Creamy Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad
Delight in the flavors of this Creamy Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad! This quick and easy recipe combines the savory crunch of reduced-fat bacon with the freshness of baby spinach, all tossed with al dente penne pasta and topped with low-fat cheese and a zesty Caesar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad is not only delicious but can be enjoyed cold, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics. Serve it chilled or warm, and brighten your plate with lemon wedges for an extra zing!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat bacon
125 g (diced)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Shallots
6 (chopped)
Penne pasta
300 g (cooked al dente)
Baby spinach leaves
150 g (fresh)
Low-fat tasty cheese
90 g (grated)
Whole wheat Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup (ready to use)
Lemons
2 (cut into wedges (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large fry pan over medium heat and coating it with cooking spray.
2
Add the diced bacon to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to crisp.
3
Incorporate the minced garlic and chopped shallots, stirring frequently for another 2-3 minutes until shallots are translucent.
4
Next, add the cooked penne pasta and fresh baby spinach leaves to the pan, tossing gently until the spinach wilts slightly.
5
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated low-fat cheese and whole wheat Caesar salad dressing until evenly combined.
6
Serve warm or transfer to a bowl to chill and enjoy cold. Garnish with lemon wedges for added zest if desired.
7
Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator for a refreshing next-day meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad?
It is a quick and easy salad recipe that combines penne pasta, reduced-fat bacon, baby spinach, and a zesty Caesar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 300g of penne pasta cooked al dente.
Can this pasta salad be served cold?
Yes, it can be served immediately warm or transferred to a bowl to chill and be enjoyed cold.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 125g of diced reduced-fat bacon.
What kind of dressing is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of whole wheat Caesar salad dressing.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.
How many shallots should I use?
The recipe requires 6 chopped shallots.
What type of cheese is recommended?
It calls for 90g of grated low-fat tasty cheese.
How much baby spinach is needed?
The recipe uses 150g of fresh baby spinach leaves.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon for about 2 minutes until it starts to crisp.
When do I add the garlic and shallots?
Add them to the pan after the bacon has cooked for 2 minutes, then stir for another 2-3 minutes.
Do I need to cook the spinach separately?
No, you toss the fresh baby spinach with the warm pasta in the pan until it wilts slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a refreshing meal the next day.
What can I use for garnish?
You can garnish the salad with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a 15-minute quick recipe.
What preparation is needed for the bacon?
The bacon should be diced before cooking.
What preparation is needed for the pasta?
The penne pasta should be cooked al dente before being added to the fry pan.
How do I prepare the pan?
Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and coat it with cooking spray.
Can I serve this at a picnic?
Yes, its ability to be served cold makes it ideal for picnics.
Is this salad considered healthy?
The recipe uses reduced-fat bacon, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat dressing, making it a lighter, healthier option.
When do I add the cheese and dressing?
Remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the cheese and dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total, including the optional lemon wedges.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh baby spinach for the best texture and wilting process.
How do I know when the shallots are ready?
Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Is the lemon juice mixed into the dressing?
No, the lemons are cut into wedges and served on the side as an optional garnish.
Should the pasta be warm or cold when added to the pan?
The recipe implies adding cooked pasta to the pan with the bacon to incorporate flavors before serving.
What is the texture of the bacon in this salad?
The bacon provides a savory crunch once it is crisped in the fry pan.
What heat setting should I use for the fry pan?
The fry pan should be heated over medium heat.