Warm Spinach Salad with Crispy Bacon and Tangy Dressing
This delightful Warm Spinach Salad with Crispy Bacon and Tangy Dressing offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh spinach serves as a vibrant base, complemented by crispy bacon, the subtle sweetness of green onions, and a zesty hot dressing made with red wine vinegar and ketchup. It’s an ideal side dish for any meal or a light main course that’s sure to impress at gatherings or casual dinners. Serve it warm for a comforting experience that highlights the savory goodness of bacon.
4-6 servings
Servings
53
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
1 (10-ounce bag, coarse stems removed, washed and dried)
bacon
6 (slices, cut crosswise into very thin strips)
green onions
2 (sliced finely)
red wine vinegar
1/2 (cup)
ketchup
2 (tablespoons)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon (or to taste))
pepper
1/8 (teaspoon (or to taste))
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the fresh spinach thoroughly in cold water. Remove any coarse stems and gently pat the spinach dry before tearing it into bite-sized pieces. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, add the sliced bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the finely sliced green onions and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4
Next, pour in the red wine vinegar and add the ketchup, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to heat the dressing over medium heat, stirring continuously for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Immediately pour the hot dressing over the prepared spinach, tossing well to ensure all the spinach is coated with the dressing. Finally, add the crispy bacon to the salad and give it another gentle toss. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, flavorful salad!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
3g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Warm Spinach Salad with Crispy Bacon and Tangy Dressing?
It is a flavorful salad featuring fresh spinach, crispy bacon strips, and a hot dressing made from red wine vinegar and ketchup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the salad?
The main ingredients are fresh spinach, bacon, green onions, red wine vinegar, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
Rinse the spinach in cold water, remove any coarse stems, pat it dry, and tear it into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of spinach is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 10-ounce bag of fresh spinach.
How do I slice the bacon for this salad?
The bacon should be cut crosswise into very thin strips before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes until it is crispy and browned.
Do I need to drain the bacon grease?
You should remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, but keep the drippings in the skillet to cook the onions and dressing.
How are the green onions prepared?
Use two green onions that have been finely sliced.
What is the process for making the hot dressing?
Stir-fry green onions in bacon drippings, then add red wine vinegar and ketchup, stirring for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe calls for red wine vinegar to achieve its specific tangy flavor profile, though others could be used in a pinch.
How much ketchup is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
Should the dressing be cooled before adding it to the spinach?
No, you should immediately pour the hot dressing over the spinach to help it wilt slightly and absorb the flavors.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 53 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this salad?
Each serving contains about 4 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 2 grams of protein.
Is this salad served as a side or a main dish?
It can be served as an ideal side dish or as a light main course.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, bacon, warm salad, dressing, easy recipe, pork, and side dish.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe to achieve the correct texture and structure for a salad.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe uses a total of 7 ingredients.
How long do I sauté the green onions?
Stir-fry the green onions for about 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
Is the bacon added before or after the dressing?
The crispy bacon is added last, after the spinach has been tossed with the hot dressing.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple stovetop techniques.
What makes the dressing 'tangy'?
The combination of 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons of ketchup creates the signature tangy flavor.
Can this salad be eaten the next day?
This salad is best enjoyed immediately while warm, as the spinach will wilt further if stored.
Is the spinach cooked in the skillet?
No, the spinach remains raw but is slightly wilted by the heat of the poured dressing.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
No, fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol values are not specified in this nutritional profile.
What kind of bowl should I use?
Use a large salad bowl to allow enough room for tossing the spinach thoroughly with the hot dressing.