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Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, goat cheese, and strawberries
Greta

Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, Strawberries & Goat Cheese

This wilted spinach salad with hot bacon dressing is aspring showstopper. Fresh strawberries, creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and a warm tangy dressing that brings it all together in minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Salad

Ingredients
  

For the hot bacon dressing:
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon cut into 1″ pieces
  • ½ cup red onion diced small
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey preferably local
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the salad:
  • 4 cups baby spinach rinsed and patted dry
  • 8-10 large fresh strawberries sliced
  • 4 oz. goat cheese crumbled
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Turn on your ventilation fan before you start. You’ll thank yourself when you add the vinegar.
  2. Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until crispy, approximately 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spatula and blot off excess grease. Set aside.
  3. Carefully drain and discard all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet. If cooking over a flame, wipe any drips with a thick damp cloth to prevent flare-ups. Return skillet to heat.
  4. Add the diced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  5. Add the red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined and heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir the cooked bacon and olive oil into the skillet until combined. Keep warm on low heat while you prepare the salad.
  7. Add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled goat cheese to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot bacon dressing over the top and toss to combine.
  8. Transfer to a large serving platter or individual chilled plates and serve immediately.