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- 6 cups fresh baby spinach - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese The fresh ingredients are key to a tasty spinach salad. Start with six cups of fresh baby spinach. This is the heart of your dish. The spinach gives a crisp texture and vibrant color. Next, add half a cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. These add a sweet burst. A quarter cup of thinly sliced red onion brings in a nice bite and color contrast. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. You will need two tablespoons of olive oil. This oil gives a rich flavor. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for some tang. A tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds depth and a little kick. A tablespoon of honey gives a touch of sweetness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This will tie all the flavors together. For optional add-ins, consider a quarter cup of sliced almonds. Toasting them brings out a nutty flavor. You can also add half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. This adds creaminess and a salty note. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Delight Salad with Zesty Dressing. It’s simple and delicious! Start by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine: - 6 cups fresh baby spinach - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese This mix creates a vibrant base for your salad. The spinach adds a nice crunch, while the tomatoes give a sweet touch. The red onion adds a slight bite. Almonds give a nice crunch, and the feta adds creaminess. Now, let’s move on to the warm bacon dressing. First, cook about 4 slices of bacon in a pan over medium heat. For crispy bacon, cook until it is brown and crisp. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel to drain. In the same pan, keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Add: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together in the pan. The heat from the bacon fat will warm the dressing and blend the flavors nicely. Crumble the cooked bacon into the dressing for extra flavor. Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad base. Gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated with the warm dressing. This adds a lovely, rich flavor to the spinach salad. Serve immediately for the best taste. You can also let it sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. For a nice touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra feta and some toasted almond slices on top. This salad not only looks good but tastes amazing too! For the complete details of the recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make a great dressing, balance the flavors. Use equal parts sweet and tangy. The honey adds sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar brings tang. Mix these well with olive oil for a smooth blend. Taste the dressing before adding salt and pepper. This lets you adjust as needed. A pinch of salt brightens the flavors. If it tastes too sharp, add more honey. This helps create a richer taste. Remember, warm bacon dressing will change the flavor, so keep that in mind. Make your salad look inviting. Use a large, shallow bowl to serve. This lets the colors shine through. Garnish with extra feta and a few toasted almond slices on top. This adds texture and eye appeal. Drizzle a bit of extra dressing over the top for flair. Serve the salad right away for fresh crunch. This way, your guests will enjoy the best look and taste. You can save time by prepping ahead. Wash and dry the spinach a day before. Store it in a sealed bag with a paper towel. This keeps it fresh. Chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers. You can also prepare the dressing in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat the bacon and combine. This makes for quick assembly and a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change up this salad. For a nut-free option, swap sliced almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you want a creamier taste, use goat cheese instead of feta. You can also add crunchy veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. If you love fruits, try adding sliced strawberries or apples to give a sweet twist. The great thing about this salad is its flexibility. In spring, add fresh peas or radishes. Summer calls for ripe peaches or nectarines. In fall, you can mix in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Winter is perfect for using hearty greens, like kale or arugula. Just use what you find fresh at the market! While warm bacon dressing is a classic, you can try other dressings too. A honey mustard dressing adds a nice sweetness. A simple lemon vinaigrette can brighten the flavors. You can also make a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for a richer taste. Each dressing will bring its own vibe to the salad! For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Delight Salad with Zesty Dressing. To keep your spinach salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. Use airtight containers for the salad components. Place the baby spinach in one container. Put cherry tomatoes, red onion, almonds, and feta in their own containers. This method prevents sogginess and keeps flavors sharp. When stored correctly, the salad can last up to three days in the fridge. The spinach may wilt after a day, so eat it early. The dressing will stay fresh for about a week. Make sure to keep it in a sealed jar. Bacon is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, use a skillet. Heat it over low heat until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make bacon rubbery. If you have leftover dressing, warm it gently on the stove and drizzle it over the salad before serving. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Delight Salad with Zesty Dressing! You can use frozen spinach, but fresh is best. Frozen spinach often has more water. This can make your salad soggy. If you use frozen, thaw it first and squeeze out excess water. Then, chop it finely before adding it to your salad. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors. Yes, the dressing is great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Just give it a good shake before using it again. The flavors will meld nicely over time, making it even better. You have many options to pair with spinach salad. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. - A warm baked potato for extra carbs. - Quinoa or couscous for a healthy grain. - Fresh bread or rolls for a comforting side. These dishes will make your meal complete and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You now know how to create a fresh spinach salad. You need simple ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, and red onion. You can make a tasty warm dressing with bacon and mix it all together. Remember, you can customize this salad to fit your taste. Try different veggies or dressings to keep it fun. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, your salad will shine at any meal. Enjoy your healthy and delicious creation!

Classic Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Discover the refreshing Spinach Delight Salad with Zesty Dressing that will elevate your meal! Packed with fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy toasted almonds, this easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. The zesty dressing combines olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey for a burst of flavor. Ready to impress? Click through now for detailed instructions and presentation tips that make healthy eating delicious!
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Ingredients
  

6 cups fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will create a zesty dressing.

      Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

        Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

          Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large shallow bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of extra feta and a few toasted almond slices on top for an appealing look. You can also drizzle a little additional dressing over the top before serving for extra flavor.