Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing and mandarin oranges is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors.
Tender spinach leaves are paired with juicy mandarin oranges for a burst of refreshing sweetness.
The highlight of this salad is the warm bacon dressing, which brings a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the greens.
This salad is a wonderful blend of healthy ingredients and the indulgent taste of bacon, making it a satisfying and flavorful option for any meal & join us.
Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing and mandarin oranges:
1. Ingredients Overview
- Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves serve as the foundation of this salad, offering a tender texture and a mild, earthy taste. Packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, spinach is a nutrient-dense and flavorful choice.
- Mandarin Oranges: Mandarin oranges bring a burst of juicy sweetness that complements the savory flavors in the salad. They’re full of vitamin C and add a refreshing, tangy note to brighten the dish.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon gives a smoky, exquisite crunch, adding a striking flavor that upgrades the serving of mixed greens.. It brings a rich, indulgent element that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Warm Bacon Dressing: Made from rendered bacon fat, vinegar, a bit of sugar or honey, and Dijon mustard, this dressing is warm, tangy, and rich. It coats the spinach leaves, creating a flavorful glaze that ties everything together.
2. Dressing
The warm bacon dressing is what makes this salad truly flavorful. Made with the rendered fat from crispy bacon, it brings a smoky, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and sweet mandarin oranges.
Bacon Fat Base: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then remove the pieces and reserve the bacon fat in the pan. This flavorful fat serves as the base of the dressing, adding a smoky richness.
Vinegar: Add apple cider or red wine vinegar to the warm bacon fat. The acidity cuts through the richness and provides a tangy contrast to the other ingredients.
Sweetener: A bit of sugar or honey balances the tanginess and adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Mix in Dijon mustard for a hint of spice and depth of flavor. It also helps the dressing come together smoothly.
Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste, but use sparingly since the bacon is already salty.
Tips for the Perfect Dressing:
Serve Warm: Pour the dressing over the salad while it’s still warm to slightly wilt the spinach and enhance the flavors of the bacon and oranges.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of vinegar or sweetener to suit your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh bacon, good-quality vinegar, and Dijon mustard make a big difference in the taste.
Recipes:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh spinach, cleaned and dried
- 1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup ACV or red wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy.
- Remove the bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel to drain. Remain the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Make the Warm Bacon Dressing:
- With the skillet still on low heat, add the vinegar to the bacon fat and stir well.
- Whisk in the sugar (or honey) and Dijon mustard, stirring until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the bacon adds its own saltiness.
- Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dressing to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Collect fresh spinach.
- Add the mandarin orange segments and the crispy bacon pieces.
- Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad.
- Toss and Serve:
- Delicately prepare the serving of mixed greens to guarantee the spinach and different fixings are equitably covered with the dressing.
- Serve immediately while the dressing is warm and enjoy the rich, flavorful combination!
Store tips:
Keep Ingredients Separate: To maintain freshness, store the spinach, mandarin oranges, bacon, and dressing in separate containers. This will prevent the spinach from wilting and keep the ingredients from getting soggy.
Refrigerate Correctly: Place spinach in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture, keeping the leaves crisp.
Bacon: Store cooked bacon in a fixed compartment in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or microwave to restore its crisp texture.
Dressing: Transfer the warm bacon dressing to a small jar or container and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before using to regain the warm, rich flavor.
Assemble Just Before Serving: When ready to eat, join the fixings and pour the warmed dressing over the plate of mixed greens.
Spinach: Best when used within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Bacon: Can be put away in the cooler for up to 3-4 days.
Dressing: Will keep in the fridge for as long as seven days. Be sure to reheat before serving.
Variations:
This salad is incredibly adaptable, and you can switch up the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few scrumptious varieties to consider:
1. Add Protein
Grilled Chicken: Include sliced grilled or roasted chicken to make the salad more hearty and filling.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Add sliced hard-boiled eggs for an extra dose of protein and a creamy texture.
Shrimp: Sautéed or grilled shrimp brings a delightful seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the citrus and smoky bacon.
2. Switch Up the Nuts
Pecans: Use toasted pecans for a sweet, buttery crunch that enhances the flavors of the warm bacon dressing.
Almonds: Add sliced or slivered almonds for a light, crunchy texture that complements the salad well.
Stats:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 6-8 grams
- Fat: 18-22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12-16 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugar: 6-8 grams
- Vitamin A: 70-80% DV
- Vitamin C: 50-60% DV
- Calcium: 8-10% DV
- Iron: 10-12% DV
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
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FAQs | Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing And Mandarin Oranges
Q. Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Indeed, you can make the dressing early and store it in the cooler. Simply warm it tenderly on the oven prior to serving.
Q. What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
You can replace mandarin oranges with grapefruit, fresh orange slices, or even strawberries for a different flavor.
Q. Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use a plant-based dressing, or add roasted nuts for a savory and crunchy alternative.
Q. How long will the salad stay fresh?
The salad is best when enjoyed right after adding the warm dressing. To keep it fresh, store the ingredients separately for up to 3 days and combine them just before serving.
