguette, cubed
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, or more if bread is very dry
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
¾ cup cinnamon sugar pecans, chopped
4 to 8 ounces pancetta, cubed and fried until crisp
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
Vidalia onion dressing, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss bread cubes with olive oil and toast in oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Toss all salad ingredients and bread together. Add the vinaigrette dressing in small amounts, stirring until desired taste. Serve at room temperature.
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pound pecans
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Spread pecans in an even layer on a sheet pan and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until caramelized and fragrant, tossing every 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup Vidalia onion, finely chopped
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.
Coming soon: one-dish meals, sheet pan suppers, and all things barbecue! Submit at carymagazine.com/recipe-submissions
- Pay It Forward: United Arts Wake County
- Recipes from Readers: Anne’s Way Kentucky Derby Panzanella Salad
- Liquid Assets: Larry The Cucumber
- Caffeinated Canvases
- Getting Frank About Pimento Cheese
- Garden Adventurer: Easter Lily-ology
- Small Business Spotlight: Carolina Clay Studio
- A Stage for Youth
- Light the Way
- Women’s Work
- Things to Do: April 2026
