Best 13 Cranberry Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of flavors in the Cranberry Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing. This vibrant salad combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the earthy goodness of spinach, the salty crunch of bacon, and a warm, savory dressing that ties it all together. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite a burst of flavor.

In addition to the main recipe, this article offers variations to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use a flavorful olive oil-based dressing instead. If you're craving a protein boost, add grilled chicken or tofu for a hearty and satisfying meal.

For those who love a creamy dressing, try the creamy balsamic vinaigrette variation. This rich, tangy dressing adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that complements the salad perfectly. And if you're watching your carbs, the keto-friendly dressing option is a great choice, providing a flavorful dressing without compromising your diet.

No matter which variation you choose, this Cranberry Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is sure to be a hit. It's a delicious and versatile salad that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light and refreshing side dish. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's dive into the recipes!

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRANBERRY SPINACH SALAD



Cranberry Spinach Salad image

This recipe started out as a summer salad with raspberries. I came up with this holiday version when I was putting together the menu for my first Thanksgiving dinner. I sometimes serve it on individual salad plates instead of in a big bowl. -Garnet Amari, Fairfield, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 to 3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the spinach, pecans and cranberries. In a bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts :

JAMIE'S CRANBERRY SPINACH SALAD



Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad image

Everyone I have made this for RAVES about it! It's different and so easy to make!

Provided by Jamie Hensley

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon butter
¾ cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
½ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons minced onion
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup cider vinegar
½ cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.
  • In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Cholesterol 3.8 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 58.1 mg, Sugar 23.2 g

SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, PECANS, BACON, AND BLUE CHEESE



Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, Bacon, and Blue Cheese image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound hickory smoked bacon slices, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Two 6-ounce containers baby spinach
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup Danish blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Fry chopped bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined 1/4-sheet tray to drain.
  • Toast pecans in the oven on a 1/4-sheet tray until lightly golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl mash the blue cheese with a fork. Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, sugar, salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Combine baby spinach, red onion, pecans, dried cranberries and bacon in large bowl. Toss with the dressing immediately before serving.

SIMPLE CRANBERRY SPINACH SALAD



Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad image

This is a simple salad that can be made in minutes. It works well at Thanksgiving or anytime you're just looking for something a little different.

Provided by Bethanie Rose

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (6 ounce) package fresh spinach
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup chopped walnuts
⅓ cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette
1 tablespoon finely shredded Romano cheese

Steps:

  • Combine the spinach, cranberries, walnuts, vinaigrette, and Romano cheese in a large bowl; toss until spinach is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18.1 g, Cholesterol 1.9 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 337.5 mg, Sugar 13.8 g

SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING



Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing image

To make his Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing recipe from Good Eats on Food Network even better, Alton Brown tops it with sliced eggs and mushrooms.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces young spinach
2 large eggs
8 pieces thick-sliced bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large white mushrooms, sliced
3 ounces red onion (1 small), very thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Remove the stems from the spinach and wash, drain and pat dry thoroughly. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Place the eggs into an electric kettle and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Turn the kettle on. Once the water comes to a boil, the kettle will turn itself off. Leave the eggs in the water for 15 minutes. Remove and peel off the shell. Slice each egg into 8 pieces and set aside.
  • While the eggs are cooking, fry the bacon and remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
  • Transfer the fat to a small saucepan set over low heat and whisk in the red wine vinegar, sugar and Dijon mustard. Season with a small pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Add the mushrooms and the sliced onion to the spinach and toss. Add the dressing and bacon and toss to combine. Divide the spinach between 4 plates or bowls and evenly divide the egg among them. Season with pepper, as desired. Serve immediately.

CRANBERRY PECAN SPINACH SALAD



Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad image

I came across this recipe one year when I was looking for a special salad for the holidays. -Deb Murata, Carmichael, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups packed torn fresh spinach
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings
1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, onion, pecans and blue cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper until blended. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 61mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON-MUSTARD DRESSING



Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon-Mustard Dressing image

A classic steakhouse-style spinach salad with the absolute best warm bacon-mustard dressing I've ever had! Looks and tastes like a lot of work, but can be prepared in no time! This salad can easily be converted to a main dish salad by adding strips of grilled chicken breast.

