SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING

This salad brings together tender baby spinach with a mix of toppings like hard-cooked eggs, mushrooms, and shredded Swiss cheese, all highlighted by a warm, smoky bacon dressing. The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, while the honey-Dijon dressing ties everything together with a balance of sweetness and tang. Serve it immediately to enjoy the rich, warming flavors at their best!

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

Hearty Yet Fresh: This salad has everything you need for a filling meal: protein, healthy fats, and lots of fresh greens.
Warm and Comforting: The warm bacon dressing gently wilts the spinach and brings a rich, smoky flavor that makes this salad feel special.
Perfect as a Main or Side Dish: Serve it on its own as a main dish or pair it with roasted meats or grilled fish for an elegant side.

Key Ingredients:

Baby Spinach: The tender, mild flavor of baby spinach is perfect for salads. Its delicate leaves slightly wilt under the warm dressing, releasing even more flavor. Feel free to substitute with arugula for a slightly peppery twist.

Hard-Cooked Eggs: Sliced eggs add protein and a creamy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients. They also bring a touch of richness to balance the acidity of the dressing.

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. White or cremini mushrooms work well, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try shiitake mushrooms for a deeper, more intense flavor.

Crispy Bacon: Bacon is the star here, bringing crunch, smokiness, and savory goodness. Cook the bacon until it’s crisp, then crumble it for both the salad and the dressing.

Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese adds a creamy, nutty note that pairs wonderfully with the warm dressing and fresh greens. For a sharper flavor, you could substitute with Gruyère or aged white cheddar.

Toasted Sliced Almonds: These bring a delicate crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. If you’re out of almonds, try toasted walnuts or pecans for a similar effect.

Shallots and Garlic: Sautéing shallots and garlic in olive oil is the first step to a flavorful warm dressing. Their mild, sweet flavor enhances the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.

White Wine Vinegar: This provides a tangy base for the dressing, balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese. Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute for a slightly sweeter dressing.

Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds depth and a bit of sharpness to the dressing, helping to emulsify and bring all the flavors together.

Honey: The honey in the dressing adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the vinegar and the sharpness of the Dijon. Maple syrup is a good alternative if you prefer.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Arrange Spinach:
Use a 10-ounce bag of baby spinach leaves as the base for this salad. Spread them evenly in a large salad bowl.

Add Toppings:
Place sliced hard-cooked eggs over the spinach.
Scatter sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
Sprinkle 4 crumbled strips of crisply cooked bacon for a savory, crunchy bite.
Add shredded Swiss cheese to introduce creaminess and nuttiness.
Finish with toasted sliced almonds for a final layer of crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 2: Make the Warm Bacon Dressing

Sauté Shallots and Garlic:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté minced shallots and garlic for about 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

Prepare the Dressing:
Add ⅓ cup of white wine vinegar to the pan for a tangy base.
Whisk in ⅓ cup of Dijon mustard for depth and a bit of sharpness.
Stir in ⅓ cup of honey to balance the acidity with sweetness.
Crumble in 2 strips of crispy bacon to add smoky flavor to the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the Dressing:
Let the dressing cook until it’s hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. This warmth will help lightly wilt the spinach when added.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Dress the Salad:
Pour the hot dressing over the prepared spinach salad. The warmth will slightly wilt the spinach, making it tender and infusing it with flavor.

Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Serve immediately to enjoy the flavors and textures at their peak.

Serving Suggestions:

Main or Side: This salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted pork tenderloin.
Beverage Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the tangy dressing and smoky bacon flavors.
Add Garnishes: Finish with a few extra toasted almonds or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a polished presentation.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Make-Ahead Option: Prep all salad components (slice the eggs, mushrooms, and toast the almonds) in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook and crumble the bacon in advance, and reheat the dressing just before serving.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the spinach. Reheat the dressing and add it just before serving.

Variations:

Vegetarian Option

Omit the bacon and add smoky roasted chickpeas or mushrooms to give a similar flavor and texture. A few drops of liquid smoke can also enhance the dressing for a bacon-like smokiness.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Version

Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. All other ingredients fit perfectly within a low-carb meal plan!

Add More Veggies

Enhance this salad with extra veggies like sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced red onions, or avocado for a more colorful, nutrient-packed version.

Balsamic Twist

Swap the white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter, richer dressing. This twist pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavors of Swiss cheese and toasted almonds.

Conclusion:

This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is more than just a salad; it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed dish that feels both fresh and indulgent. The warmth of the dressing makes it perfect for any season, and the mix of textures ensures every bite is interesting. Whether as a meal or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress and leave you craving more!