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Warm Pasta & Spinach Salad

Warm Pasta & Spinach Salad recipe image
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.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 10
Calories: 345
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
  • 1 package Fresh spinach, washed, stems
  • 10 oz Fresh spinach, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 0.5 lb Mushrooms, sliced
  • 7 oz Pasta Swirls, cooked, rinsed with cold water and drained
  • 1 medium Red onion, sliced
  • 6 slices Uncooked bacon, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Water
  • 0.33 cup Cider vinegar
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large serving bowl, toss the spinach, sliced mushrooms, cooked pasta, and sliced red onion together.
  2. 2
    In a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crisp.
  3. 3
    Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
  4. 4
    Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet.
  5. 5
    In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6
    With a wire whisk, stir the cornstarch mixture into the remaining bacon drippings in the skillet until smooth.
  7. 7
    Stir in the mayonnaise until well blended.
  8. 8
    Gradually stir in the water and cider vinegar.
  9. 9
    Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
  10. 10
    Boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until thickened.
  11. 11
    Pour the warm dressing over the spinach and pasta mixture.
  12. 12
    Add the crispy bacon back into the bowl and toss everything well to coat.
  13. 13
    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.

Keywords: pasta salad, warm salad, spinach, bacon, mushrooms, creamy dressing, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, red onion, comfort food, family dinner, potluck, easy recipe, swirl pasta, savory, tangy
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/warm-pasta-spinach-salad/