spinach salad with warm bacon dressing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spinach salad with warm bacon dressing recipe
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The Best spinach salad with warm bacon dressing recipe

I’ve been making this spinach salad with warm bacon dressing recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the slightly wilted spinach, the crispy bacon, and the tangy dressing is just perfect. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make and always impresses our guests.

I love that it’s a great way to get in some greens and still feel like you’re indulging in a treat. My kids are also big fans of this recipe, and they always ask for seconds. It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies without even realizing it.

I’ve made this recipe for everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, and it never fails to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients. Just toss some fresh spinach into a bowl, crumble some cooked bacon on top, and drizzle with your favorite dressing – voila!

You’ve got a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love. I’ve experimented with different types of spinach and dressings over the years, but this classic combination remains my favorite. It’s just one of those recipes that never goes out of style.

My family has even started requesting this recipe for special occasions like birthday parties and anniversaries. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it all those years ago.

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

4.6 from 772 votes

A classic spinach salad with a tangy warm bacon dressing. Crisp bacon pieces and a hot vinaigrette wilt the fresh spinach leaves.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

8 cups fresh baby spinach
4 slices bacon
1/4 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

For the Warm Bacon Dressing

2 tablespoons bacon fat (reserved from cooking bacon)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until crisp and browned.
2Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble it into small pieces.
3Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5Set the dressing mixture aside.
6Place the fresh spinach, sliced red onion, and sliced mushrooms in a large salad bowl.
7Add the crumbled bacon and sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.
8Reheat the reserved bacon fat in the skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
9Pour in the vinegar mixture and whisk constantly for 30 seconds until the dressing is hot and slightly thickened.
10Immediately pour the hot dressing over the salad and toss gently with tongs until the spinach is lightly wilted and evenly coated.
11Serve right away while the dressing is still warm.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Paper towels
Small bowl
Whisk
Large salad bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes then drain before adding to the salad. You can also add sliced almonds or crumbled blue cheese for extra texture and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing Works

This spinach salad with warm bacon dressing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, deliciously flavorful, and packed with nutrients from the fresh spinach.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it however you like by substituting different types of protein or adjusting the amount of dressing. And don’t worry if you have leftovers – they’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

1.

Q: What type of spinach should I use for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, I recommend using fresh baby spinach leaves. They have a milder flavor than older spinach leaves and will hold up better to the warm bacon dressing.

2.

Q: Can I use cooked chicken or other protein in place of the bacon?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute cooked chicken or other protein for the bacon if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dressing accordingly, as the protein will absorb some of the liquid.

3.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. This ensures that the spinach stays fresh and the bacon stays crispy.

4.

Q: Can I customize the dressing to suit my taste?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is all about flexibility, so feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, oil, or spices until you find a combination that you enjoy.

5.

Q: Can I store leftover salad in the fridge?
A: Yes, leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the dressing can absorb odors easily.

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