spinach bacon salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best spinach bacon salad recipe

I’ve been making this spinach bacon salad recipe for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorites. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

The combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and tangy vinaigrette is a match made in heaven. I like to make it on the weekends when I have a bit more time to chop up the ingredients and let the flavors meld together.

This recipe has its roots in classic American cuisine, but I like to think it’s a modern twist on a traditional favorite. The key to this dish is the quality of the ingredients – you want to use fresh, high-quality spinach and thick-cut bacon that’s not too salty.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings – chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, or sliced avocado all add a delicious twist to this recipe. One of the things I love about this salad is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as a side dish at a family gathering or make it the main event for a quick weeknight dinner. And because it’s so easy to make, you can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients.

In terms of technique, I like to use a simple vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. It adds just the right amount of tanginess to balance out the richness of the bacon and spinach.

Spinach Bacon Salad with Creamy Dressing

4.6 from 1813 votes

A hearty salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh spinach, boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz fresh spinach
6 slices bacon
2 eggs
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced red onion

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add bacon slices and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
3Remove bacon from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
5While the bacon is cooking, fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
6Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
7After cooking, drain the hot water and run cold water over the eggs to cool them down.
8Peel the eggs and slice them into rounds.
9In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
10Whisk until smooth and creamy.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced red onion, sliced eggs, and crumbled bacon.
13Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
14Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
15Enjoy your spinach bacon salad as a light meal or side dish.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Salad bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the dressing. To make it gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

This spinach bacon salad is a fantastic recipe that I always recommend for any occasion. It is easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. It works well for family gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. I love that this salad can be customized with different types of cheese, proteins, and toppings to suit your preferences. It’s a go-to recipe in my household, and I know it will be a hit with your family and friends too.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Bacon Salad with Creamy Dressing

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

No, we recommend using fresh spinach for this recipe. Frozen spinach can be too watery and may not provide the same texture as fresh leaves.

Q2: What type of bacon should I use?

We recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. It provides a nice smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time by preparing all the ingredients and storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q4: How do I prevent the spinach from wilting?

To prevent the spinach from wilting, be sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to help preserve its texture.

Q5: Can I customize this recipe with other toppings?

Yes, feel free to get creative with this recipe! Some popular toppings include chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, or sliced avocado.

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