Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary greens into an irresistible culinary experience! This Baby Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette is not just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will make you fall in love with salads all over again. Imagine tender baby spinach leaves perfectly coated in a rich, tangy warm dressing, punctuated with crispy bacon bits that add an incredible crunch and smoky depth. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this recipe is your secret weapon to elevating everyday greens into something extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by cutting it into small pieces and cooking in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- While the bacon is cooking, wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry with clean paper towels. Transfer the spinach to a large salad bowl.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, add thinly sliced red onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly softened and translucent.
- Add balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard to the skillet, whisking to combine with the bacon fat and onions. This creates the warm vinaigrette base.
- Season the warm vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate all flavors.
- Immediately pour the hot vinaigrette over the baby spinach leaves, tossing gently to coat the spinach evenly and slightly wilt the leaves.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the dressed salad and serve immediately while the vinaigrette is still warm.
Tips
- Choose high-quality bacon for the best flavor—thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon works wonderfully.
- Make sure to drain bacon on paper towels to keep the vinaigrette from becoming too greasy.
- Use fresh, crisp baby spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- Pour the warm vinaigrette immediately over the spinach to slightly wilt the leaves without making them soggy.
- Serve the salad right away to enjoy the contrast between the warm dressing and fresh greens.
- For extra flavor, consider adding toasted nuts like pine nuts or sliced almonds as a garnish.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon or use less bacon and add more vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
