Zesty Spinach Salad
A vibrant spinach salad with crispy bacon, radishes, and a tangy cider vinaigrette, perfect for a fresh, flavorful meal or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the oil, cider vinegar, onion salt, sugar, dry mustard, and paprika in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well and refrigerate.
- Just before serving, lightly toss the torn spinach, sliced radishes, sliced hard-cooked eggs, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- Shake the dressing well again, then pour over the salad and toss to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dressing. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap onion salt for regular salt and add chopped green onions instead of raw onion. For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with crispy chickpeas. This salad also pairs beautifully with Baked Beans In-A-Hurry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Zesty Spinach Salad as a refreshing starter or a light lunch. It complements grilled meats perfectly, making it a great side for Pork recipes. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Meat Stuffed Green Peppers or your favorite protein for added heartiness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the greens. If the salad has already been dressed, consume it within a day for the best texture. Reheat any bacon leftovers gently in a pan if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Spinach Salad contains roughly 449 calories, with 16g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (274% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and iron (119% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 35g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep them separate until serving. Store the dressing in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving to ensure the spinach remains fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you're looking for a substitute for spinach, consider using kale or mixed greens. Baby kale offers a similar texture and flavor, while mixed greens can add variety to the salad. Just make sure to adjust the dressing to your taste.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make this Zesty Spinach Salad vegan, omit the hard-cooked eggs and bacon. Instead, you can use avocado for creaminess and add roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein. Adjust the dressing by switching out sugar for maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
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).