Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　20 min

　　Substituting fried ham for bacon is a great use of everyday deli meat. The sweet pears mellow chicory's pleasant bitterness.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　2/3 cup well-shaken buttermilk

　　1/4 cup mayonnaise

　　3 tablespoons finely chopped chives

　　1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar

　　Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　1/2 cup vegetable oil

　　1/4 pound thinly sliced Black Forest or other baked deli ham

　　2 firm-ripe Bartlett pears (8 ounces total; preferably red)

　　1 (1-pound) head chicory (curly endive), chopped crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces (10 cups)

　　

Step 1

Whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

　　

Step 2

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Reduce heat to moderate and fry ham, 2 slices at a time, turning over once, until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain and cool slightly. Stack fried ham and chop into roughly 1- to 2-inch pieces.

　　

Step 3

Halve pears lengthwise and core, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

　　

Step 4

Combine chicory, ham, and pear slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.