Embark on a culinary journey with the rich and comforting flavors of Wilted Spinach Salad, a classic dish that transforms fresh spinach into a warm and savory delight. This recipe marries the earthy tones of spinach with a warm bacon dressing, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.
1. Fresh Spinach Base:
Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach leaves. These vibrant, nutrient-packed greens serve as the foundation for the Wilted Spinach Salad. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly washed and pat-dried, ready to absorb the warm flavors of the dressing.
2. Crispy Bacon Infusion:
Elevate the salad with the savory essence of crispy bacon. Fry bacon until golden and fragrant, then crumble it over the spinach. The rendered bacon fat becomes a crucial component of the dressing, infusing the salad with smoky richness.
3. Warm Bacon Dressing Magic:
Craft a warm bacon dressing by combining the rendered bacon fat with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sugar. This decadent dressing is the secret behind the wilted effect, as it gently wilts the spinach leaves while imparting a luscious, savory flavor.
4. Sautéed Red Onion Delight:
Enhance the Wilted Spinach Salad with sautéed red onions. The natural sweetness of red onions intensifies when sautéed, adding a layer of complexity to the salad. These softened onions mingle seamlessly with the warm spinach and bacon dressing.
5. Hard-Boiled Egg Creaminess:
Introduce creaminess with the addition of hard-boiled eggs. Slice or chop the eggs and scatter them over the wilted spinach, providing a protein-rich and velvety texture. The eggs contribute both substance and a delightful contrast to the warm elements.
6. Customize with Mushrooms (Optional):
For an extra earthy dimension, consider adding sautéed mushrooms. These umami-packed fungi bring depth to the Wilted Spinach Salad, complementing the spinach and bacon dressing. Customize the quantity based on your taste preferences.
7. Garnish with Croutons (Optional):
Add a crunchy element by garnishing the salad with homemade or store-bought croutons. These golden nuggets provide a satisfying contrast to the wilted spinach, creating a dynamic interplay of textures in every bite.
8. Serve Immediately for Optimal Enjoyment: Wilted Spinach Salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. The warm bacon dressing works its magic on the spinach, creating a comforting medley of flavors. Serve this salad as a side dish or a light main course for a cozy and satisfying dining experience.
In conclusion, Wilted Spinach Salad is a celebration of simplicity and warmth, transforming fresh spinach into a comforting dish that resonates with both classic appeal and culinary elegance. The interplay of warm bacon dressing, crispy bacon, sautéed red onions, and optional additions creates a symphony of flavors that makes this salad a timeless favorite.
Wilted Spinach Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Wilted Spinach Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients For Wilted Spinach Salad Recipes
6 eggs
1 pound bacon
2 bunches fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 eggs
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup red wine vinegar
Instructions: Wilted Spinach Salad Recipes
Step 1: Place 6 eggs in a medium saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Bring water to a boil, and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop.
Step 2: Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and green onions.
Step 4: Heat the reserved drippings over low heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 remaining eggs, sugar, white vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Add to warm grease, and whisk for about a minute, until thickened. Pour at once over spinach, add crumbled bacon, and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped egg.
Delicious!!! Used apple cider vinegar for white as that was what I had. Will definitely make again.
This is really easy and actually preps fast
awesome! easy too!
We liked it, but would prefer that the dressing be less sweet. I'm Keto so I substituted 1 Tablespoon Splenda Brown Sugar Blend for the white sugar and added mushrooms but did everything else the same. Will absolutely make again!!
This recipe is one on my 17 year old's favorite salad recipes. I just cooked a special dinner for him scoring well on his ACT and this was one of the recipes he requested.
didnt have red wine vinegar. used a smaller amount of apple cider vinegar. Turned out great. Would make it again
I took Diane Moore's suggestion on this and it came out fantastically, and FAR less fattening:Great recipe but replace the bacon drippings with warmed olive oil and the vinegar with balsamic vinegar, cut the sugar to two tablespoons and add freshly crushed garlic. Proceed with the directions. You wont have a heavy greasy taste with the olive oil and it will be much healthier!
AAAAAAmazing. Hubby and I both loved it and would make again.
Made this but changed the drippings to olive oil and cut back on the bacon. I also used sliced sweet onion in place of green onions and cut back on the sugar slightly.
✅Q: Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach in the Wilted Spinach Salad?
Absolutely! Baby spinach works well, offering a tender texture. Adjust the quantity to your preference, keeping in mind that baby spinach tends to wilt faster.
✅Q: Is there a substitute for bacon in the Wilted Spinach Salad for a vegetarian option?
Certainly! Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian twist. These alternatives provide a smoky flavor without compromising the essence of the salad.
✅Q: Can I make the Wilted Spinach Salad dressing in advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the dressing and drizzle it over the spinach to achieve the desired wilted effect.
✅Q: How can I make the Wilted Spinach Salad more filling for a main course?
Consider adding protein-rich elements like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions not only enhance the salad's nutritional value but also transform it into a hearty main course.
✅Q: Is there a recommended alternative to red wine vinegar in the Wilted Spinach Salad dressing?
Certainly! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be excellent substitutes. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference to maintain the desired balance of acidity.
✅Q: Can I prepare the Wilted Spinach Salad without sautéing the red onions?
While sautéed red onions add a delightful sweetness, you can opt to use raw red onions for a sharper flavor. Slice them thinly to ensure they complement the salad without overpowering.
✅Q: What's the ideal way to store leftover Wilted Spinach Salad?
For optimal freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the spinach and enjoy within 1-2 days.
✅Q: Can I serve the Wilted Spinach Salad at room temperature?
While traditionally served warm, you can enjoy Wilted Spinach Salad at room temperature. Allow it to sit for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld. Warm or at room temperature, it's delicious!
