Strawberry Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

(Sweet, Savory & Totally Addictive)

Fresh baby spinach tossed with juicy strawberries, crispy bacon, and a warm, tangy-sweet bacon dressing that slightly wilts the greens in the most magical way.

Ingredients

Salad

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or pecans (toasted)

Warm Bacon Dressing

• 3 Tbsp bacon drippings (from cooked bacon)
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1–2 Tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the Bacon

• Cook bacon until crispy.
• Transfer to paper towels and chop.
• Reserve 3 Tbsp bacon drippings in the pan.

Make the Dressing

• With the pan still warm (low heat), whisk in:
  • apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • honey
• Stir until smooth and slightly thickened (1–2 minutes).
• Season with salt & pepper.

👉 Keep warm, not boiling.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, add:
  • spinach
  • strawberries
  • red onion
  • cheese
  • nuts

Toss & Serve

• Pour the warm dressing over the salad just before serving.
• Toss gently so the spinach slightly wilts.
• Top with crispy bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while dressing is warm
• Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal
• Perfect side for spring cookouts or brunch

Wheels & Meals Signature Twists

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or sliced steak
• Extra Sweet: Toss in blueberries or mandarin oranges
• Crunch Upgrade: Use candied pecans
• Creamy Twist: Add avocado slices

RV-Friendly Notes

✔ Minimal cooking required
✔ Uses one pan (for bacon + dressing)
✔ Quick to assemble at camp
✔ Great for outdoor meals or potlucks

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~10g
• Carbs: ~18g
• Fat: ~22g