Fresh Spinach Salad Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and sweet spinach salad dressing with a savory kick, perfect for adding flavor to fresh salads topped with bacon, eggs, and croutons.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup oil
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 7 to 8 drops Tabasco sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 onion, chopped and pureed

Instructions

  1. Blend all the ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Store in refrigerator for at least 1 day to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Pour over individual servings of fresh spinach.
  4. Top with crisp-fried bacon, chopped hard-boiled egg, and croutons.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. To balance the sweetness, adjust the sugar according to your taste; you might prefer less for a tangier dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs beautifully with fresh spinach, but it also complements mixed greens or a simple lettuce wedge. For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve alongside a light soup or with classic American recipes like Skillet Hot Slaw for a complete meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using, as ingredients may separate over time. If you find the dressing too thick after refrigeration, whisk in a little water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fresh Spinach Salad Dressing contains roughly 1088 calories, with 9g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2683mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).

1088 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 85.9g 100% DV
Carbs 74.7g 27% DV
Fiber 6.3g 22% DV
Sugar 16.1g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2682.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 410.9mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.4mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Calcium 101.3mg 8% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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, making the dressing a day in advance is actually recommended. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust taste. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good shake or stir before using.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this dressing can easily be made vegan by ensuring the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.

What can I use instead of sugar in this recipe?

You can substitute sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. If you're looking for a lower glycemic index option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the quantity to taste, as these can be sweeter than regular sugar.

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).

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