There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm salad, and this Warm Bacon Spinach Salad is the king of comfort. It brings together crispy, salty bacon, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and a rich, warm bacon dressing that slightly wilts the fresh spinach. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a quick lunch or a decadent side dish that feels anything but rushed.
Ingredients
• 8 ounces / 225 grams fresh baby spinach
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
• 6 ounces / 170 grams bacon, chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup / 115 grams mayonnaise
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. While the bacon is cooking, place the rinsed spinach and thinly sliced red onion in a large salad bowl.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk the mayonnaise directly into the warm bacon fat until a smooth, creamy dressing forms. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour the warm dressing over the spinach and onions in the bowl. Add the sliced eggs and half of the crispy bacon, then toss gently to combine everything.
5. Garnish with the remaining bacon bits and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition
• Calories: 509 kcal
• Fat: 45.9g
• Protein: 19.75g
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, ensure your spinach is completely dry before tossing it with the dressing. A salad spinner works wonders for this.
• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar to the dressing to add a tangy counterpoint to the rich bacon fat and mayonnaise.
• For extra flavor and crunch, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled goat cheese, or toasted pecans.
• Serve this salad immediately. The warmth from the dressing is key to slightly wilting the spinach and melding all the flavors together.
FAQ
Q: How do you make the warm bacon dressing for this salad
A: To make the warm bacon dressing, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat. Whisk mayonnaise directly into the warm bacon fat in the skillet until a smooth, creamy dressing forms, then season with salt and pepper.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this warm spinach salad
A: Yes, you can easily customize this salad. For extra flavor and crunch, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled goat cheese, or toasted pecans. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar to the dressing for a tangy flavor.
Q: How long does this bacon spinach salad take to make
A: This salad is very quick to prepare and is ready in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a fast lunch or a simple side dish.
Q: What is the best way to prepare spinach for a warm salad
A: For the best texture, it’s crucial that your spinach is completely dry before you add the warm dressing. Using a salad spinner after rinsing the spinach is the most effective way to remove excess water and prevent a soggy salad.
