Spinach Salad with Warm Balsamic Dressing
Servings
8
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
20
minutesThis classic springtime salad is one of our favorites. We changed the traditional bacon dressing to be a bit healthier but still as tasty!
Ingredients
- For the Salad
7-8 slices of bacon
12 ounces of baby spinach
8 ounces of fresh button mushrooms, sliced thin
1 cup of grape tomatoes, sliced
4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
4-6 ounces of cheese of your choice, diced or matchstick cut ( we used Wegman’s apple smoked cheddar cheese)*
1/2 cup of toasted pecan pieces
- For the Dressing
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup of honey
2 tsp. of dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. of maple syrup
1 clove of minced garlic
1/2 tsp. of kosher salt
1/4 tsp. of fresh cracked pepper
1/4 cup of olive oil
Directions
- For the Salad
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place bacon on top and cook for 10-12 minutes or until crisp. Move bacon to paper towels. When cooked break into small pieces.
- In a large bowl add spinach, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs, onions, cheese and pecans.
- Drizzle with warm balsamic dressing and toss to coat.
- For the Dressing
- In a small saucepan on low heat, add balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt and pepper. SLowly whisk in olive oil. Cook for a couple of minutes until warm.
Tips and nutritional value
- 1. * Blue cheese or goat cheese would also be a great choice.
- 2. We know spinach makes you strong! But it is also a super food rich in vitamin C,K, folic acid, iron and calcium. Spinach also contains high amounts of nitrates which decrease your risk of heart disease. (source: healthline and Joy Bauer)
- 3. Mushrooms actually have amazing health benefits. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, riboflavin (red blood cells) and niacin ( digestive system.) They are also a great source if an antioxidant called selenium which helps prevent inflammation.(source: healthline and Joy Bauer)
