Sautéed Spinach Salad with Tangy Balsamic Dressing
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors in this delightful sautéed spinach salad! Freshly rinsed baby spinach is combined with sweet craisins and creamy feta cheese, all topped with crispy bacon for a satisfying crunch. The warm dressing, made with minced garlic and shallots sautéed in rich bacon drippings, is deglazed with a zesty blend of balsamic vinegar and fresh lemon juice, creating an irresistible melody of sweet and tangy notes. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this refreshing salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of springtime freshness in every bite!
6
Servings
72
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
6 ounces (rinsed)
Feta cheese
3 ounces (crumbled)
Craisins
1/2 cup (none)
Bacon
4 slices (cooked and chopped)
Garlic
3 small cloves (minced)
Shallot
1 large (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the spinach thoroughly and then place it in a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the craisins and crumbled feta to the spinach, gently tossing to combine. Set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4
With the skillet still hot, lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced shallot and garlic to the leftover bacon drippings. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5
Carefully deglaze the pan by pouring in the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any delicious bits. Let it simmer for a minute until slightly thickened.
6
Pour the warm dressing over the spinach mixture and toss gently until the spinach is wilted and evenly coated.
7
Add the crispy bacon pieces to the salad and give it another gentle toss.
8
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main green in this salad?
The main green used in this recipe is 6 ounces of rinsed baby spinach.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 72 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What kind of cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What type of fruit is added for sweetness?
1/2 cup of craisins are added to provide a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
How much bacon do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and then chopped.
What is the base of the tangy dressing?
The dressing is made from leftover bacon drippings, minced garlic, shallots, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lemon juice.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 small cloves of minced garlic.
What type of onion-like vegetable is used?
One large minced shallot is used to flavor the dressing.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
How much lemon juice is added?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the spinach be prepared before mixing?
The spinach should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in a large mixing bowl.
When do I add the craisins and feta?
Add the craisins and crumbled feta to the spinach and toss gently before preparing the warm dressing.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, drain on paper towels, and then chop into bite-sized pieces.
What temperature should I use to sauté the shallots and garlic?
Lower the heat to medium-low to sauté the shallots and garlic in the bacon drippings.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
What does 'deglazing the pan' involve in this recipe?
Deglazing involves pouring balsamic vinegar and lemon juice into the hot skillet and scraping the bottom to incorporate the browned bits.
Should the dressing be warm when applied to the salad?
Yes, pour the warm dressing over the spinach mixture to wilt it slightly.
Does the spinach stay raw?
No, the spinach is gently wilted by the application of the warm balsamic dressing.
Is this spinach salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy vegetable dish with only 72 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The fat content is 4g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for springtime?
Yes, it is specifically described as having a burst of springtime freshness.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is ideal as either a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
For the best flavor and texture, the salad should be served immediately after tossing with the warm dressing.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
The recipe specifies freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
What texture should the garlic have after sautéing?
The garlic should be golden and fragrant but not burnt.
What is the final step in the instructions?
The final step is to add the crispy bacon pieces to the salad, give it a final toss, and serve immediately.