Ingredients
For the Salad
8 cups baby spinach
6 slices bacon
6 large eggs
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or chopped pecans (optional)
For the Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Boil the EggsPlace eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, peel, and slice or chop.
Make the DressingIn a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the SaladIn a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, and seeds or pecans if using.
Top with the sliced eggs and crumbled bacon.
Toss and ServeDrizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Don’t overdress the salad—start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
- Dry the spinach well after washing so the dressing clings better.
- Jammy eggs work beautifully if you prefer softer yolks.
- Chill the ingredients before assembling for a crisp, refreshing salad.
- Add the bacon right before serving so it stays crunchy.
- Slice onions thinly to keep the flavor balanced and not overpowering.
Variations
- Add chicken: Turn it into a more filling meal with grilled or shredded chicken.
- Use romaine or mixed greens: Swap spinach if you want a different texture.
- Make it keto-friendly: Skip the honey in the dressing and use full-fat cheese.
- Add avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Try blue cheese or feta: For a bolder flavor.
- Use turkey bacon: A lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed or raw mushrooms work well here.
- Make it sweet-savory: Add sliced strawberries or apple slices.
- Use ranch dressing: If you want a richer, creamier salad.
- Add croutons: For extra crunch if serving as a side salad.
- Turn it into a spinach salad bar: Let everyone build their own with toppings.
Storage Tips
- Best served fresh after assembling.
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Cooked bacon and boiled eggs can be prepped ahead and stored separately for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g