Imagine a salad so irresistible that it turns even the most reluctant vegetable eaters into spinach enthusiasts! This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is not just a side dish – it's a culinary experience that combines the crisp freshness of spinach with the irresistible allure of crispy bacon and a tangy, warm dressing. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy salad that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 6 cups of fresh spinach, 4 slices of bacon, 1/4 cup of red onion sliced, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry the leaves. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- To the skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced red onion and sauté over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Next, add the vinegar and sugar to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to warm through.
- While the dressing is warming, crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the fresh spinach in the salad bowl. Add the crumbled bacon on top.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything together gently to ensure the spinach is evenly coated with the warm dressing.
- Serve the spinach salad immediately while the dressing is warm, garnished with additional bacon or red onion if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest spinach possible. Look for crisp, vibrant green leaves without any wilting or yellowing.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon slowly and evenly to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Use a medium heat and turn occasionally to prevent burning.
- Dressing Temperature Matters: The key to this salad is the warm dressing. Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the full flavor and warmth.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced hard-boiled eggs, toasted nuts, or crumbled goat cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Vinegar Tip: Use a good quality vinegar like apple cider or red wine vinegar for the best flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: While best served immediately, you can prep ingredients in advance. Cook bacon and slice onions ahead of time to speed up final preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
