Asparagus and Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Fresh asparagus gives this spinach salad a wonderful springtime twist. Toss everything with the warm bacon dressing just before serving and you'll have a side dish that's equally at home on a holiday table or next to a simple grilled dinner.
Servings: 3 -4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of Nitrate free bacon
- 12 medium sized asparagus spears
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 cup diced apple
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 oz crumbled goat cheese optional
Instructions
- Begin by cooking bacon over medium heat until nice and crispy (to your liking anywhere from 7-10 mins)
- Transfer bacon to plate to cool, drain approximately 3 tbsp bacon fat into a small saucepan. Do not clean the fat from the large pan!
- Add the asparagus to the warm pan and saute for 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place baby spinach onto a platter or bowl.
- Heat up the small saucepan with the bacon grease over med heat, add vinegar, Dijon, and honey. Whisk until smooth, and reduce heat but keep the dressing warm.
- Add asparagus to the spinach once it's finished cooking, then top with apple.
- Crumble bacon and goat cheese (if using), and add to salad.
- Top with pine nuts.
- Complete the salad by drizzling the warm dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*This salad does not keep well. It's best consumed immediately!*