Bacon-Tomato Spinach Salad
A vibrant and savory spinach salad with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and tangy cheese, dressed in a flavorful Catalina mustard vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the Catalina salad dressing, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper to the drippings.
- Cook and stir over low heat until heated through.
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach or torn fresh spinach.
- Add the cooked bacon, tomato wedges, and crumbled blue or feta cheese.
- Pour the warm dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon or a low-fat dressing. You can also substitute the Catalina dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. If you prefer more veggies, add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. When cooking the bacon, ensure it’s crispy for the best texture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon-Tomato Spinach Salad is perfect as a hearty side for grilled meats or alongside a warm bowl of Baked Potato Soup(Great On A Cold Night!). For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or serve it on a bed of quinoa. It also makes a great lunch option when topped with additional protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the spinach to wilt, so it's best to store the dressing separately if you plan to enjoy leftovers. To reheat, warm the dressing slightly and toss with the salad just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon-Tomato Spinach Salad contains roughly 1663 calories, with 15g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 175g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. Cook the bacon and store it separately to maintain its crispiness.
What can I substitute for Blue or Feta cheese?
If you don't have Blue or Feta cheese on hand, you can use goat cheese or even shredded cheddar as a substitute. Each will give the salad a unique flavor, so choose based on your preference.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).