Classic Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Spinach Salad
This delicious spinach salad features a tantalizing warm bacon vinaigrette inspired by the legendary Victoria Station restaurant in Denver. Known for unique dining experiences inside vintage trolley cars, this recipe recreates the flavors of their renowned spinach salad. The combination of crispy bacon, tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious warm dressing creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors that elevate any meal.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
5 slices (cooked until crisp & crumbled)
red onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon (none)
apple juice
1/4 cup (none)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
1/2-1 teaspoon (none)
hard-boiled egg
1-2 (chopped coarsely)
salt & pepper
to taste (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh Baby Spinach
3 ounces (none)
fresh button mushroom
to taste (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach and sliced mushrooms, setting aside for later.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the finely chopped red onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, apple juice, and cider vinegar until fully combined and smooth.
4
Gently pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the onion and increase the heat to bring to a gentle boil.
5
Continuously stir the mixture in the skillet until it thickens slightly, ensuring it remains smooth and well combined.
6
Stir in the desired amount of honey into the skillet, ensuring it is well incorporated with the rest of the dressing.
7
Remove the dressing from heat and immediately pour it over the spinach and mushroom mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly.
8
Finally, add the coarsely chopped hard-boiled eggs and crisp bacon over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
9
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Spinach Salad?
This salad is a savory dish featuring fresh baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a warm, thickened vinaigrette inspired by Victoria Station restaurant.
What inspired the flavor profile of this salad?
The recipe is inspired by the signature spinach salad served at the legendary Victoria Station restaurant in Denver, known for its vintage trolley car dining.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What type of spinach should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 ounces of fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor.
How much bacon is needed for the recipe?
You will need 5 slices of bacon, which should be cooked until crisp and then crumbled.
What kind of onion is best for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of finely chopped red onion for a mild yet distinct flavor.
Why is cornstarch used in the vinaigrette?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the warm dressing a luscious, smooth consistency that coats the spinach leaves perfectly.
Can I substitute the apple juice?
While apple juice provides a specific sweetness, you could substitute it with white grape juice or a small amount of water mixed with extra honey, though the flavor profile will change.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar to provide the necessary acidity and tang.
How much honey should be added?
You can add between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey depending on your desired level of sweetness.
How many eggs are included in the salad?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 hard-boiled eggs, which should be chopped coarsely before adding to the salad.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
Fresh button mushrooms are recommended; they should be sliced and added to the salad base to taste.
How do I prepare the red onion for the dressing?
The red onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in olive oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
When should the dressing be added to the spinach?
The dressing should be poured over the spinach and mushroom mixture immediately after being removed from the heat while it is still warm.
Do I need to cook the mushrooms?
No, the mushrooms are added fresh to the salad bowl and are slightly softened by the heat of the warm dressing.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is served as a warm salad because the vinaigrette is heated and poured over the fresh greens just before serving.
How do I ensure the dressing doesn't have lumps?
Mix the cornstarch, apple juice, and cider vinegar in a separate bowl until smooth before adding the mixture to the skillet.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil, but you could use avocado oil or another neutral oil if preferred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the cornstarch and bacon you use are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I thicken the vinaigrette?
Bring the mixture of cornstarch, juice, and vinegar to a gentle boil in the skillet while stirring continuously until it thickens.
What is the best way to cook the bacon for this recipe?
Cook the bacon until it is very crisp so that it provides a crunchy texture contrast to the tender spinach leaves.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
While you can prep ingredients like the eggs and bacon in advance, the salad should be assembled and tossed with the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting too much.
Is there a specific way to toss the salad?
Gently toss the spinach and mushrooms with the warm dressing first, then add the eggs and bacon and toss gently again to combine without breaking the eggs too much.
How much spinach is used per person?
With 3 ounces of spinach for 2 servings, each person receives approximately 1.5 ounces of fresh baby spinach.
What seasoning is suggested?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
While this is a classic recipe, you could add walnuts, pecans, or even some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings because the warm vinaigrette is the central feature of the dish.
What should the onion look like after sautéing?
The onion should be translucent, meaning it is soft and slightly clear, rather than browned or crispy.
Is the honey added while the dressing is boiling?
The honey is stirred in after the mixture has thickened, ensuring it incorporates well with the other ingredients.
Can I store leftovers?
This salad does not store well once the warm dressing has been applied, as the spinach will become soggy; it is best enjoyed immediately.