Spinach Salad And Warm Dressing
A fresh spinach salad topped with crunchy bacon and boiled eggs, drizzled with a warm tangy dressing—perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach and place it in a serving bowl.
- Slice the hard-boiled eggs and crumble the bacon, then add to the spinach.
- In a saucepan, mix the sugar, dry mustard, salt, celery seed, and grated onion with a little of the vinegar to make the dressing.
- Beat in the oil slowly into the dry mixture and vinegar mixture.
- Add the remaining vinegar and beat again to combine.
- Heat the dressing in the saucepan until warmed through.
- Just before serving, toss the spinach with the warm dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding crumbled blue cheese or walnuts for extra flavor and texture. If you're short on time, pre-washed bagged spinach can save you prep work. For a lighter dressing, substitute half the oil with Greek yogurt. Remember to whisk continuously while adding the oil to ensure a smooth emulsion.
Serving Suggestions
This warm spinach salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing. For a full spread, include a side of 'Country Cabbage' or a hearty soup to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the spinach, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Reheat the dressing gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to prevent separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad And Warm Dressing contains roughly 756 calories, with 17g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2412mg per serving (105% 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 use fresh bacon instead of pre-cooked?
Absolutely! Fresh bacon adds a delightful crispiness. Cook the bacon until crispy in a skillet, then crumble it before adding to the salad. The rendered bacon fat can also be incorporated into the dressing for extra flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch. You can also enhance the dressing with a touch of smoked paprika to give it a deeper flavor.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Just be sure to whisk it well again to combine all the ingredients, as they may separate when chilled.
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).