Wilted Greens with Bacon Vinaigrette
Elevate your next meal with this irresistible recipe for Wilted Greens with Bacon Vinaigrette, a warm salad bursting with hearty flavors and crave-worthy textures. Tender mixed greens like spinach, arugula, or baby kale are gently wilted in a rich, tangy vinaigrette made from crispy thick-cut bacon, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for balance. The rendered bacon fat adds a smoky depth, while minced garlic infuses each bite with aromatic goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy side dish is perfect for pairing with roasted proteins or serving as a standalone star. Whether you’re looking to bring comfort food vibes to your dinner table or impress at your next gathering, this warm bacon vinaigrette salad is sure to delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 8 cups mixed tender greens (spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the garlic by finely mincing the clove and set it aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy and golden brown. This will take about 8–10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Chop the cooled bacon into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, reduce the heat to low and add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk the mixture together until it is fully combined and warmed through, about 1–2 minutes.
Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the bacon is already salty.
Add the mixed greens to the skillet and toss them gently with tongs to coat them in the warm vinaigrette. Let the greens wilt slightly, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as you want them tender but not overly soft.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped bacon pieces.
Serve the wilted greens immediately while warm, either as a side dish or on their own. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
605 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.9 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 1644 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 277 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 952 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
