Lyonnaise Salad with Bacon and Poached Eggs Recipe – Classic French Bistro Brunch Salad

Lyonnaise Salad with Bacon and Poached Eggs Recipe

This Lyonnaise Salad with Bacon and Poached Eggs recipe elevates a classic French bistro salad into a satisfying brunch or light lunch option. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this dish combines crisp frisée lettuce, savory bacon, and perfectly poached eggs, all tossed with a tangy Dijon-red wine vinaigrette. The result is a salad that’s flavorful, visually stunning, and perfectly balanced between freshness and indulgence.

The Inspiration

Lyonnaise salad is a traditional French dish originating from Lyon, the culinary heart of France. Historically, the salad features frisée lettuce, bacon (lardons), croutons, and a soft-cooked egg, creating a delightful mix of textures—crisp, creamy, and smoky. This recipe takes inspiration from that classic preparation while making it approachable for home cooks and brunch enthusiasts.

On Everyday Excellent, host Vanessa Gianfrancesco emphasizes recipes that are both accessible and elegant, showcasing how simple ingredients like eggs, bacon, and lettuce can transform into a dish worthy of a café brunch menu. The tangy Dijon and red wine vinaigrette adds a bright flavor that balances the richness of the bacon and poached eggs, making it ideal for spring and summer lunches, brunch gatherings, or as a starter for a more elaborate dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 small heads frisée lettuce or 2 small heads escarole
• 4 eggs
• 8 slices of thick cut bacon, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) sections
• 4 tbsp (59 ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• White vinegar for poaching eggs

Methods

• Bring pot of water to a very gentle boil and add a splash of white vinegar. With a whisk, vigorously swirl the simmering water.
• Crack in 2 eggs and cook for 2 minutes 30 seconds. Once the whites are cooked and the yolks are still runny, remove eggs with a slotted spoon. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Repeat to cook 2 more eggs.
• Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate.
• Place lettuce in a mixing bowl and season with salt.
• In a mason jar, shake together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon and pepper. Pour desired amount of dressing over the lettuce and toss.
• Plate the salad in mounds in the center of 4 plates. Top each salad with equal amounts of bacon and one poached egg.

Serving Suggestions

This Lyonnaise Salad with Bacon and Poached Eggs works perfectly as a light lunch, brunch centerpiece, or elegant starter for a dinner party. Serve with toasted baguette slices or a fresh country loaf to soak up the rich yolk and dressing.

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a mimosa for a full brunch experience. For a seasonal twist, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or shaved Parmesan for added depth of flavor.

Because it combines fresh greens with warm bacon and eggs, this salad is ideal for spring and summer entertaining, but it’s comforting enough to enjoy in cooler months as a cozy, indulgent meal.

Final Thoughts

This Lyonnaise Salad with Bacon and Poached Eggs recipe is a celebration of French bistro cooking brought to your home kitchen. The combination of tender frisée, crispy bacon, tangy Dijon vinaigrette, and creamy poached eggs delivers a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s fresh, indulgent, and visually stunning.

Featured on Everyday Excellent, Vanessa Gianfrancesco highlights how everyday ingredients can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a light lunch, or simply treating yourself to a classic French-inspired meal, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Its texture, taste, and presentation make it stand out as a dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare, proving that French cuisine’s elegance often lies in simplicity and high-quality ingredients.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scene footage and exclusive content!