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Savory Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing and Toasted Pecans

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This irresistible spinach salad features crisp bacon, toasted pecans, and a tangy warm bacon dressing. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (170g) fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (120g) toasted pecan halves
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (about 175g)
  • 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (from cooked bacon)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the spinach: Place 8 cups baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Tear mature spinach into bite-sized pieces if using. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned (8-10 minutes). Transfer bacon to paper towels with a slotted spoon. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
  4. Make the warm bacon dressing: In the same skillet with reserved drippings, reduce heat to low. Whisk in vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until smooth and just warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Do not let boil.
  5. Slice & chop: Thinly slice red onion. Chop or crumble bacon into bite-sized pieces. Prep optional eggs or tomatoes as needed.
  6. Assemble the salad: Add spinach, toasted pecans, red onion, and bacon to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. Pour warm dressing over the salad and toss again until leaves are lightly coated.
  7. Add optional toppings: Arrange hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, or cheese on top if using. Toss gently or leave as garnish.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy while the dressing is warm and bacon is crisp. If making ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

Notes

For best flavor, toast pecans just before serving and use thick-cut bacon. To keep spinach from wilting, dress salad right before serving. For vegetarian, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh and use olive oil instead of bacon drippings. Salad is naturally gluten-free; check mustard label for hidden gluten. Nut-free option: use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Optional toppings add color and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach salad, bacon dressing, toasted pecans, easy salad, comfort food, gluten-free, quick salad, potluck, family dinner

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/savory-spinach-salad-with-warm-bacon-dressing-easy-toasted-pecan-recipe/