Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a perfect balance of fresh greens, rich flavors, and a tangy, savory dressing. The warmth of the bacon dressing perfectly wilts the spinach, creating a comforting yet light salad. With the addition of crispy bacon, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweetness from honey, this salad makes for a fantastic side dish or a satisfying light meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Make the dressing: In the same skillet, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is warm, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and the cooked, crumbled bacon.
4. Dress the salad: Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the spinach wilts slightly from the heat of the dressing.
5. Serve immediately: Plate the salad and serve while the dressing is still warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Different greens: While spinach is the star here, you can also mix in arugula, baby kale, or mixed greens for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap out feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different creamy, tangy profile.
• Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, try using pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for a different crunch.
• Add protein: To turn this salad into a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs on top.
• Vegan option: For a vegan version, substitute the bacon with crispy chickpeas or tempeh, and use a plant-based feta cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served immediately as the warm dressing wilts the spinach. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the spinach may lose some of its texture.
• Reheating: If you have leftover dressing, you can store it separately and warm it up before using it again on fresh salad greens.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other types of vinegar for the dressing?
   Yes, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for red wine vinegar, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
2. Can I make the bacon dressing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
3. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
   Yes, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative and can be used, though it may not provide the same richness as pork bacon.
4. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
   If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a bit of whole grain mustard for texture and flavor.
5. Can I use pre-washed spinach?
   Yes, pre-washed spinach works just fine to save time. Just be sure it’s thoroughly dried before assembling the salad.
6. How do I make this salad more filling?
   You can add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even quinoa to make the salad heartier.
7. Can I substitute the feta cheese?
   Yes, you can use goat cheese, ricotta salata, or a plant-based cheese alternative if you prefer.
8. Can I make this salad without nuts?
   Yes, if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t like nuts, you can leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
9. How can I make the salad spicier?
   You can add a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
10. Can I use cooked spinach for this recipe?
    Fresh spinach works best for this salad as it will wilt slightly from the warm dressing. Cooked spinach will make the salad soggy and less appealing.

Conclusion

This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a wonderful combination of fresh, crispy greens and savory, tangy dressing. The warm dressing, made with bacon and a touch of sweetness from honey, enhances the salad’s flavors while lightly wilting the spinach. With the added richness of feta, crunch from walnuts, and bite from red onion, this salad is a complete and satisfying dish. Whether served as a side or as a light meal, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table.

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