Best 9 Old Fashioned Southern Spinach Salad Recipes

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In the realm of Southern cuisine, where culinary traditions and fresh ingredients intertwine, the Old-Fashioned Southern Spinach Salad emerges as a quintessential dish. This classic salad boasts a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring tender baby spinach leaves as its foundation. Dressed with a tangy, sweet, and slightly tangy vinaigrette, the salad is then adorned with crisp crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, sweet red onions, and crumbled blue cheese. The final touch comes in the form of chopped pecans, adding a nutty crunch that elevates the salad to new heights. This iconic dish, often served as a side or a light lunch, embodies the essence of Southern charm and hospitality.

Aside from the main recipe, this article also offers variations to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. For those seeking a vegetarian version, the bacon can be omitted, and crumbled tofu or roasted chickpeas can be used as a protein substitute. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs in the croutons. Additionally, the recipe includes instructions for making a creamy dressing variation, using mayonnaise and sour cream, for those who prefer a richer, more indulgent dressing. With its versatility and adaptability, this Old-Fashioned Southern Spinach Salad is a dish that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA'S SPINACH SALAD



Grandma's Spinach Salad image

With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma's favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don't tell them spinach is good for them)! -Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 13 cups)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
5 hard-boiled large eggs, sliced
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

  • Whisk first 4 ingredients until sugar is dissolved., In a 13x9-in. dish, layer half of each of the following: spinach, onion, mushrooms and eggs. Repeat layers. Drizzle with dressing; top with bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Fat 21g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 125mg cholesterol, Sodium 214mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

WILTED SPINACH SALAD WITH HOT BACON DRESSING



Wilted Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing image

Warm crispy bacon is the star of this simple spinach salad. We upped the ante with tender mushrooms, fresh red onion and hard-boiled eggs for a hearty salad your whole family can enjoy.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 5-ounce package baby spinach
4 large eggs
8 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
One 3.5-ounce package cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place the spinach in a large bowl and leave at room temperature. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Use a slotted spoon to gently lower the eggs into the water. Boil until both the whites and yolks are set (hard-boiled), about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl filled with ice water and cool completely. Once cool, peel the eggs and cut each into quarters.
  • Meanwhile, put the bacon in a large skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Remove half of the bacon fat to a small bowl and reserve.
  • Return the skillet and remaining bacon fat to medium heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the reserved bacon fat, vinegar, mustard and honey and whisk until smooth and emulsified. Taste and season with more salt and pepper.
  • Pour the hot bacon dressing over the spinach and toss until evenly coated and slightly wilted. Transfer to a platter and top with the eggs, red onion and reserved bacon.

OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN SPINACH SALAD



Old Fashioned Southern Spinach Salad image

A spinach salad is only as good as its dressing. This one is great! I have experimented with also tossing in some berries and/or nuts and some feta or blue chees. All work well. But the basic recipe is outstanding. Imagine putting a nice piece of glazed salmon on top of a plateful. Thank you to Patty who gave me this recipe about...

Provided by Allison Hazell

Categories     Lettuce Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 slice crumbled bacon
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 lb fresh spinach
DRESSING
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c vinegar
2 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp chopped green onion
1 Tbsp parsley
1 Tbsp chives
1 tsp worcestshire sauce
1 tsp prepared mustard
cracked black pepper
ice cube
OPTIONAL GARNISHES
fresh berries, glazed pecans, feta or blue cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Mix the dressing ingredients in a plastic container (including the ice cube) and shake well.
  • 2. Pour over the spinach, bacon and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 3. Toss well and serve. The dressing stays well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

EASY AND AWESOME SPINACH SALAD



Easy and Awesome Spinach Salad image

This is a very easy spinach salad to make. The dressing has some unusual ingredients but is very delicious. I never have leftovers at potlucks when I take this salad.

