Classic Spinach Salad with Savory Warm Bacon Dressing
This delightful Classic Spinach Salad with Savory Warm Bacon Dressing is a perfect blend of fresh greens and rich flavors. The luscious hot bacon dressing, made with pantry staples, adds a warm, smoky touch to crisp spinach. Elevate your salad by customizing it with hard-boiled eggs, crunchy nuts, or your favorite fruits! This recipe, inspired by the timeless dishes from Gourmet Magazine, is not only simple to prepare but also impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Experience the comforting taste of homemade dressing while enjoying the health benefits of fresh spinach.
4
Servings
87.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
5 (slices, chopped)
shallots
2 (tablespoons, minced)
cider vinegar
0.5 (cup)
sugar
0.5 (teaspoon)
Dijon mustard
1 (teaspoon)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh spinach
1 (pound, cleaned and stems removed)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
2
Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan but leave about two tablespoons.
3
Add minced shallots to the skillet and sauté in the remaining bacon fat for about one minute until translucent and fragrant.
4
Pour in the cider vinegar and stir in the sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a minute.
5
In a large salad bowl, add the cleaned spinach. Pour the hot dressing over the spinach while it's still warm, and toss everything together gently to wilt the leaves slightly.
6
Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces on top and serve immediately for the best experience.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
3g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
0.25g
Sugar
150mg
Sodium
11.25mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Classic Spinach Salad with Savory Warm Bacon Dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 87.5 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of bacon fat, minced shallots, cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for one pound of fresh spinach, cleaned and with stems removed.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
The salad is tossed with a hot dressing to slightly wilt the leaves, and it is best served immediately while warm.
Can I substitute the shallots?
Yes, you can use minced red onions or green onions if shallots are unavailable.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses half a cup of cider vinegar.
How much bacon is needed?
You need 5 slices of bacon, which should be chopped before cooking.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific publication?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the timeless dishes from Gourmet Magazine.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this dressing?
No, the recipe only uses 0.5 teaspoon of sugar, resulting in 0.25g of sugar per serving.
What can I add to customize this salad?
You can add hard-boiled eggs, crunchy nuts, or your favorite fruits to elevate the salad.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain it on paper towels.
Do I keep all the bacon fat?
No, you should drain most of it, leaving about two tablespoons in the pan for the dressing.
What is the function of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
It acts as an emulsifier and adds a tangy depth to the savory dressing.
How long should I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the minced shallots for about one minute until they are translucent and fragrant.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best to prepare the ingredients separately and only toss with the hot dressing right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming too soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for a side dish?
Yes, it is classified as a side dish and is impressive enough for gatherings.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 3.5 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content?
There is approximately 150mg of sodium per serving.
Does the recipe use olive oil?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is stirred into the dressing mixture.
What type of spinach is best?
Fresh spinach that has been cleaned and stems removed is recommended; baby spinach also works well.
How much cholesterol is in the dish?
Each serving contains 11.25mg of cholesterol.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many grams of fiber are included?
Each serving provides 1.25 grams of fiber.
Do I need to boil the dressing?
Yes, bring the dressing mixture to a boil and let it simmer for one minute before pouring it over the spinach.
When do I add the bacon back to the salad?
Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces on top of the tossed salad just before serving.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a simple to prepare recipe using pantry staples.
What are some suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include spinach salad, bacon dressing, classic salad, and healthy side dish.