Mountain Spring Salad
A fresh, savory salad with crispy bacon, tangy vinegar, and crisp scallions, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner for bacon lovers and salad enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss washed and dried spinach with scallions in a salad bowl.
- Sprinkle sugar and salt over the salad.
- Fry bacon slices until crispy; drain and reserve the bacon grease.
- Crumble bacon coarsely over the salad.
- Sprinkle wine vinegar over the salad.
- Pour hot bacon grease over the salad.
- Toss the salad to combine and serve immediately.
- Top with croutons before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter variation, you can substitute the bacon with crispy chickpeas or tofu. If you prefer a tangier flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice alongside the wine vinegar. Ensure the bacon grease is hot when pouring over the salad to wilt the spinach slightly, enhancing its flavor. This salad is a great side to pair with heartier dishes like Cheddared Baked Potato Soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Mountain Spring Salad is best served immediately after preparation, but it can also be a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs well with Barbecued Pork On Buns or can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own. For added texture, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If the salad loses its crunch, you can refresh it by adding a little more fresh spinach and tossing in some new croutons right before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mountain Spring Salad contains roughly 122 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1779mg per serving (77% 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?
While this salad is best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Mix the spinach and scallions together, and keep the bacon and dressing in separate containers. Toss everything together just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch and flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add depth to the salad without meat.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein sources like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even quinoa. These additions will not only enhance the nutrition but also make the salad more substantial as a meal on its own.
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).