Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing
A fresh spinach salad topped with crispy bacon and a tangy dressing, perfect for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough ribs.
- Cook the bacon slices until crispy; drain and crumble.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in hot water.
- In a saucepan, combine hot water with apple cider vinegar, sugar, flour, pepper, and dry mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add the diced green onion to the dressing and mix well.
- Toss the spinach with the bacon and the dressing just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the dressing, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. For a vegetarian version, swap bacon for toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. Ensure the spinach is fresh to maintain its crispness, and gently toss the salad just before serving to avoid wilting.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or can serve as a light meal on its own. Pair it with crusty bread or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It also complements heartier main dishes, such as My Chicken Supreme, offering a balance to richer flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad components separately to prevent sogginess. Place the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Spinach can be stored in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag for 3-5 days. When ready to eat, reheat the dressing gently on low heat before tossing with the spinach and bacon.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing contains roughly 173 calories, with 12g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen spinach for this salad?
While fresh spinach is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen spinach if necessary. Thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before using it in the salad. However, fresh spinach will give a better crunch and vibrant color.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
To prepare this salad in advance, wash and dry the spinach, and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Cook the bacon and prepare the dressing beforehand, keeping them separate. Combine everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I add to the salad for extra flavor?
For added flavor and nutrition, consider tossing in sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted sunflower seeds. These ingredients create a nice contrast with the savory bacon dressing and enhance the overall taste of the salad.
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).