Hello lover.
That’s some beautiful-looking bacon, isn’t it?
And those pecans? They’re extra special.
They were toasted in bacon grease.
I’m unabashedly a bacon fan, and this dish was incredible.
What should I call it? A salad, I suppose — though I don’t usually think of what I eat as a typical “salad.” Still, this warm strawberry spinach salad is a celebration of savory and sweet flavors coming together.
The components are worth mentioning: crispy bacon, toasted pecans, sweet strawberries, sautéed spinach with garlic, whole wheat orzo (or another grain), creamy goat cheese, caramelized red onion and fresh basil. It’s far from the dull salad you might expect — it’s layered, warm, and indulgent.
I tossed a lot into this bowl and every bite worked. Yes, many elements are cooked in bacon grease, and no, I didn’t share.
P.S. I could eat this every day.
Warm Strawberry Spinach Salad
Yield:
2
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo, or another grain
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup whole pecans
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups raw spinach
- 4 large strawberries, sliced
- 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled
- fresh basil for garnish
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until golden and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add the pecans to the skillet and toast for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove and drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions.
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Add the sliced red onion to the skillet, season lightly with salt, and stir to coat with the bacon grease. Sauté until the onion softens and caramelizes, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and then the spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. Add the sliced strawberries and cooked orzo, tossing to combine and coat everything with the warm flavors. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the toasted pecans and crumbled bacon. Remove from heat and mix in the goat cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve immediately; leftovers are tasty chilled as well.
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I appreciate you so much!
The world is a better place with bacon grease. True story.