Spinach Pear Salad W/Bacon and Honey Dijon Dressing
"A salad recipe that is really a keeper for those who like to mix bold flavors! Served it last night to guests that were still talking about it when we served dessert...enjoy!"
photo by Tinkerbell
- Ready In:
- 20mins
- Ingredients:
- 13
- Serves:
-
8
ingredients
- 8 pieces smoked bacon, reserve grease (fried crispy)
- 4 ounces spinach, Fresh Baby Spinach (stems removed)
- 2 fresh pears, sliced, or bite-size pieces
- 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries (optional)
- 1⁄4 bunch fresh mint leaves, torn
- 2 ounces goat cheese, soft, crumbled
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 8 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease, reserved
- 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt
- fresh ground pepper
directions
- Fry smoked bacon to cripsy stage. Remove from skillet, let cool and reserve grease for dressing; Wash and Plate Spinach (remove stems); Wash and slice pears (using red pears will add color) - arrange over the bed of spinach; Add Blueberries if desired; Tear mint leaves and add to the plates; Crumble the crispy bacon and goat cheese over top. Dressing is simple -- Add vinegar, dijon mustard and honey to blender, mix well. With blender set on low speed, add bacon grease, and add EVOO slowly to emulsify dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste' mix well on high for the last couple of minutes. Drizzle on salad, and serve.
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Reviews
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I made this with De Anjou pears, madarine oranges, small pear tomatoes, red onion rings, and instead of Goat Cheese a nice Blue Cheese and omitted the bacon. Made the dressing as per the recipe. It was made for a very special friends Birthday dinner, and I gotta tell you not only did it receive raves from him, but was requested for the next nights dinner salad, and his lunch the next day!!! I have to tell you this is one fantastic salad and the dressing is to die for, Thank You so very much for posting this super delicious recipe. -
Variations of spinach salad with warm bacon dressing have been favorites of mine since childhood. What I loved about this recipe, was the addition of fresh mint and using pears instead of apples. I could have eaten an entire meal out of this salad! We used seasoned feta in place of the chevre, as I already had it on hand. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Jan! It was very much enjoyed by all and we'll be making it again! Made & enjoyed for the Spring 2012 Pick-A-Chef event. -
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Excellent flavors for us. I loved the hint of mint (had to use dried as I could not afford the fresh) and used feta cheese as I don't like goat cheese. The dressing was a little tart for us so added extra honey. This is a salad that I'll use again and again with variations of veggies and fruit. Thanks for sharing. Made for PAC Spring 2012 -
Wow - this is an amazing salad! I had some swiss cheese that needed using so I cut that into tiny cubes and used it instead of the goat cheese, otherwise made just as directed and would not change a thing. The combo of fruits with the cheese and bacon is perfect with the spinach and the dressing is outstanding. The mint was a great touch too. We just loved this salad - thanks for sharing a keeper! Made for Spring Pick-A-Chef 2012
Tweaks
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Variations of spinach salad with warm bacon dressing have been favorites of mine since childhood. What I loved about this recipe, was the addition of fresh mint and using pears instead of apples. I could have eaten an entire meal out of this salad! We used seasoned feta in place of the chevre, as I already had it on hand. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Jan! It was very much enjoyed by all and we'll be making it again! Made & enjoyed for the Spring 2012 Pick-A-Chef event.
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
Jan Waters
United States
I live in Clarkson Valley, Mo., am married to my best friend, Bob. We have many things in common including cooking. We even collect cookbooks and yes, we actually use them. We like to experiment with various recipes, herbs and spices. We're always looking for menus to serve at church, Ronald McDonald House and others.
