BACON AND MANDARIN ORANGE SPINACH SALAD

Salads are a favorite at my house especially during the summer months.  This Bacon and Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is one of our favorites.  If it has bacon, I like it!  This salad is very versatile and you can make it your own by adding other fruits, nuts, etc. You may also love this seven layer salad.  SPINACH SALAD INGREDIENTS NEEDED:  Bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled Mandarin Oranges Fresh baby spinach Purple onion, cut up or chopped Toasted sesame seeds DRESSING INGREDIENTS NEEDED:  Bacon drippings Garlic powder Red wine vinegar Mandarin orange syrup Water Black pepper Lemon juice Sugar, Optional This is a very refreshing salad and wonderful side dish to any meal. The dressing really does take this salad to the next level and you could easily add almonds or pecans in place of the sesame seeds. Pineapple combined with the oranges would be a great addition too. Very versatile salad. Are you reading our digital magazine, Front Porch Life? It’s full of great recipes, country living, fantastic people, southern charm, cooking tips and so much more. We send it directly to your email so you can start reading, cooking and relaxing immediately! Print Recipe Bacon and Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad This Bacon and Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is so refreshing! Prep Time5 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time20 mins Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanKeyword: Mandarin Orange Salad Servings: 6 servings Ingredients5 pieces bacon cooked, drained and crumbled (save drippings)1 15 ounce can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained, reserve syrup (You could use fresh oranges in the salad and orange juice in the dressing2 to 3 cups fresh baby spinach1/3 cup purple onion cut up or chopped (could use green onion or just regular onion)2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds could use toasted almonds or just about any kind of nuts you likeDRESSING3 to 4 tablespoons bacon drippings1/4 teaspoon garlic powder2 tablespoons red wine vinegar1/3 cup light mandarin orange syrup2 tablespoons water1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon lemon juice2 teaspoons sugar Optional InstructionsCombine salad ingredients and toss to mix well. Combine dressing ingredients and heat until warm. I put my dressing in a small pitcher like a cream pitcher and let each person add the amount they want at the table. Salad will keep in the fridge for a couple days without dressing. NotesYou can buy sesame seeds already toasted in the spice section of your supermarket or you can put them on a baking sheet and toast in 325 degree oven about 10 minutes until brown. Don’t Forget to Pin this great salad!    Follow us on Instagram!  © The Southern Lady Cooks photos and text – All rights reserved. No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder. Save Other Recipes