Provided by Lady Scrapalot

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 slices bacon, or more to taste
1 (16 ounce) bag fresh spinach, stems removed
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup white sugar
⅓ cup ketchup
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Place the bacon into a skillet over medium heat, and cook until browned and crisp, turning often, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to absorb excess grease. Crumble the bacon when cool.
  • Place the spinach into a large salad bowl, and sprinkle with the bacon, hard-cooked eggs, and onion. Gently toss the salad.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vegetable oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.8 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 57.9 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 290 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

PERFECT SPINACH SALAD



Perfect Spinach Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 whole eggs
Ice
7 slices thick-cut peppered bacon
1 small whole red onion
1 package white button mushrooms
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 dash salt
8 ounces baby spinach, washed, dried and stems removed

Steps:

  • Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat and allow to sit in the water for 20 minutes. Drain off the water and add ice on top of the eggs.
  • Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy/chewy. Remove to a paper towel. Drain the fat into a bowl and reserve. Give the skillet a wipe with kitchen paper.
  • Slice the red onion very thinly, and then add to the skillet. Cook slowly until the onions are caramelized and reduced. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Slice the mushrooms and add them to the same skillet with a little of the reserved bacon fat if needed. Cook slowly until caramelized and brown. Remove to a plate and set aside. Chop the bacon. Peel and slice the eggs.
  • Make the hot bacon dressing:
  • Add 3 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat, vinegar, sugar, Dijon and salt to a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk together and heat thoroughly until bubbly. Add the spinach to a large bowl. Arrange the onions, mushrooms and bacon on top. Pour the hot dressing over the top; toss to combine. Arrange the eggs over the top and serve.
  • Per serving: Calories 270; Total Fat 22.5 grams; Saturated Fat 7.5 grams; Protein 10 grams; Total Carbohydrate 7 grams; Sugar: 2 grams; Fiber 2 grams; Cholesterol 123 milligrams; Sodium 526 milligrams

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calorie, Fat 22.5 grams, SaturatedFat 7.5 grams, Cholesterol 123 milligrams, Sodium 526 milligrams, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 2 grams

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.

WILTED SPINACH SALAD



Wilted Spinach Salad image

Pretty, fresh and sized just for two, this delicious salad sent in by Diana Grier of St. Joseph, Missouri may have you wishing for leftovers!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2-1/2 cups torn fresh spinach
1 green onion, chopped
1 radish, chopped
Dash salt
Dash pepper
2 bacon strips, diced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped

Steps:

  • In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, onion, radish, salt and pepper; set aside. , In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Combine the sugar, vinegar and lemon juice; stir into drippings. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; add to skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. , Pour over spinach mixture and toss to coat. Top with bacon and egg.

Nutrition Facts :

WILTED SPINACH SALAD



Wilted Spinach Salad image

An interesting salad that is definitely not low cal! Very popular as a side dish or a meal with my family and friends.

Provided by CHPBD

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 eggs
1 pound bacon
2 bunches fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 eggs
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Place 6 eggs in a medium saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Bring water to a boil, and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop.
  • Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of drippings in the skillet.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and green onions.
  • Heat the reserved drippings over low heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 remaining eggs, sugar, white vinegar, and red wine vinegar. Add to warm grease, and whisk for about a minute, until thickened. Pour at once over spinach, add crumbled bacon, and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped egg.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Cholesterol 206.5 mg, Fat 13.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 568.6 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

SOUTHERN STYLE SPINACH



Southern Style Spinach image

Make and share this Southern Style Spinach recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Pokey in San Antonio

Categories     Spinach

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach
4 slices bacon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup onion (minced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 jalapenos (thin sliced)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Thaw spinach and squeeze out excess juice.
  • Fry bacon till crisp, remove and reserve 3 tablespoons of drippings.
  • Saute onions, garlic, and jalapenos in bacon drippings, just until onions are translucent.
  • Add vinegar and brown sugar and stir until disolved.
  • Add spinach and saute for about 5 minutes.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle on crumbled bacon.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, tender spinach for the best flavor and texture.
  • To save time, buy pre-washed spinach.
  • If you have a lot of spinach, wilt it before adding it to the salad. This will help to reduce the volume and make it easier to mix.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped cucumber, red onion, or bell pepper.
  • For a more flavorful salad, use a vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
  • Top the salad with crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or sliced almonds for extra protein and crunch.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned Southern spinach salad is a simple and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is also a very versatile salad, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. With its bright flavors and healthy ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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