Spinach Salad with Honey Bacon Dressing

Spinach Salad with Honey Bacon Dressing

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

6 oz. - fresh spinach leaves

5 slices - bacon, about 4 oz.

1/4 cup - red wine vinegar

3 T - honey

cherry tomatoes, for topping

red onions, for topping

mushrooms, sliced, for topping

DIRECTIONS

Wash and dry spinach thoroughly. Place in a large bowl.

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet on each side until crisp. Place bacon on paper towels and remove skillet from heat. Pour bacon fat into a heatproof cup and measure 2 T back into the skillet. Let bacon cool, then crumble into 1/2-inch pieces.

In a small bowl, mix honey and vinegar.

Heat the 2 T of bacon fat in the skillet over medium-high heat and carefully add honey-vinegar mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add salt to taste. Remove from heat and cool 2 minutes.

Pour dressing over spinach and toss well. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Add bacon pieces to spinach and mix. Serve immediately.

Optional Toppings: cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions