Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with a mouthwatering Warm Spinach Salad that defies everything you thought you knew about healthy eating! This isn't just another boring green dish - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the crispy decadence of bacon, the tangy punch of balsamic vinegar, and the fresh crispness of spinach in one irresistible recipe. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal in minutes, this warm spinach salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Wash spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels. Remove stems and tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble bacon into small pieces.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet. Remove from heat and whisk in balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard, creating a warm, tangy dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place prepared spinach leaves in a large serving bowl. Immediately pour warm bacon dressing over spinach, gently tossing to coat leaves and slightly wilt the greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and thinly sliced red onion over the dressed spinach. If desired, add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Serve immediately while dressing is warm, ensuring spinach remains slightly crisp but lightly wilted from the heat of the dressing.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves.
- Cook bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Pat excess grease with paper towels.
- Work quickly when dressing the salad - the warmth of the bacon dressing should slightly wilt the spinach but not completely cook it.
- For extra flavor variations, consider adding toasted pine nuts or swapping feta cheese for goat cheese.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the ideal temperature and prevent soggy spinach.
- If you're watching calories, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon quantity while maintaining the signature smoky flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
