Get ready to revolutionize your salad game with a mouthwatering combination that defies ordinary greens! This Spinach Bacon Strawberry Salad is not just a dish, it's a culinary adventure that brings together the crispy perfection of bacon, the fresh burst of strawberries, and the rich, earthy spinach in one incredible creation. Imagine a salad so delicious, it'll make you forget you're eating something healthy – this is gourmet dining meets nutritional powerhouse!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Allow it to cool slightly before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
- While the bacon is cooking, wash the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green tops and slice the strawberries into thin rounds. Set aside.
- Next, take the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes, then drain before adding them to the salad.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. The feta adds a creamy texture and salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with half of the vinaigrette, and toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. You can add more dressing to taste, depending on your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, serve the salad immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Tips
- Bacon Crispiness is Key: Cook your bacon until it's perfectly crisp but not burnt. Let it cool slightly before crumbling to ensure the best texture.
- Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum flavor. If they're slightly firm, they'll hold their shape better in the salad.
- Onion Hack: To reduce the sharp bite of raw red onion, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding to the salad.
- Dressing Technique: Add the balsamic vinaigrette gradually and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is perfectly coated without becoming soggy.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The crisp spinach and crunchy bacon will lose their texture if left to sit too long.
- Optional Variations: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch, or swap feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
