Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with this mouthwatering Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette! Imagine a dish that combines the crisp freshness of spinach, the smoky crunch of bacon, and a tantalizing warm vinaigrette that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This isn't just a salad - it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner. Place the spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Slice the red onion thinly and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard. Whisk together to create the warm vinaigrette, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
- Pour the warm vinaigrette over the spinach leaves, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Top the dressed spinach with crumbled bacon, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Serve immediately while the vinaigrette is still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Choose the freshest spinach possible - look for bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
- Cook bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Keep the vinaigrette warm when serving - the heat helps to slightly wilt the spinach and intensify the flavors.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most robust taste in your dressing.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the ideal texture and temperature.
- If preparing ahead, keep bacon, vinaigrette, and salad components separate until just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
