Modern Salade Lyonnaise with Leeks, Lardons, and Oeuf Mollet
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This modern salade lyonnaise offers a sophisticated twist on the rustic French classic. By replacing heavy greens with tender poached leeks and a silky carrot vinaigrette, this dish delivers a complex array of textures and deep, savoury flavours. The combination of rich chicken livers and salty bacon provides a satisfying protein base, while the vibrant vegetable purée adds a natural sweetness that balances the sharp Dijon mustard and vinegar.
As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality proteins and fibre-rich vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch or light dinner. The addition of the signature oeuf mollet—a soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk—creates its own natural sauce, ensuring a luxurious finish that feels indulgent yet remains health-conscious.
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Ingredients for Modern Salade Lyonnaise with Leeks, Lardons, and Oeuf Mollet
230g chicken livers (about 12), trimmed
475ml milk
Salt
6 eggs
4 small carrots (about 450g ), peeled
6 small leeks
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs thyme
60ml Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
5 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground white pepper
Six (1/4-inch-thick) slices of bacon
1/2 bunch chives, cut into 1-inch batons
How to make Modern Salade Lyonnaise with Leeks, Lardons, and Oeuf Mollet
Submerge the chicken livers in the milk and soak overnight in the refrigerator. Strain and pat dry with a paper towel.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the eggs and boil for 6 minutes. Strain and peel the eggs under cold running water.
Thinly slice 1 carrot and cut the slices into thin julienne.
Peel the tough outer leaves from the leeks and halve them lengthwise, starting 1/2 inch from their base to keep them intact. Rinse them with cold water to wash any sand from their layers. Bunch the leeks and tie together with butcher's twine. Place in a large pot with the remaining carrots, the bay leaf, and thyme and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Strain, and discard the thyme and bay leaf.
Transfer the carrots to a blender with 80ml water, the mustard, and vinegar. Puree until smooth, then stream in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
Untie the leeks, pat dry with paper towels, and brush them with carrot dressing; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, sear the bacon on both sides until crispy, about 6 minutes total. Strain off all but 1 tablespoon fat, transfer the bacon to a cutting board, and cut the strips crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Season the chicken livers on all sides with salt and pepper. Return the sauté pan with the bacon fat to high heat and add the livers in a single layer. Sear the livers on both sides until cooked through but still light pink in the centre, about 5 minutes total. Scoop onto a cutting board and slice the livers in half.
Spoon the carrot vinaigrette into the centre of 6 salad plates and top each with a fanned-out seasoned leek and 1 egg. Divide the bacon, chicken livers, julienned carrot, and chives on top.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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