Introduction
Picture this: a crisp, cool spinach salad bursting with flavor, punctuated by the smoky goodness of warm bacon dressing. It’s a dish that manages to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly healthy, making it a perfect addition to any meal, especially your Thanksgiving spread or any special occasion! This isn’t your average, everyday salad. This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a symphony of textures and tastes, combining tender spinach leaves with crispy bacon, crunchy croutons (or toasted nuts!), and a tangy-sweet dressing that ties it all together.
I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was searching for a way to make my family actually excited about eating salad. I’m telling you I have struggled for years to get my kids to eat their greens. Let’s just say leafy greens are not their favorite. I knew I needed something that would tempt even the pickiest of eaters. And believe me, it worked! This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing proved to be the hero meal that got my loved ones eating salads. I’ve tweaked and perfected it over the years, and now I’m thrilled to share my version with you.
What makes this salad stand out is the warm bacon dressing. Forget those heavy, mayonnaise-based dressings that weigh you down. This dressing is light yet flavorful, with the savory bacon fat mingling perfectly with vinegar, a touch of sweetness, and a few other key ingredients. It gently wilts the spinach, creating a delightful tenderness that complements the salad’s overall crunchiness.
Whether you’re looking for thanksgiving menu ideas, a healthy thanksgiving recipe to balance out the indulgence, or simply a delicious and easy salad to enjoy any day of the week, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s also incredibly versatile. Swap the spinach for kale, add different cheeses, or use maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing – the possibilities are endless! And it’s quick and easy enough to whip up even on your busiest weeknights.
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This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is more than just a salad; it’s an experience. From the satisfying crunch to the savory-sweet flavor, it’s a dish that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to create a salad that’s anything but boring! Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous on a thanksgiving dinner table, adding a pop of vibrant green amidst all the heavier dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing isn’t just a tasty addition to your table; it transforms a routine salad into a delightful culinary experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again:
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- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Let’s face it, bacon is a crowd-pleaser! The smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon elevates the spinach salad to a whole new level.
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- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this salad can be ready in under 30 minutes, including cooking the bacon and making the dressing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish for a potluck.
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- Versatile & Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Swap the spinach for kale, add your favorite nuts or seeds, or experiment with different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless! This salad can be easily adapted to your personal preferences and dietary needs, like gluten-free thanksgiving recipes or vegan thanksgiving alternatives with a few simple adjustments.
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- A Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is always a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible, even for picky eaters. It also looks beautiful on any table, making it perfect for entertaining.
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- Perfect for Thanksgiving (and Beyond!): Looking for a lighter option to balance out the richer thanksgiving food? This thanksgiving salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to your thanksgiving feast, and it’s just as delicious any other time of the year. Plus, if you are looking for healthy thanksgiving recipes, then look no further. This salad has all of the flavor without the extra calories.
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- Impress your family: Show off your skills and your ability to balance flavors and textures with this salad.
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Ingredients for Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried
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- 6 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
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- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
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- ½ cup water
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- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a richer flavor)
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- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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- 1 cup croutons or toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
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- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
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- Optional: Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
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Substitutions:
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- Spinach: Use baby kale, mixed greens, or romaine lettuce.
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- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, try using smoky tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon bits.
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- Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
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- Granulated Sugar: Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
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- Croutons: Use gluten-free croutons or toasted nuts for a gluten-free option.
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- Cheese: Omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
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How to Make Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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This salad is easy enough for beginners and a complete game changer for those who think salads are boring. You will never look at spinach salad the same way.
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- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet. Don’t throw away that bacon grease! It’s the secret to this amazing dressing.
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- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped red onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This will infuse the dressing with a subtle sweetness.
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- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and bacon grease mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the dressing. Make sure you stir constantly to prevent it from burning. A burned roux will ruin the flavor of your dressing.
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- Add the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the apple cider vinegar and water until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens – the vinegar will add a tangy kick to the dressing that balances out the richness of the bacon.
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- Sweeten and Season: Stir in the sugar (or maple syrup) and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the dressing has thickened slightly.
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- Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
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- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cooked bacon, croutons (or toasted nuts), and cheese (if using).
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- Dress the Salad: Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. The warmth of the dressing will slightly wilt the spinach, creating a perfect balance of textures.
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- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs for added protein and flavor.
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That’s it! You’ve just created a delicious and satisfying Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing that’s sure to impress.
