Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a main course or a hearty side. The tender baby spinach is complemented by crispy bacon, creamy hard-boiled eggs, sweet cherry tomatoes, and optional additions like mushrooms, croutons, or cheese. The star of the dish, however, is the warm bacon dressing, which ties everything together with a savory, tangy richness that elevates every bite.
This salad strikes a balance between freshness and indulgence, making it versatile for everything from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. The warm dressing lightly wilts the spinach, infusing the greens with a smoky, savory flavor. It’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Flavorful Dressing: The warm bacon dressing is a game-changer, adding depth and richness.
• Customizable: Add or omit toppings to suit your preferences.
• Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Salad
• 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or quartered
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup croutons (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Warm Bacon Dressing
• ¼ cup bacon drippings (reserved from cooked bacon)
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about ¼ cup of the bacon drippings in the skillet for the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Warm Bacon Dressing
1. With the skillet still over medium heat, add the minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Whisk in the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add the honey for a touch of sweetness.
3. Cook the dressing for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms (if using), and hard-boiled eggs.
2. Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure the spinach and other ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
1. Top the salad with crispy bacon pieces, croutons, and crumbled feta or goat cheese, if desired.
2. Serve immediately while the dressing is warm, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
• Choose Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best as it is tender and mild in flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon and hard-boil the eggs ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy.
• Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar, depending on your taste.
• Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, while the dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat the dressing gently before serving.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble all salad components ahead of time but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain freshness.
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a classic dish that never fails to impress. The combination of fresh, crisp ingredients and a rich, tangy dressing makes it a standout option for any occasion.
