Silverglade Spinach Salad with Bacon Dijon Dressing: A Crème de Colorado Cookbook Favorite
Dive into the delightful flavors of the Silverglade Spinach Salad, a legendary recipe first shared in the renowned Crème de Colorado Cookbook. This vibrant salad masterfully combines tender baby spinach with the sweetness of red seedless grapes, the creamy texture of Swiss cheese, and the sharp bite of Cheddar cheese. What truly elevates this dish is its irresistible Bacon Dijon Dressing, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing light main course or a spectacular side dish to complement your grilled favorites, this salad promises to be a memorable addition to your table.
This Silverglade Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal companion for a variety of meals. It shines as an amazing side dish alongside anything you pull off the grill, from juicy steaks to succulent chicken or grilled vegetables. Beyond its role as a supportive player, it also transforms into a wonderfully satisfying main course when you’re aiming for a lighter, yet flavorful, dinner option. It’s truly a year-round delight; don’t let a cold winter’s day deter you from enjoying its fresh and vibrant components!
The Timeless Appeal of a Classic Spinach Salad
Few salads achieve the iconic status of a well-crafted spinach salad, and the Silverglade version is no exception. Its blend of textures and flavors is thoughtfully balanced, ensuring every forkful is a delightful experience. The crispness of the spinach, the pop of the grapes, the chewiness of the cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon all contribute to a symphony of sensations. What makes this particular recipe stand out is the exquisite Bacon Dijon Dressing, which isn’t just a condiment but an integral part of the salad’s identity, weaving all the distinct ingredients into a cohesive, delectable dish.
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The Story Behind This Beloved Recipe
This particular recipe holds a special place in my collection, passed down to me years ago by my dear friend, Lori (or Lori “W,” to be precise, as I seem to be blessed with an abundance of wonderful friends named Lori!). Lori originally discovered this fantastic spinach salad recipe in the pages of the Crème de Colorado Cookbook. She had lived in Colorado before making the move to Elkhorn, where our sons became the best of friends in fourth grade. It’s funny how some recipes become intertwined with the stories of our lives and the people we meet.
Admittedly, this recipe had slipped my mind for a while. It was only when I surveyed my readers about the types of recipes they were most excited to make this summer that it resurfaced. The overwhelming response? Salads! This prompted a delightful trip down memory lane, rummaging through old recipe cards until I rediscovered this forgotten gem. It’s hard to believe I could have overlooked such a fantastic dish for so long, but sometimes our culinary journeys lead us to rediscover old favorites with renewed appreciation.
It’s a common experience, isn’t it? You prepare a dish countless times, fall into a routine, and then gradually shift your focus to other new and exciting recipes. A few years go by, filled with different culinary adventures, and suddenly you remember that one dish you absolutely adored. Rediscovering such a recipe is like finding a treasured keepsake, bringing back fond memories and a fresh burst of inspiration. This Silverglade Spinach Salad was exactly that for me – a wonderful rediscovery.
More Summer Salad Inspiration
Since the demand for salads was so high, I’ve been busy sharing some of my other top picks!
I kicked off my summer salad series with this incredible Pea Salad with Cauliflower, which has received nothing but rave reviews from everyone who’s tried it! It’s a fantastic, unexpected twist on a classic.
And if you’re looking for something with a bit more zest, next up is a super delicious Taco Salad recipe, cleverly served in homemade Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls. You won’t want to miss that one!
Just in time for those festive 4th of July picnics and summer gatherings, I also updated my cherished Mom’s Macaroni Salad with a brand new recipe video. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to check it out for some classic comfort!
The Perfect Pairing: Quiche and Spinach Salad
This salad isn’t just for summer grilling or light dinners. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Just last night, we enjoyed it alongside a delicious Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche. The rich, savory notes of the quiche were perfectly balanced by the fresh, tangy salad, creating a meal that was both comforting and refreshing. This delightful combination made such an impression that I’ve already mentally noted to serve this spinach salad the next time I host a brunch. It’s an elegant and satisfying addition that elevates any meal.