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Pro Tips & Variations
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Want to take your Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing to the next level? Here are some pro tips and variations to try:
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- Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t skimp on cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. The texture and flavor of crispy bacon are essential to the overall salad experience.
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- Warm, Not Hot: Make sure the dressing is warm when you pour it over the spinach, but not scalding hot. You want to wilt the spinach slightly, not completely cook it.
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- Dress Right Before Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy. No one likes a soggy salad! This is when the salad tastes its best.
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- Bacon Fat is Your Friend: Don’t discard all of the bacon fat! It adds so much flavor to the dressing. But if you’re watching your fat intake, you can drain off some of the excess.
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Variations:
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- Vegan: Use smoky tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon bits instead of bacon. Substitute maple syrup for the sugar and use a plant-based butter alternative to sautee the onions.
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- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or toasted nuts instead of traditional croutons. Make sure your Dijon mustard is also gluten-free. Perfect additions to your gluten free thanksgiving recipes.
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- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
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- Sweet and Savory: Add thinly sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
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- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese, gorgonzola, or shaved Parmesan.
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Serving Suggestions
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Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is a versatile dish that can be served as a side salad, a light entrée, or even a starter for a more elaborate meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
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- Pair with Grilled Chicken or Salmon: The richness of the bacon dressing complements the delicate flavors of grilled chicken or salmon.
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- Serve with a Hearty Soup: This salad pairs well with creamy tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or potato leek soup.
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- Add to a Thanksgiving Spread: Instead of a simple green salad, offer this Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing for a refreshing and flavorful option alongside your thanksgiving dinner.
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- Make it a Complete Meal: Add grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
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- Serve as a Side for a Main Course: Make this salad as one of your thanksgiving side dishes offerings for your guests. Everyone loves a good salad!
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Storage & Reheating
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Storage:
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- Salad: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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- Dressing: Store the warm bacon dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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- Combined: It’s best to store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
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Reheating:
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- Dressing: Gently reheat the dressing in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the dressing becomes too thick.
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Freezing:
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- Freezing the salad is not recommended as the spinach will become wilted and watery. Freezing the dressing is also not recommended as it may separate upon thawing.
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FAQ about Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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Here are some frequently asked questions about Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing:
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Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
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A: You can prepare the individual components of the salad (cook the bacon, chop the vegetables, make the dressing) ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy. This is still a great make ahead item as long as each component is prepped separately.
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Q: Can I use different types of vinegar for the dressing?
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A: Yes, you can substitute white vinegar or red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar adds a unique sweetness and tanginess that complements the other flavors in the dressing. Keep in mind that the other vinegars won’t provide the same notes as the apple cider vinegar. The end product may taste a little different than intended.
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Q: What if I don’t have bacon?
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A: For a vegetarian option, you can use smoky tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon bits. You can also omit the bacon altogether and add other flavorful ingredients, such as toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or crumbled cheese. Or if you’re looking for vegan thanksgiving, use smoky tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon bits and omit the cheese altogether.
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Q: Can I use a sugar substitute in the dressing?
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A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol. However, keep in mind that sugar substitutes can have a slightly different flavor than sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount to taste. You can also use maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
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Q: Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
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A: This salad can be easily adapted to suit different dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croutons or toasted nuts. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese. For a vegan thanksgiving version, use smoky tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon bits and omit the cheese. Since it is so easy to modify to fit dietary needs, this is still a must try recipe.
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Final Thoughts on Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. From the tender spinach to the crispy bacon, the crunchy croutons to the tangy-sweet dressing, every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving spread, or simply a way to make eating your greens more exciting, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It is certainly the perfect addition to thanksgiving food table.
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I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share your creations with me on social media! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access later. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes that you’ll love.
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And while you’re here, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more exclusive recipes, cooking tips, and meal planning ideas. Thanks for stopping by, and happy cooking! This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing will quickly become a family favorite.
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Equipment
- Large skillet,
- Slotted spoon,
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Spinach
- 10 ounces fresh spinach washed and dried
Bacon and Dressing
- 6 slices bacon cut into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Add-Ins
- 1 cup croutons or toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese optional
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced optional
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the chopped red onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and bacon grease mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.
- Slowly whisk in the apple cider vinegar and water until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in sugar (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust consistency of dressing if needed by adding water or simmering longer.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, cooked bacon, croutons or toasted nuts, and cheese if using.
- Pour the warm dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
- Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired, and serve.
