Fried Okra Salad with Lemon Dressing

The dressing also makes a tangy dipping sauce for steamed artichokes or asparagus
* Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
* Yield: Makes 6 servings and ¾ cup of dressing
== Ingredients ==
* 1½ cups self-rising yellow cornmeal
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 pound fresh okra
* 1½ cups buttermilk
* peanut oil
* 1 head Bibb lettuce
* 1 large tomato, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1 medium-size sweet onion, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup)
* 1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
* lemon dressing
* 3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
=== Lemon dressing ===
* ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon pepper
* ¼ cup olive oil
== Directions ==
# Combine cornmeal and salt.
# Dip okra in buttermilk; dredge in cornmeal mixture.
# Pour peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet; heat to 375°F.
# Fry okra, in batches, 2 minutes or until golden, turning once.
# Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
# Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter; top with tomato, onion slices, and bell pepper.
# Add lemon dressing, tossing to coat.
# Top with fried okra, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
# Serve immediately.
=== Lemon dressing ===
# Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl.
# Add oil, whisking until combined.
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Category:Cathy's Recipes
Category:Cornmeal Recipes
Category:Okra Recipes
Category:Buttermilk Recipes
Category:Bibb lettuce Recipes
Category:Tomato Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Green bell pepper Recipes
Category:Bacon Recipes
Category:Lemon juice Recipes
Category:Basil Recipes