Our Easy Copycat Panera Spinach and Bacon Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing brings the flavors of a classic restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy parents seeking a quick, healthy meal. Learn how to make this salad that's sure to become a staple in your home.
A warm bacon and spinach salad is a delicious blend of fresh spinach, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and red onion, all tossed in a warm, savory bacon dressing. This salad is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and fresh spinach is simply irresistible.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and protein, this salad is a great option for a nutritious meal.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this salad comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite ingredients and variations.
If you like this salad recipe, you may also love our Healthy Cobb Salad Recipe for Meal Prep or our Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Spinach: Fresh and washed, providing a nutrient-rich base.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled and sliced, adding protein and richness.
- Bacon: Crispy and savory, offering a delicious crunch.
- Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, tangy bite.
- Pine Nuts: Toasted for a nutty flavor and added texture.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Dressing
- Warm Bacon Salad Dressing: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar create a warm, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Copycat Panera Spinach and Bacon Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
STEP ONE: Prepare the Eggs
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, cool in ice water, peel, and slice.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
STEP THREE: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion (Optional)
Add sliced mushrooms and red onion to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until mushrooms are browned and onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
STEP FOUR: Make the Dressing and Assemble
In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Whisk over medium heat until well combined and bubbly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, sautéed mushrooms, red onion, crumbled bacon, and toasted pine nuts. Pour warm dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with sliced eggs.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Swap with toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for variety.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Make it keto-friendly by omitting the brown sugar and adding more healthy fats.
- Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or some feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing for a bit of heat.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftover warm bacon and spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality bacon.
Toast the pine nuts carefully to avoid burning.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use up your excess spinach in this Berry Delicious Summer Salad.
- Add extra bacon to a Scrambed Egg Sandwich.
- Incorporate leftover mushrooms into a pasta dish.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Grilled chicken for added protein.
- Crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
- A light soup for a complete meal.
In the Mood for a Similar Dish?
- Hearts of Palm Salad
- Soft Boiled Egg and Avocado Salad
- Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
- Chopped Greek Salad
- Waldorf Salad
More lunch recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make the warm bacon dressing in advance. Simply cook the bacon and prepare the dressing, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat the dressing gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm before tossing with the spinach salad.
For a vegetarian version of the spinach salad, you can substitute the bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives. These options provide a similar texture and smoky flavor without the meat.
To prevent the spinach salad from getting soggy when making ahead, store all ingredients separately. Keep the spinach, cooked bacon, mushrooms, red onion, and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving and toss with the warm dressing to maintain crispness.
📖 Recipe
Easy Copycat Panera Spinach and Bacon Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
- 4 large eggs
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pine nuts
Warm Bacon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool in ice water. Peel and slice the eggs.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Optional Step: Add the sliced mushrooms and red onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Whisk over medium heat until the dressing begins to bubble and is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sautéed mushrooms, red onion, crumbled bacon, and toasted pine nuts. Pour the warm dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among four plates. Top each serving with sliced egg. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Swap with toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for variety.
Nutrition
This easy copycat Panera spinach and bacon salad with warm bacon dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal.
Try it today and let us know how you enjoyed it!
Important Food Safety Tips
Cook bacon according to package directions. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw ingredients. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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