Savory Spinach Salad with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
This savory spinach salad is a delicious alternative to its fruity counterparts, making it perfect for any family gathering or dinner party. With a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, like earthy mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese, paired with the crispy saltiness of bacon, this dish becomes a crowd-pleaser. The real star, though, is the homemade poppy seed dressing, prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop, providing a delightful tanginess that complements the salad perfectly.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
White vinegar
3/4 cup (none)
Oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Poppy seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Red onion
1/2 (sliced thinly)
Fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
Swiss cheese
1/2-1 lb (grated)
Bacon
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Spinach
2 bunches or 10 oz bag (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dressing at least a day in advance to enhance the flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 3/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of oil, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard. Whisk until well combined, then refrigerate overnight.
2
Before serving, slice 1/2 red onion thinly and 1/2 pound of fresh mushrooms. Grate 1/2 to 1 pound of Swiss cheese, depending on your preference.
3
In a large salad bowl, toss together the red onion, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, 1 pound of cooked and crumbled bacon, and two bunches of spinach (or a 10-ounce bag).
4
Remove the dressing from the refrigerator and shake or stir to ensure it is well-mixed.
5
Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Spinach Salad with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing.
How many servings does this spinach salad make?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What are the ingredients for the homemade poppy seed dressing?
The dressing contains salt, white vinegar, oil, sugar, poppy seeds, and dry mustard.
How far in advance should the dressing be prepared?
The dressing should be prepared at least one day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Why is it recommended to make the dressing a day early?
Preparing it early enhances the flavors and provides a delightful tanginess.
What amount of spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need two bunches of spinach or one 10-ounce bag.
How much bacon is used in the salad?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Swiss cheese is used in this recipe.
How should the Swiss cheese be prepared?
The Swiss cheese should be grated, using between 1/2 to 1 pound depending on your preference.
How much oil is needed for the poppy seed dressing?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of oil.
How much sugar is included in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of sugar.
What type of mustard is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How many poppy seeds are needed for the dressing?
One tablespoon of poppy seeds is required.
How much white vinegar is used?
The dressing uses 3/4 cup of white vinegar.
What is the amount of salt in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
How should the red onion be prepared for the salad?
Half of a red onion should be sliced thinly.
How many mushrooms are added to the salad?
The recipe requires 1/2 pound of fresh mushrooms.
How should the fresh mushrooms be prepared?
The fresh mushrooms should be sliced.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
How much of the dressing should be used?
Use about half of the prepared dressing for the initial serving, or to taste.
What makes this spinach salad different from typical versions?
It is a savory version rather than a fruity one, featuring mushrooms, bacon, and Swiss cheese.
What occasions are best for serving this salad?
It is perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
What is the star of this recipe?
The real star is the homemade poppy seed dressing.
What should you do with the dressing after removing it from the fridge?
Shake or stir the dressing to ensure it is well-mixed before applying it to the salad.
How should the ingredients be combined in the bowl?
Toss the ingredients gently to combine them evenly.
Is the cheese amount flexible in this recipe?
Yes, you can use anywhere between 1/2 and 1 pound of Swiss cheese.
Which ingredient provides an earthy flavor?
The fresh mushrooms provide an earthy flavor to the salad.
Which ingredient provides the saltiness?
The cooked and crumbled bacon provides a crispy saltiness.
How is the dressing described in the instructions?
It is described as having a delightful tanginess.
Should this salad be served immediately?
Yes, serve immediately after tossing with the dressing for the best experience.