Spinach Walnut Salad
A vibrant spinach salad topped with crispy bacon and crunchy walnuts, dressed in a tangy cottage cheese vinaigrette. This dish offers a delightful mix of smoky, nutty, and fresh flavors, making it perfect for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner that appeals to both health-conscious and flavor-seeking diners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside, reserving the bacon fat.
- Drain cooked spinach, pressing lightly against a colander to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon fat, cottage cheese, white vinegar, sugar, and salt to make the dressing.
- Place the drained spinach on plates or in a serving bowl.
- Top the spinach with chopped walnuts.
- Spoon the cottage cheese dressing over the walnuts and spinach.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting turkey bacon for traditional bacon. If you're looking to enhance the flavor, add some crumbled feta or goat cheese. You can also use toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty taste. Make sure to press the spinach well to avoid a watery salad. This Spinach Walnut Salad pairs beautifully with Pork Roast for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a main dish or as a side salad alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with Cheesy Bacon Baked Potatoes for a comforting meal. For added freshness, garnish with sliced radishes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the spinach in a microwave for about 30 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the spinach fresh. The dressing can be stored separately to maintain its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Walnut Salad contains roughly 128 calories, with 7g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2026mg per serving (88% 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 components in advance. Cook the bacon and make the dressing a day ahead. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture while adding a bit of tanginess to the dressing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, omit the bacon and cottage cheese. Use a plant-based yogurt or dressing made from tahini or avocado instead. You can also add some chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
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).