A savory and satisfying salad that can be a side dish or a light meal! Smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and a warm and tangy dressing- if it weren’t for the dark leafy spinach, you’d never think this was a salad. My warm bacon, pecan, and spinach salad is one of my favorites. It is a delicious side that compliments just about any main dish, but I also serve it when I feel like a light meal but still want something flavorful. This recipe calls for a bunch of spinach, but when tossed with the dressing, it wilts down, giving it a wonderful texture while soaking up all that flavor. It takes just minutes to make, but when served, you’ll want to sit back and enjoy this savory and satisfying salad.
Belle’s Warm Bacon, Pecan, and Spinach Salad
3 bacon strips
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 cups fresh baby spinach
1/3 cup pecans
In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon to paper towels and crumble. In the remaining bacon drippings, add the vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings. Heat through while stirring to blend. Transfer to a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and half the chopped pecans. Place the spinach in a large bowl; toss with warm dressing. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and pecans; serve immediately.
