Looking for a fresh and flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare? Look no further than this Spinach Salad with White Beans and Bacon! Bursting with vibrant greens, hearty beans, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, this salad is not just a side dish—it's a delightful meal that can be whipped up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for dinner, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing. Dive into this deliciously simple dish and discover how easy it is to create a salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool.
- While the bacon is cooking, thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cool running water. Gently pat the spinach dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Open the can of white beans and drain completely. Rinse the beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Allow the beans to drain completely in a colander.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-moon shapes using a sharp knife. For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding to the salad.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the fresh spinach leaves as a base. Evenly distribute the drained white beans over the spinach.
- Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces using your fingers or a knife. Sprinkle the bacon crumbles over the spinach and beans.
- Add the thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese to the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Gently toss all ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons, making sure the dressing is distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp spinach and warm bacon flavors. For best taste, consume within 15-20 minutes of preparation.
Tips
- Crisp the Bacon Just Right: For the best texture, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's perfectly crisp. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch to your salad.
- Wash Your Spinach Thoroughly: Spinach can hold onto dirt and grit, so be sure to wash it well under cool running water. A salad spinner is great for drying the leaves quickly without bruising them.
- Rinse the Beans: Don’t skip rinsing the white beans! This step removes excess sodium and improves the overall taste of your salad.
- Soak the Onions: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the thinly sliced red onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This simple trick will make them less pungent.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the spinach crisp, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without wilting the greens.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to customize your salad! Add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Enjoy Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing. It’s at its peak flavor within 15-20 minutes of preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
