Warm Pear & Spinach Salad with Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette

By Hollister1121

Mature, larger-leaved spinach holds up better to the warm bacon vinaigrette than baby spinach does. If you don't want the spinach to wilt, let the dressing cool before tossing it with the salad.

Ingredients

• 10 cups fresh spinach, tough stems removed
• 1 medium firm ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup slivered red onion
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 - 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 cup toasted walnut halves

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 15mins
Adapted from eatingwell.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine spinach, pear and onion in a large bowl.
2. Cook bacon in a small skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add enough oil to the pan drippings to make 2 tbsp total. Add vinegar, syrup, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer. Immediately pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with the bacon and walnuts.