Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon is a delightful salad that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors, making it an irresistible choice for any meal. This recipe showcases the unique taste of kumara, also known as sweet potato, complemented by crispy bacon and crunchy walnuts. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons you’ll adore Chelsea’s renowned kumara bacon:
- It’s a superb blend of textures: creamy, crunchy, and crispy.
- Perfectly balances sweet and savory, appealing to all palates.
- Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with nutrients, including fiber and vitamins from kumara.
- Versatile: can be served warm or chilled.
- Offers unique kumara bacon flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients for Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
Gather these items:
- 1 kg Kumara (preferably a mix of purple and orange)
- 250 g Bacon (chopped; free-range recommended)
- ¾ cup Walnuts (chopped; can swap with pecans or omit)
- ½ Red Onion (finely sliced; shallots can be a milder substitute)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; pecorino for lactose-free)
- ¾ cup Cooked Peas (cooled; frozen peas can be used)
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise (can use light mayo for lower-calorie option)
- ¼ cup Sour Cream (or extra mayo; Greek yogurt as substitute)
- ¼ cup Parsley (finely chopped plus extra for serving)
- ¼ tsp White Pepper (can use black pepper as alternative)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt
- Lemon Juice (a squeeze for brightness; fresh preferred)
- 1 tbsp Oil (neutral-tasting for frying)
How to Make Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Peel and chop the kumara into 4cm pieces. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, then add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain excess fat using paper towels.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm kumara, crispy bacon, walnuts, sliced red onion, cooled peas, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream (or extra mayo), lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Step 4: Gently toss all ingredients until well combined. Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled. Before serving, garnish with extra parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
Keep these in mind:
- Use a mix of kumara varieties for enhanced flavor and color.
- Ensure the bacon is crispy for optimal texture.
- For a vegan kumara bacon alternative, consider using smoked tempeh.
- Experiment with unique kumara bacon flavors by adding spices like paprika or cumin.
Best Ways to Serve Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious dish:
- Pair it with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.
- Add it as a topping on toast for an amazing brunch option.
How to Store and Reheat Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a pan over medium heat until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon
What’s the secret to perfect Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon?
The secret lies in cooking the kumara just right; you want it tender but not mushy. Also, ensuring the bacon is crispy adds an amazing texture contrast. The unique flavors of kumara bacon are elevated with fresh ingredients like parsley and lemon juice.
Can I make Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon?
To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to cut the kumara into uniform pieces for even cooking. Also, don’t skip draining excess fat from the bacon; this helps keep the salad from becoming greasy.
Variations of Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a twist, try adding feta cheese instead of Parmesan.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making sweet potato biscuits for a delightful side dish. If you’re interested in more salads, our chickpea avocado salad is a great option!
For additional information on the health benefits of kumara, you can refer to this article on Healthline.
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Chelsea’s Famous Kumara Bacon: A Unique Delight to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chelsea’s famous kumara and bacon salad is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 kg Kumara (preferably a mix of purple and orange)
- 250 g Bacon (chopped; free-range recommended)
- ¾ cup Walnuts (chopped; can swap with pecans or omit)
- ½ Red Onion (finely sliced; shallots can be a milder substitute)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; pecorino for lactose-free)
- ¾ cup Cooked Peas (cooled; frozen peas can be used)
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise (can use light mayo for lower-calorie option)
- ¼ cup Sour Cream (or extra mayo; Greek yogurt as substitute)
- ¼ cup Parsley (finely chopped plus extra for serving)
- ¼ tsp White Pepper (can use black pepper as alternative)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt
- Lemon Juice (a squeeze for brightness; fresh preferred)
- 1 tbsp Oil (neutral-tasting for frying)
Instructions
- Peel and chop the kumara into 4cm pieces. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, then add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain excess fat using paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm kumara, crispy bacon, walnuts, sliced red onion, cooled peas, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream (or extra mayo), lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Gently toss all ingredients until well combined. Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled. Before serving, garnish with extra parsley.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and frying
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Kumara, Bacon, Salad, Chelsea, Recipe