The Heart of the Salad: Bacon Dijon Dressing
The secret to the Silverglade Spinach Salad’s incredible flavor lies undoubtedly in its Bacon Dijon Dressing. This isn’t just any dressing; it’s a powerful flavor punch that brings all the components of the salad together in a truly remarkable way. The smoky richness of the bacon, the sharp tang of Dijon mustard, the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, and the bright acidity of apple cider vinegar, all emulsified with olive oil, create a dressing that is both complex and utterly addictive. It coats every leaf of spinach and every piece of cheese, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
What You’ll Need to Make Silverglade Spinach Salad
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic salad. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
- Fresh Baby Spinach
- Swiss Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Red Seedless Grapes
- Crispy Bacon
- Fresh Green Onions
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Good Quality Olive Oil
- Dijon Mustard
- Brown Sugar
Each component plays a vital role. The baby spinach provides a tender base, while the grapes add a burst of juicy sweetness. The combination of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses offers both creamy and sharp profiles, complementing each other perfectly. And of course, the bacon adds that irresistible savory crunch. These ingredients, simple yet profound, come together to create a salad that is much more than the sum of its parts.
Assembling Your Silverglade Spinach Salad
Making this salad is straightforward, but a few tips will ensure perfection.
First, prepare your dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and olive oil. Give it a vigorous shake until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. Then, stir in the crumbled bacon pieces and chopped green onion. This allows the bacon and onion to infuse their flavors into the dressing, deepening its complexity. Place it in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad, letting those flavors truly get acquainted.
Next, tackle the spinach. While the original recipe might suggest removing stems and tearing leaves, I typically opt for baby spinach. Its leaves are generally smaller and more tender, making stem removal unnecessary for my preference. However, if you prefer a perfectly uniform texture or are using larger spinach leaves, feel free to add this step. Just ensure your spinach is thoroughly washed and dried to prevent a watery salad.
For the remaining fresh components, halve your red seedless grapes and julienne cut your Swiss and Cheddar cheeses. The julienne cut creates elegant strips that integrate beautifully into the salad, offering a lovely texture alongside the other ingredients. Once everything is prepped, place the spinach, grapes, and julienned cheeses into a large salad bowl.
Finally, pour the chilled Bacon Dijon Dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently to ensure every leaf and piece of cheese is coated evenly with the rich dressing. You can serve this salad immediately, but for an even better experience, I personally recommend placing it back in the fridge for another 15-30 minutes before serving. This brief chill allows the flavors to meld even further and ensures a refreshingly cool salad.
Other Favorite Salads Featuring Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic, nutrient-rich base for countless salads. If you love this Silverglade Spinach Salad, you might also enjoy exploring these other delightful spinach-based creations:
- Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing: A comforting classic, featuring wilted spinach under a hot, savory bacon vinaigrette.
- Loaded Spinach Salad with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing: Packed with delicious toppings and a rich, aromatic dressing.
- Green Salad with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette: A bright and herbaceous option that highlights fresh greens, including spinach.
- Persimmon, Pomegranate & Spinach Salad: A seasonal marvel, perfect for fall and winter with its jewel-toned fruits.
- Creamy Parmesan Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken: A hearty and satisfying meal, ideal for lunch or dinner.
- Spinach Salad with Raspberries, Goat Cheese and Almonds: A sweet and savory delight, perfect for a lighter, elegant meal.
Ready to Enjoy This Crème de Colorado Classic?
I’m truly ready to dig into this incredible Silverglade Spinach Salad right now, and I hope you are too! Its unique combination of fresh, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait to try this timeless recipe from the Crème de Colorado Cookbook, complete with its unforgettable Bacon Dijon Dressing. Let’s get to the full recipe details!
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Print Recipe
Silverglade Spinach Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 6 ounces of each: Swiss and Cheddar Cheese Julienned
- 2 cups red seedless grapes halved
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 Tablespoons green onion chopped
Instructions
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In a jar, add vinegar, mustard, olive oil and brown sugar. Shake until combined. Add in bacon and green onion, give it another shake and place it in the fridge.
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To your salad bowl, add spinach, grapes and two kinds of cheese.
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Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
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Serve immediately, or chill for about 30 minutes prior.
Notes
Nutrition