Smoky Duck Delight Salad

Smoky Duck Delight Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Duck:

  • 2 duck breasts (skin on)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish

• For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Duck:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Pat the duck breasts dry with a paper towel. Score the skin with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat.
   • Rub the spice mixture all over the duck breasts, making sure to get it into the scored skin.

2. Cook the Duck:

   • Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the duck breasts in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
   • Flip the duck breasts and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook for an additional 6-10 minutes, or until the duck reaches your desired level of doneness (120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
   • Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

3. Prepare the Salad:

   • While the duck is resting, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, avocado, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese if using.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.
   • Arrange the salad on a large serving platter or individual plates.

5. Serve the Salad:

   • Place the thinly sliced duck on top of the salad.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro.

6. Final Touches:

   • Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of smoky duck with fresh, vibrant salad ingredients.

Cooking Tips:

• Scoring the Duck Skin: Make sure to score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. This helps render out the fat and makes for a crispier skin.
• Resting the Duck: Allowing the duck to rest is crucial for retaining the juices and achieving the best texture.
• Dress the Salad Lightly: Dress the salad right before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

Enjoy this Smoky Duck Delight Salad as a sophisticated and flavorful dish, perfect for a special dinner or a gourmet lunch!