Spring Spinach Salad
A fresh spring spinach salad topped with hard-cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or side dishes during warmer months.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and stem the spinach.
- Crisp the spinach in ice water.
- Dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces to make 3 cups.
- Place the spinach in a salad bowl with chopped eggs and green onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, Miracle Whip, sugar, pepper, salt, and vinegar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist. If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the amount of Miracle Whip or use a vinaigrette. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly dried to prevent a soggy salad. This recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with Maine Fish Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
This Spring Spinach Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch on its own. It pairs nicely with American recipes like Tender Chunk Ham Casserole or Crusty Beef Cheese Noodle Casserole. For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the texture of the spinach. Reheat the bacon in a skillet to retain its crispiness before adding it back to the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spring Spinach Salad contains roughly 389 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1906mg per serving (83% 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 ingredients ahead of time. Wash and chop the spinach, eggs, and green onions. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh. If you add the bacon beforehand, it may lose its crispness.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also try smoked tempeh or a vegan bacon alternative for similar flavors. Just remember that these substitutes may change the overall taste of the salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Spring Spinach Salad are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of packaged items like Miracle Whip to ensure they meet gluten-free standards, especially if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
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).