This comforting Warm Pasta and Spinach Salad offers a delightful twist on traditional cold salads. Tender cooked pasta and fresh spinach are tossed with sliced mushrooms and sharp red onion, then coated in a warm, creamy dressing made from bacon drippings, mayonnaise, and cider vinegar. The dish balances the earthiness of spinach with the savory crunch of crisp bacon and the tang of apple cider vinegar. It&# 226;ÂÂs a satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. While traditionally made with bacon, you can easily adapt it for vegetarians by using olive oil and omitting the pork, keeping the creamy texture intact. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Warm Pasta And Spinach Salad
Description
This comforting Warm Pasta and Spinach Salad offers a delightful twist on traditional cold salads. Tender cooked pasta and fresh spinach are tossed with sliced mushrooms and sharp red onion, then coated in a warm, creamy dressing made from bacon drippings, mayonnaise, and cider vinegar. The dish balances the earthiness of spinach with the savory crunch of crisp bacon and the tang of apple cider vinegar. It&# 226;ÂÂs a satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. While traditionally made with bacon, you can easily adapt it for vegetarians by using olive oil and omitting the pork, keeping the creamy texture intact. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain well.
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In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and sliced red onion.
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In a medium skillet, cook the coarsely chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crisp.
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Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
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Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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Return the skillet with the remaining drippings to medium heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture until smooth.
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Stir in the mayonnaise until fully blended into the drippings.
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Gradually stir in the water and cider vinegar.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 minute until thickened.
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Pour the warm dressing over the spinach and pasta mixture in the serving bowl.
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Add the cooked bacon bits to the bowl and toss everything together until well coated.
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Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 8.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.4g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.3g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of bacon drippings. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
This salad is best served warm. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing and salad components separate until just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting too much.
Ensure the pasta is well-drained and rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
