Wilted Spinach Salad
Wilted Spinach Salad is a warm salad featuring fresh spinach leaves that have been gently softened by a hot dressing, typically a bacon vinaigrette. The classic version combines the earthy greens with crispy bacon, sliced red onion, and a tangy dressing made from bacon fat, vinegar, and often a touch of sugar. It is a traditional American dish, particularly popular in the Southern United States and Midwest.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally low in carbohydrates and moderate in fat, primarily from the bacon and dressing, with a good amount of protein from the bacon. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate, with a typical serving ranging from 150 to 250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin K | 300 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 5600 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Folate | 120 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The technique of 'wilting' the spinach with a hot dressing is a unique culinary method that slightly cooks the greens without making them mushy, preserving a tender-crisp texture. Nutritionally, the heat from the dressing can help make some of the iron in the spinach more bioavailable, while the fat in the dressing aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A and K.
