Wilted Spinach With Bacon

Wilted Spinach With Bacon

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.

Wilted Spinach With Bacon

Wilted Spinach With Bacon

15 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Elevate your next meal with a side dish that's both comforting and vibrant: our Wilted Spinach With Bacon. This quick-to-make recipe brings a delightful sweet-sour tang, making it a standout addition to any gathering.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in its warm, tangy dressing. It gently wilts the fresh spinach while infusing it with irresistible savory bacon notes and a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The careful combination of ingredients transforms simple greens into a truly memorable accompaniment.

What to Expect

You'll discover a harmonious blend of textures in this wilted spinach dish: tender, vibrant spinach yielding to the crisp crunch of savory bacon, complemented by a delicate bite from fresh red onion. Each forkful delivers a bright, assertive flavor, thanks to the red wine or apple cider vinegar, beautifully mellowed by a touch of granulated sugar and the richness from the bacon. This side is surprisingly light yet incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal counterpoint to heartier main courses.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the amount of red onion to your liking, from a subtle hint to a more pronounced bite. For a slightly different flavor profile in the dressing, you can readily choose between red wine vinegar for a bolder taste or apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang, depending on what you have on hand or prefer. While bacon is central, a vegetarian version could use smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke in the dressing.

Serving & Context

This versatile side dish is a welcome addition to holiday dinners, potlucks, and casual cookouts. It beautifully complements everything from roasted meats to grilled chicken or fish. Serve it warm to fully experience the depth of its sweet and savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions