Thursday, February 12, 2009

Spinach Salad with Bacon, Mushrooms, and Warm Shallot Vinaigrette

I really don't like to give recipes for salads because, really, all they consist of are a bunch of ingredients that you like thrown in a bowl together. But this dressing is REALLY good. It has the creamy texture from the mustard and the tang from the vinegar. I am not sure where I originally got it from, but I know that I have tweaked it according to our tastes. When I want to cheat with the bacon, I just buy a box of that already-cooked bacon; but of course the real stuff is better! Amounts of ingredients are flexible - add as much or as little of something as you like!


Spinach Salad with Bacon, Mushrooms, and Warm Shallot Vinaigrette
from Colleen's Kitchen
Makes about 8 servings

1 bag baby spinach, washed and dried
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
about 10 ounces bacon, cooked and chopped
1 medium shallot, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
2/3 cups good quality extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper

Combine spinach, bacon, and mushrooms in large salad bowl.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cooked until slightly tender, 3-5 minutes.

Combine mustard, vinegar, and shallots in small bowl. Slowly whisk in 2/3 cup olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Heat dressing in microwave 20-30 seconds. Either toss dressing with spinach mixture or serve dressing alongside.

9 comments:

What's Cookin Chicago said...

Looks delicious! I have the same dressing bottle/shaker too :)

BMK said...

I've been looking for a good homemade dressing recipe. This one looks perfect. I can't wait to try it!

Anonymous said...

YUM! I love a warm dressing on spinach salad. I haven't made one in ages--you've inspired me :) Your recipe looks delish!

Anonymous said...

This is actually my favorite kind of salad. I order it at the local tapas restaurant every time, even though I eat plenty of ther things while I'm there. :)

Anonymous said...

YUM! What an AWESOME flavor combo!!

Keri said...

That dressing has everything I love in dressings - sounds fabulous!

Melissa said...

Yum...I think I just might have to make that for lunch!

Melissa said...

Made this tonight and posted a review on my blog...thanks, Colleen! It was delish. :)

Anonymous said...

Yum! Bacon, Dijon and mushrooms, all of my favourite things, all tossed into a salad! Fabulous!
- Brittany