Spinach Salad With Cooked Dressing
A vibrant spinach salad topped with crispy bacon, hard-cooked eggs, and a tangy cooked dressing, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sliced green onions in butter until soft, then blend in flour and salt.
- Add water, lemon juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook and stir until the mixture boils.
- Dice one hard-cooked egg and stir into the dressing.
- Pour the warm dressing over washed and torn spinach in a bowl.
- Toss lightly to combine.
- Garnish with sliced hard-cooked eggs and crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using bacon fat instead of butter for sautéing the green onions. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using olive oil and reducing the amount of bacon. Ensure your spinach is thoroughly washed and dried to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted. For added texture, you can mix in some nuts or seeds. This salad pairs beautifully with Sweet 'N Sour String Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach salad warm for the best flavor experience. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch option. Consider pairing it with American recipes such as a classic roast chicken or even Shane'S Chili Recipe for a hearty meal. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spinach salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the spinach to wilt, so it's best to store them separately if possible. To reheat, gently warm the dressing in a saucepan, then toss with fresh spinach just before serving for a freshly made taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Cooked Dressing contains roughly 936 calories, with 22g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (312% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), and iron (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% 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 frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the dressing. However, the texture will be different, and the vibrant color of fresh spinach will be lost.
How can I make it vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with a plant-based alternative like smoked tempeh or sunflower seeds for added crunch. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a splash of liquid smoke to the dressing for that savory taste without the meat.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use balsamic vinegar or even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat, depending on your taste preference.
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).