Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with a mouthwatering Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine crisp, fresh spinach leaves dramatically transformed by a warm, tangy bacon dressing that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This isn't just another boring salad - this is a culinary experience that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the sharpness of red onions, and a perfectly balanced dressing that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- While bacon is cooling, wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Carefully pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-moon shapes, ensuring uniform and thin cuts for even distribution in the salad.
- Crumble the cooled bacon into small, bite-sized pieces using your fingers or a knife.
- In the same skillet used for cooking bacon, retain approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings. This will serve as the base for the warm dressing.
- Add apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to the bacon drippings, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating and wilting of spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately while the dressing is still warm, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.
Tips
- • Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness • Make sure to drain bacon thoroughly to prevent a greasy salad • Pat spinach leaves completely dry to help the dressing adhere better • Warm the dressing just before serving to slightly wilt the spinach and enhance flavor • For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds • Use high-quality apple cider vinegar for the most robust dressing • Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the perfect texture • Experiment with different types of bacon for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
