Can I make the warm bacon dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bacon dressing up to 5 days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave before using. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making your salad even better.

What’s the best type of bacon for this salad?

Thick-cut bacon works best because it stays crispy even after mixing with the warm dressing. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter version or plant-based bacon alternatives for a vegetarian option.

Can I serve this spinach salad cold?

You can, but the magic of this recipe comes from the warm bacon vinaigrette slightly wilting the spinach. If you prefer a cold version, simply let the dressing cool completely before tossing it with the greens.

What can I serve with this salad to make it a full meal?

Pair it with a light protein side or healthy carb for balance grilled chicken, salmon, or my Simple Cottage Cheese Flatbread (Air Fryer) make perfect companions. It’s also great alongside soups or grain bowls for a satisfying lunch.

How do I make soft-boiled eggs perfectly every time?

Bring water to a gentle boil, lower the eggs in carefully, and cook for exactly seven minutes. Transfer immediately to ice water for two minutes before peeling. This gives you creamy, jammy yolks ideal for topping your warm spinach salad.

15-Minute Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

15-Minute Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing | Simple & Delicious

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This 15-minute Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing blends smoky, savory, and tangy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp bacon, soft-boiled eggs, tender spinach, and earthy mushrooms come together under a silky, warm bacon vinaigrette. It’s a simple, high-protein recipe that proves healthy meals can be both fast and irresistibly satisfying.

Author: Sophie Bennett - Top Choice Recipes
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Salad, High-Protein Meal
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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For the Salad:

6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Warm Bacon Dressing:

2 tbsp reserved bacon fat
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
Add chopped bacon to a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Crispy bacon pieces sizzling in a skillet for warm bacon dressing.
Make the Dressing:
To the warm bacon fat, whisk in Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, and red onion.
Fresh spinach salad ingredients with a bowl of warm bacon dressing.
Add the Warm Dressing:
Pour the warm bacon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently until the spinach begins to soften slightly.
Finish and Serve:
Top with soft-boiled egg halves and crispy bacon pieces. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For softer spinach, add the dressing while hot; for a crisper salad, let it cool for one minute before tossing.
Substitute turkey bacon or vegan bacon for a lighter or plant-based twist.
Leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated before use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 365 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 225 mg

Find it online: https://www.topchoicerecipes.com/spinach-salad-with-warm-bacon-dressing/