Get ready to transform your ordinary salad routine into a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more! This Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas is not just another green dish – it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will revolutionize your idea of healthy eating. Imagine crispy, paprika-spiced chickpeas, golden bacon bits, and a tantalizing hot dressing that turns a simple spinach base into a gourmet experience you won't be able to resist.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will prepare the oven for roasting the chickpeas.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the chickpeas are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the hot bacon dressing. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled bacon until it is crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large serving bowl, place the fresh spinach. Once the chickpeas are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Top the spinach with the roasted chickpeas and the crispy bacon. Drizzle the hot bacon dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the spinach is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately while the chickpeas are still warm and crispy, and enjoy your Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas!
Tips
- Chickpea Crispiness Secret: Pat your chickpeas completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crunchiness. The drier they are, the crispier they'll roast!
- Bacon Fat Magic: Don't drain all the bacon fat – it's the secret weapon that gives your dressing an incredible depth of flavor.
- Serving Timing is Crucial: Serve this salad immediately after dressing to maintain the perfect balance of warm chickpeas and crisp spinach leaves.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add extra protein like grilled chicken or swap bacon for a vegetarian alternative like crispy tempeh.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Roast chickpeas and cook bacon in advance to cut down on day-of preparation time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
