Warm Spinach Bacon Salad

 Here's how to make Warm Spinach Bacon Salad:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works well)

• 4-6 slices bacon

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or chopped

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup bacon drippings (reserved after cooking bacon)

• Optional: cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, croutons

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, drain it on paper towels, and crumble it once cooled.

• Reserve 1/4 cup of the bacon drippings in the skillet for the dressing.

2. Sauté the Onions (Optional):

• If you like your onions cooked, you can sauté them for a minute or two in the bacon drippings until soft.

3. Make the Warm Bacon Dressing:

• Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium-low heat. Add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

• Allow the mixture to heat through, but don't boil it. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• Place the fresh spinach in a large salad bowl.

• Add the sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and red onions. Also, add any optional ingredients like tomatoes or mushrooms.

5. Toss the Salad:

• Pour the warm bacon dressing over the spinach. Toss the salad gently until the spinach wilts slightly and everything is coated.

6. Serve:

• Serve immediately while warm, with croutons or extra toppings if desired.

This salad is hearty and delicious with a balance of smoky bacon, tangy vinegar, and fresh spinach. Enjoy!