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Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, Warm and Savory

Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Czarryy
A warm, savory salad that brings together tender spinach, sweet strawberries, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed with a bold bacon vinaigrette poured on hot to gently wilt the greens.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

Hot Bacon Dressing

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 4 cups baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
  • 8 to 10 large strawberries, sliced
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Bacon
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook, stirring often, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Dressing Base
    Carefully pour off all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. Return the pan to the heat and add the diced red onion. Cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Build the Dressing
    With ventilation on, add the red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir continuously and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well blended.
  • Finish the Dressing
    Lower the heat and stir in the olive oil and reserved bacon. Keep warm over low heat while assembling the salad.
  • Assemble the Salad
    Place the spinach, strawberries, and goat cheese in a large bowl. Pour the hot bacon dressing over the top and toss gently until the spinach just begins to wilt.
  • Serve Immediately
    Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates and enjoy while warm.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Turn on your cooktop fan before adding vinegar to reduce strong fumes.
  • Baby arugula or a spinach-arugula blend works well for a peppery twist.
  • Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or feta for a bolder flavor.
  • Add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Serve immediately, as the greens continue to soften once dressed.
Keyword hot bacon dressing, spinach strawberry salad, warm salad recipe, wilted spinach salad