Danny'S And Jenni'S Spinach Dressing
A rich, savory spinach dressing infused with bacon, fennel, and lemon, perfect for elevating salads with bold flavors and a creamy texture that appeals to meat lovers and greens enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the mixture over a double boiler.
- Blend olive oil, peanut oil, and red wine vinegar together.
- Add sugar, dry mustard, and ground fennel to the mixture.
- Stir in bacon drippings and blend well.
- Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper; blend until combined.
- Pour the dressing over fresh spinach leaves.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you're out of peanut oil, you can substitute it with canola oil. To enhance the flavor, try adding minced garlic or shallots. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best taste. This dressing works wonderfully on salads beyond just spinach, such as mixed greens or even as a drizzle over Cajun Pork Ribs.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful spinach dressing is perfect drizzled over fresh spinach leaves, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Mostaccioli Casserole or as part of a larger salad spread, such as Inspiration Salad, to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir as the ingredients may separate. If the dressing thickens too much, you can thin it out with a splash of water or extra olive oil. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danny'S And Jenni'S Spinach Dressing contains roughly 143 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile. For added texture, consider incorporating toasted nuts or seeds in the salad to complement the dressing.
What type of vinegar can I substitute if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
If red wine vinegar isn't available, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Both will provide a nice acidity without drastically changing the flavor of your dressing.
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).