spinach salad with bacon recipe

The Best spinach salad with bacon recipe

I’ve been making this spinach salad with bacon recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy spinach, and creamy dressing is a match made in heaven.

I love how easy it is to throw together and customize to suit our tastes. My kids devour it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their greens. I often serve it as a side dish for family gatherings or special occasions, and everyone raves about it.

But what I really love about this recipe is the health benefits it provides. Spinach is packed with iron and antioxidants, while bacon adds a satisfying crunch without being too heavy. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the convenience of using pre-cooked bacon to make this recipe even quicker?

It’s a win-win in my book. As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes like this that are easy to make and require minimal effort but maximum payoff. And the best part?

It’s adaptable to any season or theme – whether you’re serving it as part of a summer BBQ or a cozy winter dinner party. This spinach salad with bacon recipe has become an integral part of our mealtime routine, and I’m confident it will do the same for your family.

Spinach Salad with Bacon

4.5 from 1378 votes

A classic spinach salad with crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a warm bacon vinaigrette. This salad combines fresh baby spinach with savory bacon and a tangy dressing for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

8 cups fresh baby spinach
8 slices bacon
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons reserved bacon drippings
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and remove from heat.
3Let stand for 12 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool completely before peeling and slicing.
4Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy.
5Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces.
6Reserve 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
7To the skillet with reserved drippings, add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
8Whisk over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the dressing is warm and well combined.
9Remove from heat.
10In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced red onion, sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
11Pour the warm vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
12Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and serve immediately while the dressing is still warm.
13The spinach will slightly wilt from the heat, creating a tender texture.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Small bowl
Whisk
Paper towels
Large salad bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 215mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduce the bacon drippings to 2 tablespoons. Add sliced strawberries or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Watch Video Of How Spinach Salad with Bacon Works

This spinach salad with bacon recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or hosting a big family gathering. It’s incredibly easy to customize based on your tastes and dietary needs (gluten-free?

Simply swap out the croutons!) And don’t worry about leftovers; they reheat beautifully and are perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Plus, its versatility means it’ll fit seamlessly into your holiday menu plans – think Easter brunches or Christmas Eve feasts! With its effortless preparation time and delicious results, this spinach salad with bacon is truly an all-star recipe worth adding to your repertoire.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Salad with Bacon

1.

Q: What type of bacon should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you can use either thick-cut or thin-cut bacon – whichever you prefer! If you’re looking for a smokier flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon; if you want something crisper, go with thin-cut.

2.

Q: Can I substitute the spinach with another leafy green?

A: While you can use other leafy greens like kale or collard greens, they might alter the flavor profile slightly. Spinach has a naturally mild taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the red onion and the smokiness of the bacon – so if you want to stay true to the original taste, stick with spinach!

3.

Q: How do I store leftover spinach salad with bacon?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to reheat only until warmed through – as overcooking can cause the leaves to wilt and lose their texture!

4.

Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast when added on top of your spinach salad with bacon – simply sprinkle them on before serving!

5.

Q: Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

A: Nope! You can easily prepare this spinach salad with bacon using basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, bowl, whisk – no fancy gadgets required!

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