This warm pasta salad is a comforting twist on traditional cold salads, featuring tender swirl pasta tossed with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms. The highlight is the rich, creamy dressing made from a blend of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, all thickened with cornstarch for a luxurious texture. Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch and salty depth that cuts through the creaminess. Its a perfect balance of warm and cool, savory and tangy. Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or a hearty lunch, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal that feels both homestyle and elegant.
Warm Pasta & Spinach Salad
Description
This warm pasta salad is a comforting twist on traditional cold salads, featuring tender swirl pasta tossed with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms. The highlight is the rich, creamy dressing made from a blend of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, all thickened with cornstarch for a luxurious texture. Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch and salty depth that cuts through the creaminess. Its a perfect balance of warm and cool, savory and tangy. Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or a hearty lunch, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal that feels both homestyle and elegant.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large serving bowl, toss the spinach, sliced mushrooms, cooked pasta, and sliced red onion together.
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In a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crisp.
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Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
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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, mix together the cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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With a wire whisk, stir the cornstarch mixture into the remaining bacon drippings in the skillet until smooth.
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Stir in the mayonnaise until well blended.
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Gradually stir in the water and cider vinegar.
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Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
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Boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until thickened.
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Pour the warm dressing over the spinach and pasta mixture.
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Add the crispy bacon back into the bowl and toss everything well to coat.
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Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 345kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22.5g35%
- Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 580mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 28.5g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
- Sugars 4.2g
- Protein 9.5g19%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
