Spinach Salad with Bacon | Crisp, Savory & Flavorful
1. Introduction
Spinach Salad with Bacon is a classic salad that balances savory, crisp, and fresh flavors perfectly. The earthy sweetness of fresh spinach combines with the smoky crunch of bacon, complemented by fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleaser and versatile enough for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or lunch.
This recipe focuses on classic ingredients, making it approachable yet full of flavor. The warm bacon vinaigrette slightly wilts the spinach for a luxurious texture while retaining freshness. By the end of this recipe, you’ll know how to create a vibrant, well-balanced salad that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Fresh Spinach
Use baby spinach or fresh young leaves for a tender, crisp base.
Bacon
Crispy, smoky bacon adds flavor and texture. Thick-cut or regular bacon works.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp contrast to the spinach and bacon.
Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet cherry or grape tomatoes add juiciness and balance.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Optional but classic in spinach salads; they add protein and creaminess.
Vinaigrette
A warm bacon vinaigrette made with rendered bacon fat, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sugar enhances the salad’s flavor.
Substitutions
- Bacon → Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon
- Cherry tomatoes → Diced Roma tomatoes
- Red onion → Green onions or shallots
- Spinach → Baby kale or mixed greens
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2–3 tbsp of bacon fat for the dressing. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Eggs
Hard-boil eggs for 9–10 minutes, then cool in ice water. Peel and quarter.
3. Slice Vegetables
Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice red onions.
4. Make Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
In the reserved bacon fat, whisk in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat gently for 1–2 minutes.
5. Assemble the Salad
Place fresh spinach in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, onions, chopped bacon, and eggs.
6. Dress the Salad
Pour the warm bacon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. The warm dressing slightly wilts the spinach for a tender, flavorful texture.
7. Serve
Plate immediately while the bacon dressing is still warm for best flavor.
4. Tips and Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Swap hard-boiled eggs with sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Add crumbled blue cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
- Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
5. Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread or baguette slices
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Cracked black pepper
- Extra bacon crumbles
Drink Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Light beer or pale ale
- Iced tea or sparkling water
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Do not store dressed salad; spinach will wilt.
- Store bacon separately for up to 3 days.
- Hard-boiled eggs can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.
- Assemble salad just before serving for best texture.
7. Recipe Notes
- Use fresh, tender spinach for best results.
- Warm bacon vinaigrette slightly wilts the leaves while keeping them crisp.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to balance acidity.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 2–3 tbsp bacon fat
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp; reserve 2–3 tbsp fat and chop bacon.
- Hard-boil eggs, peel, and quarter.
- Slice tomatoes and onions.
- Make warm vinaigrette by whisking vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper into bacon fat.
- Toss spinach, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and eggs with dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Assemble just before serving.
- Optional: add nuts, avocado, or cheese for variety.
Diet Tags
- Gluten-free
- Low-carb
- Keto-friendly (without sugar in dressing)
- Protein-rich
Health Benefits
- Spinach is nutrient-dense and high in iron and vitamins.
- Bacon provides protein and flavor (use sparingly for health-conscious diets).
- Eggs add protein and healthy fats.
- Walnuts or nuts (optional) offer heart-healthy omega-3s.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prep the bacon, eggs, and vegetables, but toss with dressing just before serving.
2. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well and reduces fat content.
3. Can I skip the eggs?
Yes, the salad is still flavorful and delicious without eggs.
4. Can I use pre-washed spinach?
Yes, but pat dry to remove excess water so dressing adheres properly.
5. Can I store leftovers?
Store undressed components separately for up to 3 days. Do not store mixed salad.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Salad with Bacon is a classic that never disappoints. The combination of fresh greens, smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and optional add-ins creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Assemble it fresh, serve immediately, and enjoy a crisp, satisfying salad every time.