My Favorite Spinach Salad Recipe
This delightful spinach salad is one that I hold dear, having been the catalyst that helped me discover my love for spinach. The combination of fresh spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, topped with a luscious dressing, makes it an irresistible dish. What really sets this salad apart is the dressing—it’s wonderful! I also enjoy drizzling it over a simple lettuce salad with dried cranberries, pecans, and crumbled bleu cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a light main or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress. It’s quick, easy, and filled with delicious flavors. It’s perfect for a healthy, light meal or as a refreshing complement to a more hearty dish.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Category: Spinach
Keywords: Greens, Vegetable, < 15 mins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach | 1 bunch |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 4-8 ounces |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Bacon (cooked and crumbled) | 5-6 slices |
| Wine vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Splenda sugar substitute | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 612.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 51.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 32.7 mg |
| Sodium | 742.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugars | 25.4 g |
| Protein | 9.2 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, croutons, and crumbled bacon. Toss them together gently to mix evenly.
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Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan, warm the wine vinegar slightly over low heat. Stir in the sugar and Splenda, allowing it to dissolve completely. (If you prefer a tangier dressing, feel free to reduce the sugar to about 2/3 cup. Be sure to warm the vinegar; this helps the sugar dissolve more easily.)
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Flavor the Dressing: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dressing cool to room temperature.
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Add Seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped onion, paprika, and salt to the cooled dressing. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
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Finish the Dressing: Gradually add the olive oil to the dressing, stirring continuously to blend everything smoothly. For the best results, transfer the dressing into a bottle and shake it well before using.
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Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the spinach salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the fresh, savory flavors that make this spinach salad a perfect addition to any meal!
This My Favorite Spinach Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a dinner party, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
