A warm spinach salad brings together fresh spinach leaves with savory and sweet ingredients that are gently wilted by a warm dressing, making for a comforting yet nutritious dish. Here’s a breakdown of a classic warm spinach salad recipe:
Ingredients
1. Fresh Spinach: The base of the salad; baby spinach works well for tenderness.
2. Bacon or Pancetta: Adds a salty, smoky flavor. You can use pancetta or even turkey bacon as alternatives.
3. Red Onion or Shallots: Thinly sliced to add mild sweetness and texture.
4. Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms are great for a bit of umami flavor.
5. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Adds protein and richness to the salad.
6. Swiss Cheese: Adds a mild flavor
7. Roasted Sliced Almonds
8. Warm Dressing: Often made with a mix of bacon drippings, vinegar (apple cider or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, and a touch of sweetener like honey or maple syrup. This dressing is poured over the spinach to slightly wilt it and blend all the flavors.
Instructions Overview
1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside, reserving some of the drippings.
2. Sauté the shallots: In the bacon drippings, briefly sauté onions until softened.
3. Prepare the Dressing: Mix vinegar, mustard, and sweetener into the warm skillet with the bacon drippings, creating a tangy dressing.
4. Combine and Serve: Place spinach in a large bowl, add the mushrooms, onions,
cheese, almonds and crumbled bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs, then pour the warm dressing over and toss gently to coat.
This salad can be a meal on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. The balance of warm and fresh ingredients, along with the tangy dressing, makes it a delicious choice for lunch or dinner.