Avocado, Bacon & Mango Salad {Guanabana’s Copycat}

As you are reading this, I am soaking in as much information as I can {and probably not very much sunshine with the way the weather has been} at the BlogHer Food Conference in Miami. With the conference practically taking place in my own back yard this year, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to meet, greet, mingle and learn from some of my absolute favorite bloggers in the biz.

Just a few of the big names that will be there include Ree Drummond from The Pioneer Woman, David Leibovitz, and Jaden Hair from Steamy Kitchen {remember Jaden from Food Blog Forum last year?}. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Why do bloggers go to conferences? Well, to learn; the world of blogging and social media is ever-changing, gotta stay in the loop! To connect — it’s nice to see one another face to face instead of communicating solely via comment box. To network {hi, work with meeee!}. To have fun. And of course, to EAT!

Since Miami is the host city of the conference this year, I’m feeling a definite craving for light, flavorful dishes with a Latin flair. I’m looking forward to seeing how Miami inspires me this weekend!

Speaking of inspiration, this salad recipe that I’m sharing today is a total knock off of one that is served at Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar — one of the 5 spots I mentioned in “My Hometown Guide” back in March. Steve and I stopped by for a casual evening out last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised at the deliciousness of this salad! {Though to be completely honest, anything tart, fresh and juicy appeals to me these days — fruits and veggies galore!}

Anyway, I would never think to combine avocado and mango in a salad, but it works extremely well. The saltiness of the Queso Fresco Dressing with the smoky, crunchiness of the bacon accentuate the creamy avocado and sweet mango like you wouldn’t believe — all atop soft butter lettuce.

Could we get anymore South Florida? I grew up with mangoes and avocados growing in my yard, so I can attest to the fact that these flavors are authentic and representative of the region.

I hate posting salad recipes because, really, how much of a recipe is it when you’re just tossing stuff into a bowl? But this one just seemed so fitting for celebrating a weekend in Miami. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got cocktails mocktails to sip and business cards to hand out. 😉

Enjoy your weekend!

Avocado, Bacon & Mango Salad
Inspired by Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar
Serves 3-4 {Or one really hungry pregnant girl}

For Salad:

1 head butter lettuce, or any soft lettuce like Boston Bibb
1 avocado, pitted, peeled & sliced
1 mango, peeled & sliced
4-5 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
Queso fresco for garnish {if you can’t find queso fresco, any salty crumbly cheese should do}

1. Place lettuce in a large serving bowl. Top with avocado and mango.
2. Drizzle dressing, if desired, then sprinkle with bacon and extra queso fresco for garnish.

For Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons queso fresco
Salt to taste

In a mixer or food processor, process all ingredients together until smooth. Season to taste. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.