Wilted Spinach With Bacon

Wilted Spinach With Bacon

from thespruceeats.com
15 min
4 servings

The tangy, sweet-sour flavor of this wilted spinach salad recipe is a nice addition to holiday dinners, potlucks, and cookouts—and it’s quick to make.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spinach leaves
  • 1/4 red onion, or to taste
  • 4 strips bacon
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any large stems; spread the leaves out on paper towels to dry. Alternatively, dry the spinach with a salad spinner.

  2. 2

    Chop the onion finely—or slice it thinly—and set aside.

  3. 3

    Dice the bacon and transfer it to a skillet or medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp and browned. With a slotted spoon or spatula, remove the bacon to paper towels to drain.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the flour over the bacon drippings in the skillet; stir to blend well. Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  5. 5

    Add the sugar to the pan along with the vinegar and salt. Blend well and bring to a simmer. If the dressing mixture is too thick, add a bit of water to thin it. Taste the dressing and add pepper and more salt, if needed. Remove the dressing from the heat.

  6. 6

    Put the dried spinach in a large serving bowl, tearing large leaves into smaller pieces. Drizzle the warm dressing over the spinach, and toss gently to coat the leaves.

  7. 7

    Add the finely chopped onion to the spinach and toss gently.

  8. 8

    Sprinkle the bacon pieces over the spinach salad and serve immediately.