warm bacon spinach salad recipe

The Best warm bacon spinach salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that never fails to impress – my warm bacon spinach salad recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes too. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and the combination of flavors.

The addition of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a tangy vinaigrette makes for a truly delightful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for a special event, this recipe is sure to please. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. Simply cook some bacon, wilt the spinach with garlic, and combine it with the rest of the ingredients – voilà! You’ll be enjoying a delicious and healthy meal in no time.

I love serving this salad at family gatherings because everyone always raves about it, and it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty as the first time around. My kids even request this salad when they’re feeling under the weather – it’s that comforting!

But don’t just take my word for it; give this recipe a try and see why it’s become a staple in our household.

Warm Bacon Spinach Salad

4.8 from 1130 votes

A comforting salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a warm dressing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.

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

🥘Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 bag 10oz fresh baby spinach
1/2 red onion thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Bacon and Dressing Ingredients

6 slices bacon
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place bacon in a cold skillet.
2Turn heat to medium.
3Cook until bacon is crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes.
4Remove bacon from skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
5In the same skillet with bacon grease, reduce heat to low.
6Add balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
7Stir until combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9Remove from heat.
10In a large bowl, combine spinach, red onion, feta cheese, and sliced almonds.
11Drizzle the warm dressing over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
12Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.
13Sprinkle bacon evenly over the salad.
14Serve immediately while the salad is still warm.

🔧Equipment

Skillet
Bowl
Salad spinner

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can top the salad with grilled chicken or boiled eggs.

One of my favorite things about this warm bacon spinach salad is how well it stores – simply refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, toss everything together with some hot sauce if desired (my kids love adding hot sauce!)

You can also serve this salad chilled if you prefer; simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. My family loves taking leftovers on-the-go – they make great lunches or snacks when paired with some crusty bread or crackers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Warm Bacon Spinach Salad

Q: What type of bacon should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using thick-cut, smoked bacon. The smoky flavor adds a depth of flavor that complements the spinach and vinaigrette perfectly.

Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

A: While fresh spinach is always preferred, frozen spinach works just as well in this recipe. In fact, frozen spinach is often cheaper and just as nutritious as its fresh counterpart.

Q: How do you prevent the spinach from becoming soggy?

A: To prevent the spinach from becoming soggy, be sure to cook it with some oil or butter until it’s slightly wilted before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. This helps to preserve its texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: While it’s best to assemble this salad just before serving, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Cook the bacon and store it in an airtight container, chop the onions and store them in an airtight container, and mix together the vinaigrette ingredients in advance. Simply combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Is there anything I can substitute for red wine vinegar?

A: If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute in white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

A: Absolutely! This salad is highly customizable – feel free to add your favorite fruits, nuts, or cheese to make it your own.

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