Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing, crispy bacon, baby spinach, mushrooms, eggs, and a sweet-tangy dressing. Fast, hearty, and seriously comforting.

this Recipe

Okay, so true story — I used to think salads were kind of boring.

Not bad, exactly. Just… you know. There. Fine. They filled the plate, made you feel like you were eating healthy, and that was about it.

But this Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing? Oh, this was different. This salad wasn’t sitting quietly in the corner. This salad showed up.

It all happened thanks to my aunt (she’s that aunt who somehow makes every simple dish taste incredible). We were at a backyard BBQ and she casually whipped up this salad. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it at first. Spinach? Mushrooms? Eggs? Same old, right?

But then… she poured on the warm bacon dressing.

You could smell how good it was. That mix of smoky bacon, tangy vinegar, and a little sweetness wafted up and I knew, right then — oh this is not your average salad.

First bite? Life. Changed. The spinach wilted just slightly, the mushrooms soaked up the warm goodness, and the bacon and eggs? They sealed the deal.

And just like that, I went from “Salad? Meh.” to “Can I get seconds please?” faster than you can imagine.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing Recipe?

Salad skeptics, come closer — this one’s for you.

Here’s the thing about Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing… it hits differently. Like, it feels more like comfort food than a pile of leaves pretending to be dinner.

• It’s warm and cozy. Yep, salad can be cozy.

• It’s got bacon. And honestly, doesn’t everything taste better with bacon?

• It’s perfectly balanced. Tangy, salty, slightly sweet — nothing overpowering.

• It’s fast. 20 minutes from fridge to table. Faster than most takeout.

• It’s secretly impressive. Perfect for dinner parties or solo Tuesday night vibes.

So if you’re thinking, “Eh, salad isn’t really my thing…” trust me. I said the same. Then I made this.

Ingredient Notes:

Alright, here’s what makes this Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing totally irresistible:

• Bacon: Crispy, salty, and the literal backbone of the dressing. Save that fat — trust me.

• Shallots: Slightly fancy, slightly sweet. They melt beautifully into the warm dressing.

• Cider Vinegar: Adds that essential zing. Without it? Flat city.

• Honey: Balances the vinegar with a little sweetness. Not cloying, just right.

• Dijon Mustard: For a little depth and tang.

• Salt + Pepper: The simple duo that makes flavors pop.

• Baby Spinach: Soft and tender. It wilts ever-so-slightly under the warm dressing.

• Mushrooms: Little sponges that soak up allll the flavor.

• Boiled Eggs: Creamy, hearty, and make every bite more filling.

Nothing wild or fancy here. Just solid, everyday ingredients doing very good things together.

How To Make Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing?

Alright, let’s break this down easy-style. No stress cooking allowed.

Step 1: Fry up your bacon until crispy. Try not to eat half of it as you go. (No judgment if you fail here.)

Step 2: While bacon sizzles, whisk up your dressing base — vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Set aside for now.

Step 3: Once bacon is done, scoop it onto paper towels to drain. Don’t toss that fat though — save 4 tablespoons. You’ll need it for the magic.

Step 4: Toss shallots into the leftover fat and cook for a minute or two. You just want them soft, not brown.

Step 5: Mix the shallots and warm bacon fat into your vinegar mix. Boom. Warm bacon dressing = done.

Step 6: Add spinach and mushrooms into a big bowl. Pour your warm dressing all over and toss. Watch as the spinach wilts slightly — it’s oddly satisfying.

Step 7: Top everything with sliced boiled eggs and crispy bacon. That’s it. No garnish necessary, unless you’re feeling extra.

Grab a fork, dig in while it’s still warm, and prepare to become a salad lover. (At least this salad.)

Storage Options:

Honestly? This salad is best eaten immediately. Warm bacon dressing waits for no one.

But if you must:

• Fridge: Store dressed salad up to 1 day. Spinach will be soft, but still tasty.

• Make ahead tip: Prep everything in advance but don’t toss until serving. That’s your best bet.

Variations and Substitutions:

This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is super forgiving. Here’s how to switch it up:

• No mushrooms? Skip them or add roasted veggies.

• No shallots? Use red onions or green onions. No biggie.

• Vegetarian version? Plant-based bacon or toasted pecans work great.

• Want extra richness? Add avocado or crumbled goat cheese.

No hard rules here. Play with it.

What to Serve with Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing?

While this salad could be the star of the show, here’s what pairs beautifully:

• Grilled chicken or steak: Makes it a full meal.

• Soup: Something creamy like potato or mushroom.

• Warm bread: To mop up leftover dressing. Trust me, you’ll want to.

Or just eat it solo while binge-watching your favorite show. Salad and Netflix? Surprisingly perfect together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yep! Just swap bacon for veggie bacon or crunchy nuts/seeds.

Other greens besides spinach?
Sure! Arugula or mixed greens are fine. Spinach gives that classic vibe though.

Don’t like mushrooms?
Skip ’em. It’s your salad, you make the rules.

So there you have it — Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing. A salad that’ll make even skeptics go, “Okay… I get it now.” It’s cozy, flavorful, a little indulgent, and somehow still totally fresh.

What would you add to yours? More bacon? Avocado? Drop your dream version below — I seriously wanna hear what you’d do!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Picture yourself enjoying a serving of Spinach Salad with a Warm Bacon Dressing, where each mouthful perfectly combines the freshness of spinach with the comforting aroma of bacon. It's more than a salad; it feels like a hug on a plate. The tangy sweetness of the dressing. Paired with the taste of mushrooms. And the creamy consistency of boiled eggs assembles a juncture of enjoyment for your taste buds. This recipe recasts simple elements into a symphony of savors and textures. Heightening evenings to something extraordinary.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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• 8 slices bacon cut into ½-inch pieces
• ¼ c finely chopped shallots from 1 to 2 shallots
• 2½ tbsp cider vinegar
• 1½ tbsp honey
• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Heaping ¼ tsp salt
• Several grinds fresh black pepper
• 6 ounces about 8 cups baby spinach
• 8 ounces white button or baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced (about 2 c)
• 3 hard or soft boiled eggs thinly sliced or cut into wedges

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Instructions

 

1. Let's start by cooking the bacon in a pan, over medium heat until it turns crispy, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes.
2. While the bacon is cooking, mix cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl and set it aside.
3. After the bacon is done use a spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.
4. Save 4 tablespoons of the bacon fat by pouring it into a bowl. Discard the rest. Save it for use. In the skillet cook the shallots in the remaining bacon fat over low heat until they become soft but not browned 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Combine the bacon fat and shallots with the vinegar mixture. Mix well.
6. Add spinach. Sliced mushrooms to the dressing bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
7. Divide the salad onto plates then top, with sliced eggs and crispy bacon. Serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

To assemble a variation of this scrumptious Spinach Salad, with Warm Bacon Dressing. Just make certain the Dijon mustard and bacon you utilize are certified gluten-free. Although these items are commonly gluten-free. Particular brands might include additives or seasonings holding gluten. Opting for products ticketed as gluten-free for these components lets you savor this tasty salad without worrying about gluten. Ensuring a pleasant experience, for your palate.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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