If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, the Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer. This dish marries creamy avocado, smoky crisp bacon, and fresh spinach with juicy little tomatoes and luscious mozzarella, all brought together by a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Whether you’re after a refreshing lunch or a stunning side for dinner, this salad is not only simple to throw together but packed with incredible taste that leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe is key to capturing its fresh, rich, and balanced flavors. Each component plays a unique role in creating that perfect harmony of creamy, crisp, tangy, and savory notes.
- Bacon strips: Provides smoky, crispy bites that add depth and crunch.
- Little tomatoes (grape or cherry): Offer a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Baby spinach: The fresh, leafy base that’s mild and packed with nutrients.
- Avocados: Bring silky creaminess and healthy fats to balance the savory flavors.
- Mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Lavish the salad with mild, milky richness.
- Red onion (chopped): Adds a sharp, zingy crunch for contrast.
- Olive oil: The smooth, fruity element that pulls the dressing together.
- Yellow mustard: Delivers gentle tang and a subtle kick in the dressing.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing acidity and spice.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with fresh citrus notes.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to bring herbaceous freshness.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, tying everything together perfectly.
How to Make Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Start by cutting six strips of bacon into small pieces; kitchen shears make this part super quick and easy. Cook the bacon over medium-high heat in a skillet, frying until every piece becomes deliciously crispy. This usually takes about ten minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. These crispy bits will bring irresistible flavor and crunch to the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
While the bacon cooks, prepare the dressing. Grab a small bowl and whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of yellow mustard, one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. This vibrant dressing will coat every ingredient with a perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and herbaceous punch.
Step 3: Assemble the Fresh Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine ten ounces of halved little tomatoes, a five-ounce package of baby spinach, two diced avocados, three and a half ounces of mini fresh mozzarella balls, and two tablespoons of chopped red onion. This colorful combination creates a fantastic range of textures and flavors ready to be brought together.
Step 4: Add Bacon and Toss with Dressing
Once the bacon has cooled slightly, sprinkle it over the salad ingredients. Pour the freshly whisked dressing on top, then gently toss everything until each bite is perfectly coated. Season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking, serve immediately, and enjoy the remarkable freshness of the Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad by garnishing with extra chopped parsley for an added burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to introduce some nutty texture, which pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and crispy bacon.
Side Dishes
This salad shines when paired with simple dishes like grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a warm crusty bread. The vibrant flavors of the Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe balance heartier sides perfectly, making your meal feel both light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom to keep things fresh until mealtime. You can also hollow out avocados and use their shells as edible bowls for an eye-catching presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible and add it just before serving to maintain crispness. Leftover salad will stay fresh for up to one day.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of the spinach, avocado, and fresh cheese, which can become watery or mushy after thawing. Fresh is definitely best here to enjoy every bite at its peak.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad with fresh ingredients, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy any leftovers chilled, tossing gently to redistribute dressing if needed.
FAQs
Can I use regular lettuce instead of baby spinach?
Absolutely! While baby spinach offers a tender, mild flavor, you can substitute with romaine, mixed greens, or arugula depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad?
To make a vegan version, simply omit the bacon or replace it with smoky tempeh bacon, and swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing can stay the same as it is already free of animal products.
What can I use if I don’t have mini mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find bocconcini, fresh mozzarella torn into bite-sized pieces works beautifully. You could also opt for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist.
How ripe should the avocados be?
For the best texture and flavor, choose avocados that are soft but not mushy. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure, ensuring creaminess without falling apart when diced.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The dressing can be whisked together up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir or shake before drizzling it on your salad for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe enough for anyone craving a salad that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The way the flavors come together—creamy avocado, smoky bacon, fresh spinach, and that zesty dressing—is truly unforgettable. Give it a whirl the next time you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. You might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Avocado Bacon Spinach Salad combines crispy bacon, fresh baby spinach, juicy little tomatoes, creamy avocados, and mini mozzarella balls, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 10 ounces little tomatoes (e.g. grape or cherry), halved
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
- 2 avocados, diced
- 3.5 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Place the pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry for about 10 minutes until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, add the olive oil, yellow mustard, honey, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the salad: While the bacon cooks and the dressing is prepared, halve the little tomatoes, dice the avocados, and chop the red onion. Add these ingredients along with the baby spinach and mini mozzarella balls to a large salad bowl.
- Combine and serve: Once the bacon has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast some walnuts or pecans and add them to the salad.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- You can substitute mini mozzarella balls with cubed regular mozzarella if unavailable.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas for a crunchy protein alternative.
- For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
