Low Carb Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

This low carb spinach salad is one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into a side dish that feels special. I first tasted spinach salad with bacon at my aunt's house many years ago. She frequently served it at family gatherings and summer BBQs, and I was hooked from the very first bite.

Since creating healthy low carb recipes starting in 2018, I've wanted to update that classic recipe into a version that fits today's healthier lifestyles. This wilted spinach salad low carb recipe keeps everything I loved about the original while swapping out the sugar for lower-carb ingredients.

You'll love this easy, healthy salad because it comes together in just 25 minutes and packs plenty of flavor into every bite. It's naturally low carb, gluten-free, and can easily fit into a keto lifestyle. This wilted spinach salad with hot bacon dressing (keto) is also paleo-friendly when made with a compliant ketchup and sweetener.

The warm bacon dressing lightly wilts the spinach while the mushrooms, eggs, and crispy bacon add savory flavor and texture. It's the perfect side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to summer cookouts and holiday meals.

Things to Know

Before you get started, here are a few helpful things to know about this recipe:

• The warm dressing lightly wilts the spinach while still keeping some texture.
• This recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Each serving is naturally low carb and keto friendly.
• Baby spinach works best because it's tender and doesn't require much prep.
• Using reserved bacon grease adds authentic flavor to the dressing.
• The salad is best served immediately after tossing with the hot dressing.
• Hard boiled eggs add extra protein and make the salad more filling.

If you enjoy healthy low carb salads, be sure to try our Avocado Kale Salad (Low Carb Kale Salad), Easy Antipasto Salad (Keto Friendly Low Carb), and Egg and Avocado Salad too.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create a classic spinach salad with plenty of texture and flavor.

Baby spinach: The tender base of the salad that wilts slightly when tossed with the warm dressing. Baby spinach works best, but regular spinach can be used if you remove the tough stems.

Button mushrooms: Add an earthy flavor and meaty texture that pairs well with the bacon. Cremini mushrooms are an easy substitute.

Hard boiled eggs: Add protein and richness, making the salad more filling. Store-bought hard boiled eggs work great as a shortcut. See my instant pot recipe.

Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture while providing the bacon grease needed for the dressing. Thick-cut bacon works especially well. I use this bacon in oven recipe.

Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the hot bacon dressing and balances the stronger bacon flavor. Avocado oil can be substituted.

Bacon grease: Gives the dressing its classic savory flavor. Be sure to reserve a couple tablespoons after cooking the bacon.

No sugar added ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth without extra sugar. Regular ketchup can be used if you're not following a low carb diet. (this no sugar Paleo Keto brand is our favorite)

Apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity and tanginess that balances the richness of the dressing. Red wine vinegar is a good substitute.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami flavor and helps round out the dressing. Coconut aminos can be used for a paleo-friendly option.

Stevia : Balances the vinegar and acidity in the dressing. Use stevia for a keto-friendly version or honey for a more traditional flavor.

Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and extra flavor to the dressing. Yellow onion, sweet onion, or shallots all work well.

How to Make Low Carb Spinach Salad

This salad comes together quickly once the bacon and eggs are prepared.

1. Prepare the spinach

Add the baby spinach to a large serving bowl. Remove the stems first if desired.

2. Add the toppings

Top the spinach with sliced mushrooms, chopped hard boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon. Spread everything evenly over the salad.

3. Make the hot bacon dressing

Add the olive oil, bacon grease, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sweetener, and onion to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the dressing reaches a gentle simmer.

4. Wilt the spinach

Pour the hot dressing over the salad. The spinach should begin to soften slightly as the warm dressing coats the leaves.

5. Toss and serve

Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately while the dressing is still warm.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Cook the bacon until crisp so it stays crunchy after being added to the salad.
• Don't let the dressing boil. A gentle simmer is all you need.
• Add grilled chicken for a higher-protein meal.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Substitute cremini mushrooms for a richer mushroom flavor.
• Add sliced avocado for extra healthy fats.
• You might not necessarily be trying to make this a keto or paleo spinach salad recipe, but if you are, we highly recommend Primal Kitchen's no sugar ketchup. It only includes natural ingredients and works for the majority of dietary restrictions someone could have. 
• Add toasted pecans or walnuts for additional crunch.
• Serve the dressing immediately after heating for the best wilted texture.
• Make it paleo: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for coconut aminos or no-sugar fish sauce and use honey instead of stevia.

What to Serve With

This easy low carb spinach salad pairs well with a variety of Whole Lotta Yum dinner recipes.

Try serving it with:

• Oven Baked Lemon Chicken Breast
• Pan Seared Ribeye Steak
• Dry Rub Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
• Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Steak Tips

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The spinach will continue to soften as it sits.

Freezer Storage

This salad is not freezer-friendly due to the fresh spinach and eggs.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving.

Meal Prep Tips

Prepare the eggs, bacon, mushrooms, and dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.

Recipe FAQ

What makes a spinach salad wilt?

A warm dressing poured over fresh spinach causes the leaves to soften slightly. This creates the classic texture of a wilted spinach salad.

Is wilted spinach salad keto?

Yes. This wilted spinach salad with hot bacon dressing (keto) is naturally low in carbs and works well for a keto lifestyle when made with stevia or a keto-friendly sweetener.

Can I make the hot bacon dressing ahead of time?

Yes. The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes. Regular spinach works fine, but you'll want to remove any tough stems before assembling the salad.

This low carb spinach salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. The warm bacon dressing, tender spinach, and savory toppings make it a recipe worth keeping on repeat. If you try it, be sure to leave a rating, review, or comment below and let us know how it turned out!

More Low Carb Salad Recipes

• Easy Curry Coleslaw (Low Carb)
• Easy Antipasto Salad (Keto Friendly Low Carb)
• Creamy Egg Salad with Pickles
• Easy Keto Cobb Salad Recipe
• Tuna in Avocado Halves (Low Carb Tuna Salad)
• Keto Broccoli Salad (Low Carb, No Sugar)
• Brussel Sprouts Salad (Low Carb)
• Cold Shrimp Salad (Low Carb Keto)
• 25 Simple Low Carb Salads

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