Spinach Salad

Just for you, I’m sharing another of “I begged for” recipes: Superb Spinach Salad! This salad is ever-so simple, fresh, and delightfully delicious. It’s just amazing and features mouthwatering toppings of crunchy bacon, crispy water chestnuts, tender hard-boiled eggs, and a bright, sweet, and tangy dressing that you’ll want to slurp from a straw if you could!

Whether it’s spring, as it is now while I write this post, or it’s winter (when I first tasted this spinach salad at a Christmas party in Los Angeles), this salad is a great addition for a side dish at any meal, alone for a light lunch, or for a party. It’s simple and can be made ahead.

And believe me, this version of the plethora of recipes for spinach salad is THE ONE that really works. I know that, like me, you’re really going to go nuts over it!

 

Andiamo a cucina! Let’s get to the kitchen!

For this Spinach Salad, gather up the following ingredients:

 

Spinach Salad Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy spinach salad recipe:

  • Fresh spinach – Absolutely! Use tender baby spinach for this salad so that your guests don’t have to cut up their salad to manage larger spinach leaves. I use the bags of spinach that have been pre-washed with stems removed. It makes life so much easier.
  • Thick-cut bacon – Buy the best thick bacon that you can find and afford. It makes such a difference! Look for bacon that is mostly ‘red’ and has very little ‘white’ fat. Start with frying (or cooking in a microwave oven) 8 strips . . . but prepare more if you prefer.
  • Water chestnuts – Very mild, but give a lovely crunch against the soft spinach leaves. They absorb the tangy dressing nicely too.
  • Hard-boiled eggs – A must in any salad that I prepare. My husband is ever so grateful whenever I add these to our salads.
  • Onion – You need an onion (grated) to make the tangy dressing. If you like, you can also slice up some pretty red onion to add to the salad.
  • Ketchup – I know what you’re thinking! But this is absolutely necessary for the crazy-delicious dressing.
  • Vinegar and Oil – Use apple cider vinegar and any good vegetable/canola oil. Bit are needed for the base of the salad’s dressing
  • Sugar – No, this is not a KETO recipe! Sugar is mandatory for the dressing’s complex flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

You’ll find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Bella’s Tip:

Make the dressing ahead of time for a faster way to assemble and serve the Spinach Salad. Whether you store it in a jar with a lid, or a covered plastic container, the dressing will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Here’s one of my latest videos for this Spinach Salad:

Variations:

Just like any salad, this spinach salad is very flexible. You can change it up any way that you like, and I recommend that you always do that. Here are several ways that you can create a spinach salad:

  • Add nuts. Sweet praline pecans or plain slivered almonds are fantastic in this (or any other) salad. Walnuts, pecans, and even cashews are delicious to add.
  • Add fruit. Toss in some dried cranberries, dried cherries, fresh pears, and apples to add another layer of flavor. Use whatever is in season and fresh. When strawberries are in season, spinach salad is always more special with these red gems!
  • Change the dressing.  Spinach goes so well with balsamic vinaigrette. Another delicious way to dress this salad is with a raspberry and balsamic vinaigrette. There are several good brands that you can easily find in your local store or online. Many people enjoy poppy seed dressing with spinach.

What to Serve with Spinach Salad

Once again, this Spinach Salad works for many situations since it’s so versatile. I first tasted it at a huge Christmas party at a friend’s home in Los Angeles. Besides being perfect for entertaining, I also make it for special holiday dinners, especially Easter, for quiet weekend dinners with my husband, and even for just myself for a delicious lunch salad. It pairs nicely with many entrees, including any of the following:

Perfect Prime Rib with Au Jus

Savory Pork Chops in Garlic Butter Sauce

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Delicate and Delicious Thai Salmon

Grilled Ginger & Garlic Turkey Breasts (State Fair Blue Ribbon Winner)

Pan-Seared Steaks

Perfect Blackened Redfish

If you love Spinach salad, try one of these fresh salad recipes:

Spring Pea and Asparagus Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Asian Chopped Salad

Classic Greek Salad

Roasted Beet Balsamic Salad

Or any of these 70 Best Salad Recipes!

Buon Appetito!

Print
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Spinach Salad

The Ultimate Spinach Salad

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  • Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salad:

  • 1– 2 bags of fresh baby spinach, cleaned and stems removed
  • 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut up into small pieces
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
  • 1 small can of sliced water chestnuts, drained

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2/3 cup sugar

Instructions

Make the Dressing:

  1. Add the oil and vinegar to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  2. Add grated onion.
  3. Add sugar.
  4. Add ketchup.
  5. Using an immersion blender, blend for a minute or less until well combined.

Make the Spinach Salad:

  1. Place spinach in a large serving platter.
  2. Add the water chestnuts.
  3. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces all over.
  4. Do NOT add the eggs at this time.
  5. Add salad dressing only to the point of lightly coating the spinach.
  6. Give the salad a toss,
  7. NOW add Half of the chopped eggs.
  8. Gently toss one more time,
  9. Serve immediately.

Buon Appetito!

Roz xo

Notes

  • This salad can be made ahead in 3 separate parts (to prevent the spinach leaves from wilting):
  • Make the dressing and set aside in a jar with a lid or plastic container with a lid.
  • Toss the salad but without the eggs.
  • Put the diced eggs in a small container with a lid.
  • Refrigerate everything.

At the time of serving:

  • First, add the dressing to the salad WITHOUT any eggs added yet.
  • Toss to coat the dressing on all of the spinach, water chestnuts, and bacon.
  • Then add half of the eggs, and
  • Gently stir. 
  • Then add the second half of the eggs and
  • Gently stir once more.

See the video to better understand how to prepare this yummy spinach salad recipe!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment and send me a photo to share here on the blog!

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