Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing is a classic American salad featuring fresh spinach leaves that are gently softened by a warm, savory dressing made from rendered bacon fat, vinegar, and often a touch of sugar or mustard. It typically includes crispy bacon pieces, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes mushrooms or red onion, creating a rich contrast of textures and flavors. This dish is a staple of traditional American cuisine, particularly popular in the Midwest and South.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This salad is relatively high in fat and protein due to the bacon and eggs, while being low in carbohydrates, making it a hearty option. It provides key nutrients like iron, vitamin K, and vitamin A from the spinach, along with protein and B vitamins from the bacon and eggs. A typical serving ranges from 300 to 450 calories, depending on the amount of dressing and bacon used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 350 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Vitamin K | 250 mcg |
| Folate | 120 mcg DFE |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 110 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes this salad unique is the technique of wilting the spinach with the hot dressing, which enhances its flavor and texture without fully cooking it, a method that balances freshness with warmth. Culturally, it reflects a resourceful approach to using bacon drippings, a common practice in American home cooking to add depth and richness to simple dishes.
