Fried Okra Salad

I made a big pot of zydeco gumbo in anticipation of Mardi Gras and decided to make a fried okra salad as the side dish accompaniment.  The okra was perfectly crisped and made for tasty croutons on this pepper, tomato, greens, and bacon salad!  It's a keeper.  

  Serves – about 8

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16-ounce) package frozen, breaded cut okra

6 slices bacon, cooked and torn into bite sized pieces

1 package butter lettuce

1 red onion, chopped (optional)

1 green bell pepper, seeded & chopped (or combo of red, green, yellow peppers)

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 package Good Seasons Italian dressing mix, made with red wine vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

§  Cook okra according to package directions in small amount of vegetable oil, until browned and crispy; I did mine stove top rather than deep frying.

§  Cook bacon until crispy. Drain and tear into bite sized pieces.

§  Place the lettuce, onion, pepper, and tomatoes in salad bowl.

§  Whisk together the Good Seasons ingredients and drizzle small amounts at a time over the salad until coated (or let everyone serve themselves).

§  Add the bacon and fried okra and toss again.  
Yummy!