Wilted Spinach Salad
A vibrant wilted spinach salad featuring crispy bacon, sweet oranges, crunchy cashews, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetable lovers and those seeking a savory, refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 3 strips bacon
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 package fresh spinach leaves, torn (about 8 cups) ⓘ
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cashews, coarsely broken ⓘ
Instructions
- Snip bacon into 1-inch pieces and place on a microwave-safe paper towel.
- Microwave at high (10) for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- In a 3-quart casserole, combine bacon drippings with vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and tarragon.
- Microwave at high (10) for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture boils.
- Stir in sliced celery and thinly sliced red onion into the hot dressing.
- Gradually add torn spinach leaves to the hot dressing, tossing to coat each piece.
- Add crumbled bacon, peeled and sliced oranges, and coarsely broken cashews.
- Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of citrus juice or zest to the dressing. If you want a vegetarian version, replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also substitute the cashews with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty taste. Fresh spinach can be swapped out for arugula to give a peppery bite.
Serving Suggestions
This wilted spinach salad makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or pairs beautifully with Pork Chop Bake for a complete meal. It can also be served as a light lunch on its own. Consider accompanying it with crusty bread or a light soup for a more filling option, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach may wilt further, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. To reheat, gently warm the dressing in the microwave and toss it with the spinach and other ingredients just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilted Spinach Salad contains roughly 157 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% 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 a different type of green instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just be aware that cooking times may vary; tougher greens may need a little longer to wilt down compared to spinach.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
To prepare this salad in advance, you can cook the bacon and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Just before serving, toss everything together to ensure the spinach stays fresh and crisp.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. This will enhance the nutritional value and make it suitable for a main dish.
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).