Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

The best part about salads are the toppings and dressing, obviously this spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette has it all. This is the perfect salad for any occasion, the sweet and savory dressing is so delicious, and we leave no spinach leaf left undressed.

Sweet bacon vinaigrette

This sweet bacon vinaigrette really makes the salad. It could possibly be because we substitute a portion of the oil with bacon fat. For this reason, the dressing must be served warm. As you know bacon fat will solidify into a solid, so we want to warm up the vinaigrette before tossing it with fresh spinach. The warmed dressing will also slightly wilt the spinach making it even more tender. 

all about toppings

The toppings are where you can be creative. I added sliced shallots, walnuts, feta, fresh tomatoes, and bacon bits. You can use these ingredients or a combination of any toppings you like. A hardboiled egg would be great on the salad or dried cranberries. You can substitute your favorite soft cheese like goat cheese or blue cheese. Have fun with the topping and use whatever you have on hand. 

ingredients needed to make the spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette

For the Spinach Salad~

• Fresh Spinach

• Bacon 

• Feta Cheese 

• Tomatoes 

• Shallots 

• Walnuts 

For the Sweet Bacon Vinaigrette~

• Bacon Fat 

• Olive Oil 

• Lemon Juice  

• Honey

• Red Wine Vinegar

• Fresh or dried Thyme 

• Salt and Pepper 

how to make the spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette

STEP 1: Cook your bacon by your preferred method. You can bake the bacon on a foiled lined baking sheet at 400 Degrees for 18-20 minutes. Drain your bacon on a paper towel and reserve the bacon fat.

STEP 2: Prepare your veggies and nuts. Thinly slice the shallots and cut the tomatoes. Chop bacon into bits. Toast the walnuts if they are raw. 

STEP 3: Prepare the vinaigrette, add warmed bacon fat (you can warm it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds if your fat has solidified), lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, thyme, salt and pepper to a bowl or a mason jar with a lid. Stir and mix well. Add in the olive oil and mix well or shake the jar. 

STEP 4: Assemble your salad. Toss the fresh spinach with the dressing (add a little bit at a time, you can always add more) Add the bacon, shallots, tomato, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese to the salad and serve immediately. Enjoy!

notes for success

Feel free to use any salad toppings you like; this salad is very customizable. If you are using a soft green like arugula, or a spring mix, I would suggest letting the dressing cool slightly, before adding it to the lettuce to prevent wilting, spinach is very hardy and can withstand the warmed vinaigrette. 

Storage

I recommend storing the salad and dressing separately if possible. Since the dressing will solidify in the refrigerator. The vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed container or jar for up to 5 days. 

Here are more healthy dinner recipes~

• Shaved Miso Brussels Sprouts with Quinoa

• Honey Dijion Salmon

• Watermelon and Blueberry Feta Salad

If you make this Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and rating. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!