Spinach Salad With Hot Bacon Dressing
A vibrant spinach salad topped with a tangy, savory hot bacon dressing, perfect for hearty, flavorful gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and drain, reserving the bacon drippings.
- In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, and beef broth until smooth.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion until tender.
- Add the vinegar mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Chop the cooked bacon and diced pimentos, then stir into the hot dressing.
- Place the fresh spinach in a large serving bowl, then pour the hot bacon dressing over the spinach and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with additional bacon or pimentos if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein, or substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar slightly. Ensure the bacon drippings are hot when adding the vinegar mixture to achieve the best emulsion. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic American recipes, combining fresh greens with a savory dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or hearty casseroles like Pork Chop Onion Casserole. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light soup, such as Capitol Hill Bean Soup, for a complete meal. Garnish with additional bacon or pimentos for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. To reheat the dressing, warm it gently on the stove until heated through, and then drizzle over fresh spinach just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Hot Bacon Dressing contains roughly 426 calories, with 8g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 3g 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 instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen spinach in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the salad. However, the vibrant color and crunch of fresh spinach make it the ideal choice.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative for a similar flavor profile. You can also omit the bacon altogether and add toasted nuts for crunch and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Check that your Dijon mustard and any other processed ingredients are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. Enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this 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).