Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 bag (10 oz) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup (1 oz) dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (1 oz) sliced almonds

Hot Bacon Dressing:

• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• Easy (Level 1)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, red onion, walnuts, blue cheese, cranberries, and almonds.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the red wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Pour the hot bacon dressing over the spinach salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits over the salad and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and sweet
• Crunchy and creamy
• Perfect for a light lunch or dinner

User Comments:

• "This salad is amazing! The hot bacon dressing is the perfect complement to the crisp spinach and crunchy walnuts." - Sarah M.
• "I love how easy this salad is to make. It's a delicious and healthy meal that I can put together in no time." - John D.
• "This salad is a crowd-pleaser. I've served it at several parties and it's always a hit." - Mary S.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• For a gluten-free salad, use gluten-free bacon and crumbled blue cheese.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, use less bacon in the dressing.
• Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.