Warm Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing

This warm spinach salad is a game-changer for those who think salads are only for warm weather.

The smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and tanginess of feta cheese, all on a bed of fresh baby spinach.

It’s a match made in heaven!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh baby spinach leaves
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the bacon dressing.

Crumble the cooked bacon into the bowl and whisk until well combined.

Pour the bacon dressing over the spinach mixture and toss to coat.

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and toss again to combine.

Serve warm and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use just 6 slices of bacon, no need to go overboard, we want a nice balance of flavors in this salad.

For the red onion, the thinner you slice it, the better it will distribute its flavor throughout the salad, so take your time with it.

Don’t overdress the spinach, you want it to still have a nice texture, not be swimming in dressing.

I like my cherry tomatoes halved, but if you prefer them quartered, go for it, it’s all about personal preference.

Feta cheese is the perfect addition to this salad, don’t skip it, it adds a nice salty flavor.

Make sure to drain the bacon properly, you don’t want extra grease in your salad.

You can make the bacon dressing ahead of time, just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This salad is perfect for a crowd, it serves 8, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on the number of guests you’re serving.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 342
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 15g