Description
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups fresh spinach leaves
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the Warm Bacon Dressing:
3 tbsp reserved bacon grease
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the salad: Arrange the spinach leaves in a large bowl or serving platter. Top with crumbled bacon, sliced eggs, mushrooms, red onion, and almonds.
Make the dressing: In a small skillet, heat the reserved bacon grease over low heat. Whisk in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately as a side or light main dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the warm bacon grease.
2. While the bacon cooks, wash and thoroughly dry 6 cups of fresh spinach leaves. Place them in a large, wide salad bowl.
3. Prepare your toppings: slice the hard-boiled eggs, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the mushrooms if not pre-sliced.
4. Arrange the toppings (bacon, eggs, mushrooms, red onion, and almonds) over the bed of spinach. Do not toss yet.
5. For the dressing, return the reserved bacon grease to the skillet over low heat. Whisk in the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until fully emulsified. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
6. Immediately pour the warm dressing evenly over the salad. Using salad servers, toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf is lightly coated. Serve at once.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile. For a light lunch, serve it with a crusty baguette. As a hearty dinner side, pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or a juicy steak. To make it a more substantial main course, add crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese and extra protein like grilled shrimp. For a brunch option, serve alongside quiche or frittata.
How-to Summary
Cook and crumble bacon, reserving the grease. Prep spinach and toppings (eggs, onion, mushrooms, almonds). Whisk warm bacon grease with vinegar, mustard, and honey for the dressing. Assemble salad, pour warm dressing over top, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Prep ingredients separately, but only dress the salad right before serving to prevent wilting.
What can I substitute for bacon grease? For a non-pork option, use olive oil or butter, though you’ll lose the classic bacon flavor. Turkey bacon grease is a lighter alternative.
How do I store leftovers? Store undressed salad components in an airtight container for 1-2 days. The dressing can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Can I use a different vinegar? Yes. White wine vinegar or sherry vinegar are excellent substitutes for apple cider vinegar.
Is there a way to make it vegetarian? Omit the bacon. Use smoked almonds for crunch and a teaspoon of smoked paprika in an olive oil-based dressing to mimic smoky flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet spinach, which will repel the dressing and cause sogginess. Dry leaves thoroughly.
- Overheating the dressing, which can cause the vinegar to evaporate and the honey to burn. Keep it on low heat.
- Dressing the salad too early. The warm dressing will wilt the spinach quickly, so serve immediately after tossing.
- Not seasoning the dressing. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper after whisking.
Conclusion
This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a perfect harmony of fresh, crisp greens and a rich, tangy, warm dressing. It’s a classic recipe that proves a salad can be both comforting and elegant. With its quick preparation and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to entertaining guests. The key is in the timing—serve it fresh and enjoy the delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.