Warm Spinach and Bacon Salad with Creamy Dressing
Indulge in this delightful Warm Spinach and Bacon Salad that brings together the vibrant freshness of baby spinach with the scrumptious crunch of crispy bacon. The warm, creamy dressing, made with luscious mayonnaise and zesty cider vinegar, perfectly wilts the spinach and enriches every bite with flavor. This salad is not only a simple and quick preparation for any meal, but it also offers versatility with sugar or Splenda for a healthier twist. Ideal for lunch or as a side dish at dinner, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach
10-12 ounces (washed and torn into bite-size pieces)
Red Onion
1/4 cup (minced)
Bacon
6 slices (chopped)
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup
Splenda Granular (or Sugar if desired)
1/4 cup
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Hard-Boiled Eggs
2 (chopped)
Additional Hard-Boiled Egg
1 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the washed and torn spinach with the minced red onion. Cover tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to use.
2
In a frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3
Allow the bacon drippings to cool for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are no longer sizzling. In the same pan, whisk together the warm drippings, cider vinegar, Splenda (or sugar), mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4
If you prefer a chilled salad, refrigeration of the components can be done at this stage. Store the dressing in a covered microwave-safe container.
5
When you’re ready to serve, microwave the dressing on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds, or until it boils.
6
Combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs with the spinach mixture and pour the hot dressing over. Gently toss to combine and wilt the spinach.
7
Finally, top the salad with sliced hard-boiled egg and the crispy bacon pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Warm Spinach and Bacon Salad with Creamy Dressing?
It is a delightful salad that combines fresh baby spinach with crispy bacon and a warm, creamy dressing made from bacon drippings, cider vinegar, and mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, bacon, red onion, cider vinegar, Splenda or sugar, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and hard-boiled eggs.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 10 to 12 ounces of fresh spinach.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be washed and torn into bite-size pieces.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced red onion.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 6 slices of bacon, chopped.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Cider vinegar is used to provide a zesty flavor to the dressing.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 cup of Splenda Granular or sugar if preferred.
What is the base of the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking bacon drippings with cider vinegar, sweetener, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
How long should the bacon drippings cool before making the dressing?
Allow the drippings to cool for about 5 minutes until they are no longer sizzling.
How many hard-boiled eggs are used in total?
A total of 3 hard-boiled eggs are used: 2 chopped for the mix and 1 sliced for the topping.
Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the spinach mixture and store the dressing in a covered microwave-safe container until ready to serve.
How do I heat the dressing before serving?
Microwave the dressing on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds, or until it reaches a boil.
How do you wilt the spinach for this salad?
The spinach is wilted by pouring the hot dressing over the spinach mixture and gently tossing it.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, especially when using Splenda, it is categorized as a low-carb and keto-friendly option.
Is the Warm Spinach and Bacon Salad gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is gluten-free.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crisp.
What is the recommended serving time?
The salad should be served immediately after tossing with the hot dressing for the best texture.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, bacon, warm salad, healthy recipe, creamy dressing, easy salad, and quick meal.
How much mayonnaise is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What seasonings are added to the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Spinach.
How do I handle the bacon after frying?
Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease before using it as a topping.
Can I store the spinach and onion together?
Yes, combine them in a large bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate until needed.
Is this salad suitable for a side dish?
Yes, it is ideal for lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
What makes the dressing 'creamy'?
The combination of mayonnaise and emulsified bacon drippings gives the dressing its creamy consistency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 specific ingredients used in this salad.
What is the final topping for the salad?
The final toppings are sliced hard-boiled egg and the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
Why should I cover the spinach bowl in the fridge?
Covering it tightly ensures the spinach stays fresh and the red onion aroma does not affect other items in the refrigerator.