Blueberry and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

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Farm Favorite Recipe: BLUEBERRY AND SPINACH SALAD WITH HOT BACON DRESSING

Fresh blueberries, grape tomatoes, blue cheese and bacon rest atop fresh baby spinach in this healthy spring salad.

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Ingredients

  • 4 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Sherry wine
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 12 ounces (about 5 quarts) baby spinach
  • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) fresh blueberries
  • 4 ounces (about 1 cup) grape tomatoes, halved
  • 4 ounces (about 1 cup) blue cheese crumbles
  • 2 ounces (about ¼ cup) bacon bits

Protein options:

  • Chicken, beef, shrimp or scallops (6 ounces for each serving, well-seasoned and grilled)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, over medium heat, sauté bacon until crisp, about 7 minutes. Add onion; cook, stirring, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add sugar; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Deglaze pan with sherry.
  2. Add vinegar and 6 ounces water; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Combine cornstarch and chicken broth; add to simmering liquid, stirring rapidly; continue cooking until dressing is thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper. Use immediately or chill and reheat as needed. (Yield: about 12 ounces)
  4. When you’re ready to serve, in a large bowl, toss spinach with 8 ounces of the hot dressing.
  5. On each of four large plates, divide dressed spinach. Sprinkle each serving with ½ cup blueberries, ¼ cup tomatoes, ¼ cup cheese crumbles and 1 tablespoon bacon bits.
  6. Place hot protein on the salad or on the side. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Recipe Courtesy of N.C. Blueberry Council

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