Salads > Warm Salads > Other Warm Salad Preparations > Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

Warm Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

A classic and comforting warm salad featuring fresh spinach wilted with a tangy and savory hot bacon dressing. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 10 oz Fresh Spinach
  • 6 slices Bacon
  • 1/4 cup, finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove, minced Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 chopped (optional) Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • 1/2 cup (optional) Croutons

Prepare the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

Make the Dressing

Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the Vinegar and Seasonings

Pour the apple cider vinegar into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the sugar and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the hot dressing. Toss gently until the spinach is wilted but still retains some texture, about 1-2 minutes. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Serve Immediately

Transfer the wilted spinach salad to a serving bowl. Top with the crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using), and croutons (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 150kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 6g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad can be adjusted to be lower in fat by using leaner bacon or turkey bacon. Reducing the sugar content will also lower the calorie count. The addition of hard-boiled eggs provides extra protein.

← Warm Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Halloumi →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of vinegar?

    Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or red wine vinegar, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweeter and more mellow flavor.
  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    It is best to serve this salad immediately after the spinach is wilted to prevent it from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the bacon, dressing, and hard-boiled eggs ahead of time. Just wilt the spinach and assemble the salad right before serving.
  • Is there a vegetarian option?

    To make this vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable broth instead of bacon grease. You can also add smoked paprika to the dressing to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon. Consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.