Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
User Reviews
5
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Description
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing brings together baby spinach and classic salad ingredients enhanced by a warm bacon-infused dressing. The dressing is prepared by whisking reserved bacon drippings and browned bits with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, then simmered briefly to meld flavors before adding crispy crumbled bacon. This warm dressing gently softens the spinach and melds all components together.
The salad includes boiled egg slices for additional richness, thinly sliced red onion that's been rinsed to reduce sharpness, and shredded or finely cubed Swiss cheese for texture and mild creaminess. Mushrooms add earthiness while croutons can provide a crunchy contrast, if desired. Tossing the salad in the warm dressing right before serving helps maintain the spinach's freshness while offering a savory coating.
This salad works well as a hearty side dish or a light main course, balancing fresh vegetables and protein elements. Serving it soon after assembling helps keep the spinach crisp and the eggs intact.
To preserve leftovers, store the salad components and warm dressing separately in the refrigerator to prevent wilting and sogginess. Use an unflavored pork bacon for the best flavor in the dressing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Bacon , cooked (drippings and browned bits from pan reserved), crumbled, divided
- 5 egg boiled, peeled and sliced, large
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 6 oz button mushrooms , sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced (run under cool water to remove harsh bite, small
- 1 cup swiss cheese shredded or finely cubed
- 2 1/2 cups croutons optional, homemade or store bought
- 3 Tbsp bacon drippings reserved with browned bits
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp honey
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a skillet whisk together bacon drippings with browned bits, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer over medium heat 1 minute. Stir in 2 slices crumbled bacon. Allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together spinach, remaining bacon, mushrooms, red onion and swiss. Drizzle with warm dressing and toss. Add eggs and croutons to top and serve.
Notes
- Use regular pork bacon without added flavors to ensure the dressing tastes authentic.
- Keep the salad ingredients and dressing stored separately in the fridge if not serving immediately to avoid wilting.
- Serve shortly after dressing to retain spinach texture and freshness.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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