Spinach salad doesn’t have to be boring, and Alton Brown proves it with this one!
The warm bacon dressing is the real star—it clings to the spinach just right.
I always cook the bacon low and slow so the fat renders properly, which makes the dressing rich and balanced.
Hard-boiled eggs add a little heartiness, and the key to good ones is an ice bath right after boiling.
A handful of toasted nuts gives the final touch, adding just the right amount of crunch.
How to Make Alton Brown Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 8 cups Spinach (washed and dried)
- 4 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 large Eggs (hard-boiled and sliced)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 tbsp Bacon Grease
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Wash and dry 8 cups of spinach thoroughly, as any excess moisture can dilute the dressing.
Step 2:
Hard-boil 2 large eggs, peel, and slice them into quarters.
Step 3:
Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp. Crumble the bacon once cooled. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
Step 4:
Mix 4 tablespoons bacon grease, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 5:
In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach with sliced mushrooms and red onions, then add the eggs and crumbled bacon.
Step 6:
Pour the warm dressing over the salad, then add salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well coated.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Fresh Spinach
Using fresh spinach is crucial because it provides a crisp texture and fresh flavor that you just can’t get from wilted leaves.
Temperature of Dressing
The dressing should be warm, but not too hot. If it’s too hot, it could wilt the spinach more than desired.
Bacon Grease Substitution
If you’re short on bacon grease, olive oil can act as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Adjusting Vinegar
The amount of vinegar can be adjusted based on personal taste to make it either more tangy or less.
Slicing Tips
When slicing onions, aim for very thin cuts, as this helps them blend seamlessly with the salad’s texture.
What to Serve with Alton Brown Spinach Salad
Grilled Chicken
A great choice to pair with spinach salad is grilled chicken.
Marinate the chicken with a lemon herb or garlic soy sauce to add a flavorful twist.
The addition of grilled chicken provides a protein boost that is satisfying and compliments the salad’s fresh taste.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add warmth and color to your meal.
Try adding roasted carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes on the side.
These veggies not only complement the salad’s flavor but also bring a comforting earthy taste.
Crispy Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is ideal for adding texture to the meal.
The crunchiness complements the softness of the salad, while the garlic brings out more depth in flavors.
Serve it hot for a cozy pairing.
Asian-Style Pork Ribs
The sweet and tangy flavor from soy sauce and vinegar complements the salad exquisitely.
Enjoy the savory taste that harmonizes with the spinach.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf brings an earthy and nutty flavor to your plate.
This dish is a perfect side option, offering a contrast to the freshness of the salad.
Add some herbs to enhance the aroma and add another layer of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
You can switch up the greens by using arugula or kale if you want a change.
Different greens can add a new texture and flavor to your salad!
Replacing bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can keep it healthier or cater to dietary preferences.
You might also try using goat cheese or blue cheese instead of eggs for a different taste.
This can add a creamy component to match the tangy dressing.
Dressing Substitutions
Using honey can substitute for sugar in the dressing if you prefer a natural sweetener.
For a more robust flavor, try adding Dijon mustard in place of regular mustard.
Acidic elements can be altered by using balsamic vinegar instead of the standard vinegar.
Each variation brings a unique twist to the flavors present in the original recipe.
Additional Toppings
Including walnuts or almonds can provide extra crunch and nuttiness to your salad.
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and a tangy taste that complements the spinach.
These small tweaks allow you to tailor the salad to your taste while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.
How to Store Leftover Spinach Salad
Storing leftover spinach salad properly can help maintain its fresh, crisp texture and flavor.
First, you’ll want to store the salad and the dressing separately to prevent the leaves from becoming soggy.
Place the spinach salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it.
Paper Towels
Line the container with a paper towel before adding the spinach to absorb excess moisture.
Just replace the paper towel if it becomes too damp over time to keep the salad fresh for several days.
Dressing Storage
Keep the dressing in a small, tightly sealed container.
This strategy prevents the spinach from soaking up the dressing and losing its vibrant texture.
Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
Shelf Placement
Store your container on the higher shelves in the refrigerator instead of near the back or bottom to prevent freezing.
Storing the salad away from raw meats and other foods that may drip ensures there’s no cross-contamination.
You’re set to store leftovers with ease while keeping everything tasty!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dressing Too Early
Don’t add the dressing to the salad too far in advance, or you’ll end up with soggy spinach.
Dress only when you’re ready to serve, so you maintain a nice, crisp texture.
Wrong Spinach Choice
Always choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves over wilted or old ones.
The fresher the leaves, the better they will hold up with the warm bacon dressing.
Uneven Ingredients
Make sure to slice your mushrooms and onions evenly to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
Pay attention to egg pieces, too, so every bite includes a bit of each ingredient.
Alton Brown Spinach Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups Spinach washed and dried
- 4 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 large Eggs hard-boiled and sliced
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp Bacon Grease
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry 8 cups of spinach thoroughly, as any excess moisture can dilute the dressing.
- Hard-boil 2 large eggs, peel, and slice them into quarters.
- Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp. Crumble the bacon once cooled. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
- Mix 4 tablespoons bacon grease, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach with sliced mushrooms and red onions, then add the eggs and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the warm dressing over the salad, then add salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well coated.