Wilted Spinach Perfection with a Bacon Twist

Imagine diving into this Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing—talk about a flavor-packed adventure! The spinach leaves are all like, "Hey, let's get cozy," as they wilt under the irresistible charm of crispy bacon. And that hot bacon dressing?

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It's the superhero of dressings, swooping in with a rich, smoky embrace that transforms your ordinary salad into a taste sensation. It's not your average greens situation; it's like a party for your palate. So, say hello to the salad that's anything but snooze-worthy—it's a sizzling affair that leaves you craving that perfect mix of crunch and comfort.

Now, let's talk about the bacon bits—those little nuggets of joy that turn this salad into a crunchy carnival.

Now, let's talk about the bacon bits—those little nuggets of joy that turn this salad into a crunchy carnival. They're like the rockstars of the dish, adding a pop of savory excitement with every bite. Seriously, who needs croutons when you've got these flavor bombs? As you take a forkful, you'll find yourself in a crispy, bacon-filled wonderland, and suddenly, other salads just won't cut it anymore. This Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing isn't just a salad; it's a taste revolution, a rebellion against bland and boring. So, join the bacon party and treat your taste buds to a fiesta they won't forget! 🎉🥓

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4

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• Now, let's talk about the bacon bits—those little nuggets of joy that turn this salad into a crunchy carnival.
• Ingredients needed to make Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
• How to make Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
• Variations on the Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
• Equipment used in making Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
• Storage for the Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
• Top tips to know when making Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
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• Pairing
• Wilted Spinach Perfection with a Bacon Twist

Ingredients needed to make Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Hot Bacon Dressing Ingredients:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1” pieces
½ c. red onion, diced small
¼ c. red wine vinegar
2 t. honey, preferably local
½ t. Dijon mustard
¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients:
4 c. baby spinach, rinsed and patted dry
8-10 large fresh strawberries, sliced
4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

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How to make Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

1. Add bacon to a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until crispy, approximately 10 minutes. Transfer cooked bacon with a slotted spatula to a plate lined with paper towels. Blot excess grease from bacon with a paper towel and set aside.
   
2. Carefully drain and discard all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet and return to heat. (Wipe any drips with a thick, damp cloth to prevent a flare-up if cooking over flame). Add the red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
   
3. Add red wine, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined and heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
   
4. Reduce heat to low and stir bacon and extra virgin olive oil into the skillet until combined. Continue simmering on low heat while preparing the salad.
   
5. Add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and goat cheese to a large mixing bowl. Pour hot bacon dressing on top and toss to combine. Transfer salad to a large serving platter or individual chilled plates and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Variations on the Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

1. Zesty Chicken Bacon Fiesta Salad: Toss in some grilled chicken strips for a protein-packed punch, and let the bacon and spinach join forces with a zesty lime dressing. It's a party on your plate!
2. Mango Tango Spinach Salad with Bacon Bliss: Add fresh mango chunks to your wilted spinach, and let the hot bacon dressing do its magic. Sweet, savory, and downright delicious!
3. Gourmet BLT Spinach Delight: Elevate the classic BLT by incorporating crispy bacon bits into your wilted spinach salad. Top it off with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing.
4. Balsamic Berry Bacon Bonanza: Swap out the hot bacon dressing for a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and toss in some fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. It's a delightful burst of sweetness.
5. Grilled Shrimp and Bacon Bash: Take your salad up a notch by adding grilled shrimp. The bacon and shrimp combo, paired with wilted spinach, creates a symphony of surf and turf goodness.
6. Mediterranean Wilted Spinach Extravaganza: Incorporate Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes into your spinach salad. The hot bacon dressing adds a smoky twist to this Mediterranean delight.
7. Avocado Lover's Wilted Spinach Fiesta: Creamy avocado slices join the party, complementing the bacon and spinach with their buttery texture. A squeeze of fresh lime adds that extra zing.
8. Crispy Goat Cheese and Walnut Wonderland: Crispy-coated goat cheese balls and toasted walnuts take center stage in this salad. The hot bacon dressing ties it all together, creating a crunchy, creamy masterpiece.
9. Caprese-inspired Spinach Delight: Combine the freshness of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil with the smokiness of bacon. Drizzle a balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired twist.
10. Southwest Chipotle Bacon Fiesta: Amp up the heat by incorporating chipotle peppers into your hot bacon dressing. Add black beans, corn, and diced red onions for a spicy Southwest kick.

These variations take the classic Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing to a whole new level, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation! 🌶️🥓🥗 #SpinachSaladMagic #BaconBonanza #FlavorfulTwists

Equipment used in making Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Large skillet
slotted spatula
large serving platter

Storage for the Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

While wilted spinach salads are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for a short period. To maintain the best texture and flavor, aim to consume the salad within 1 to 2 days of preparation.

The hot bacon dressing might cause the spinach to wilt further over time, and the overall texture of the salad may change. If you've added additional toppings such as crispy bacon bits, nuts, or cheese, their freshness and crunch may also diminish with extended storage.

For optimal taste and quality, consider storing the hot bacon dressing separately from the salad components. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the dressing slightly and toss it with the refrigerated spinach and toppings just before serving.

Always use a sealed container or an airtight bag to help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Before consuming, give the salad a quick toss to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Keep in mind that salads with creamy or mayonnaise-based dressings should be consumed within a shorter timeframe to prevent potential food safety issues.

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