Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This spinach salad with warm bacon dressing proves that it's not difficult to get through an entire bag of spinach if it's dressed in a tangy, mustardy, brown-sugar bacon vinaigrette. Customize this classic salad with any toppings you like.

Ingredients

  • 3 bacon strips, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • Dash ground nutmeg
  • Dash crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups)
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 4 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped

Directions

  1. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings.
  2. Add vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, mustard and seasonings to drippings; heat through, stirring to blend. Transfer to a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Stir in half of the bacon.
  3. Place spinach, onion and eggs in a large bowl; toss with warm dressing. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Recipe Creator

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