Spinach Salad With Dressing
A vibrant spinach salad topped with crispy bacon, eggs, and fresh vegetables, paired with a tangy sweet and savory dressing—perfect for casual gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, washed ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup croutons ⓘ
- fresh sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar or sweetener ⓘ
- 1/3 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion or onion powder to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Place salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix salad dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Toss the salad with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of oil or reducing the sugar. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option. If you don't have croutons, toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans work well for added crunch. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach salad as a light lunch or alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal. It pairs well with hearty dishes like Margie Gessaman's Sloppy Joes or Fried Chops. For an extra layer of flavor, add slices of avocado or serve with a side of crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and only dress the portion you plan to eat. If reheating, gently warm the salad in a microwave for a few seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Dressing contains roughly 1055 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance and store them separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for croutons?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, try using roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds as a crunchy topping. Alternatively, toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts can add a nice texture and flavor to the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and substitute the eggs with additional vegetables like avocado or chickpeas to boost protein. For the dressing, consider using a plant-based alternative to mayonnaise to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
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).