Provided by brightlightz

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
4 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 strips crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
10 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
⅓ cup white wine vinegar
⅓ cup Dijon mustard
⅓ cup honey
2 strips crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place spinach into a large serving bowl, top with hard-cooked eggs, mushrooms, 4 crumbled strips of bacon, Swiss cheese, and almonds.
  • Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallots and garlic, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and 2 crumbled strips of bacon; season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook until hot.
  • Pour hot dressing over spinach and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 662.5 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 292.6 mg, Fat 40.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 36.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 1123.4 mg, Sugar 26 g

SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING



Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing image

My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. -Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 bacon strips, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups)
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
4 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped

Steps:

  • In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings., Add vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, mustard and seasonings to drippings; heat through, stirring to blend. Transfer to a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Stir in half of the bacon., Place spinach, onion and eggs in a large bowl; toss with warm dressing. Sprinkle with remaining bacon; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Fat 25g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 196mg cholesterol, Sodium 373mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CRANBERRY-SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING



CRANBERRY-SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING image

This is a restaurant-quality recipe from the folks at Ocean Spray. With this combination of ingredients it just has to be good! Photo: Oceanspray.com

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories     Other Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pkg (6 oz.) salad spinach
1/2 c sweetened dried cranberries (craisins)
red onion slices
DRESSING
4 slice bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1/2 c plain or orange-flavored honey
1/2 c lime juice
2 Tbsp dijon mustard

Steps:

  • 1. Wash and clean spinach. Divide evenly among 4 salad plates. Top each with 2 Tbsp. sweetened dried cranberries and onion slices.
  • 2. Combine dressing ingredients in a small glass mixing bowl using a wire whisk. Heat in the microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or until warm. Makes about 1 cup.

CRANBERRY ALMOND SPINACH SALAD



Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad image

If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. -Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
3/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup canola oil
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 12 cups)
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 green onions, sliced
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Whisk together first 6 ingredients; gradually whisk in oil. In a large bowl, toss spinach, cranberries and green onions with dressing; sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 121 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 19mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

WARM SPINACH SALAD WITH APPLES, BACON, AND CRANBERRIES



Warm Spinach Salad With Apples, Bacon, and Cranberries image

Wilt the spinach by tossing the salad while the dressing is still hot. From Cooking Light, November 2006.

Provided by KelBel

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 granny smith apple, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package fresh Baby Spinach
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons cranberry juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (drained)

Steps:

  • Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well.
  • Combine vinegar, sugar, juice, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in sour cream. Drizzle warm dressing over spinach mixture; toss well.
  • Sprinkle with bacon; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.6, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 7.3, Sodium 312.5, Carbohydrate 16.3, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 9.7, Protein 4.2

SPINACH & CRANBERRY SALAD



Spinach & Cranberry Salad image

This is a delicious spinach salad with hot bacon dressing that is to die for! Enjoy, it's a special treat!

Provided by jewelz4jesus

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 cups loosely packed stemmed Baby Spinach
1/2 cup fresh goat cheese
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 cup sliced white mushroom (cleaned)
1/3 lb thick-sliced bacon, cut into strips about 1 inch long and 1/4 inch wide
1 tablespoon minced shallot
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
sea salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • Put the spinach and mushrooms in a large bowl.
  • Crumble the cheese over the spinach.
  • Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain the bacon in a sieve set over a heatproof measuring cup, reserving the rendered fat.
  • You will need 1/4 cup for the dressing. Pour the fat back into the pan and add the shallot and cook until light brown, about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the thyme and let it crackle in the fat for about 10 seconds.
  • Add the vinegar, and season with salt and pepper and sugar to taste. Cook for about 30 seconds to lower the acidity of the vinegar. You should see tiny drops of vinegar dispersed throughout the fat.
  • Add the dried cranberries and stir.
  • Add Bacon back into dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the spinach and cheese. Toss to coat the leaves evenly and melt the cheese a little.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.2, Fat 16.1, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 17.1, Sodium 234.7, Carbohydrate 8.9, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 5.3, Protein 6.1

TANGY SPINACH SALAD



Tangy Spinach Salad image

This is great salad for a potluck or BBQ. I always get lots of compliments and requests for the recipe. Ensure that dressing is thoroughly mixed before tossing with salad, it will separate while chilling.

Provided by Bmlove

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 2h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ onion, chopped
⅓ cup white sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup canola oil
1 ½ tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon celery seed
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (9 ounce) bag fresh spinach, chopped
⅔ cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix (such as Pepperidge Farm® Cubed Herb Seasoned Stuffing)
3 hard-boiled eggs, crumbled
⅓ cup crumbled cooked bacon

Steps:

  • Whisk onion, sugar, apple cider vinegar, canola oil, yellow mustard, salt, celery seed, and black pepper together in a bowl until well combined. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
  • Mix spinach, stuffing mix, eggs, and bacon together in a large bowl. Add dressing and stir to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.4 calories, Carbohydrate 23.5 g, Cholesterol 87.9 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 665.7 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

Tips:

  • For a sweeter salad, use fresh cranberries. If you only have dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
  • To make the bacon dressing, use a good quality bacon. Thick-cut bacon will give the dressing a more robust flavor.
  • If you don't have a bacon press, you can use a heavy skillet to press the bacon flat.
  • To make the dressing ahead of time, simply cook the bacon and let it cool. Then, store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To assemble the salad, simply toss the spinach, cranberries, and bacon together. Then, drizzle the warm dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

Conclusion:

This cranberry spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet cranberries, salty bacon, and tangy dressing is sure to please everyone. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

Related Topics