De-De'S Spinach Salad
A vibrant spinach salad layered with fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and peanuts, dressed with creamy ranch—perfect for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove and discard spinach stems.
- Rinse leaves, drain, and pat dry.
- Tear spinach into bite-sized pieces and arrange in a salad bowl.
- Layer cucumber slices, radishes, green onions, and sliced eggs on top of spinach.
- Spread ranch dressing over the layered salad.
- Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled bacon and Spanish peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted sunflower seeds or substituting the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you prefer a different dressing, a vinaigrette can work well too. Ensure the spinach is fresh and dry to avoid a soggy salad. Use a variety of colorful radishes for visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It's also a great side dish for barbecues or picnics. Consider serving it alongside Lacy Layer Oven Meal for a well-rounded dinner. Garnish with additional green onions or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the salad, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If the salad becomes wilted, consider reviving it with a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of De-De'S Spinach Salad contains roughly 328 calories, with 12g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 up to 24 hours in advance. Layer the ingredients in the bowl, but wait to add the dressing and toppings like bacon and peanuts until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for Ranch dressing?
If you're looking for a healthier option, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a creamy dressing. Alternatively, a balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing can add a nice tang to the salad, complementing the flavors of the spinach and vegetables.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. You could also enhance the flavor with some feta cheese or avocado, which will contribute creaminess and richness to the dish.
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).