If you’re searching for a dish that’s fresh, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Spinach Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Baby Tomatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. The perfect balance of crisp baby spinach leaves, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken chunks, and crispy bacon tossed in a luscious creamy dressing makes every bite a delight. It’s an effortlessly impressive salad that feels like a hearty meal but comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one adds a unique texture, flavor, or color, ensuring the salad is not only visually appealing but also a true feast for the taste buds.
- 6 oz bag of fresh spinach: Provides a vibrant green base packed with nutrients and a tender crunch.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that livens up the creamy dressing.
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise: Gives the salad its rich, creamy texture that clings perfectly to every bite.
- 2 chicken breasts: Supplies hearty protein and a satisfying chew to complement the greens.
- 10 oz (1 1/2 cups) baby tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the savory elements beautifully.
- 6 strips bacon: Brings irresistible smoky crunch that elevates the whole salad experience.
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups croutons: Adds an extra layer of crunch and heartiness to each forkful.
- 2 Tbsp green onion or chives: Infuses a mild oniony flavor and fresh green pops of color.
- Salt and pepper for chicken: Essential seasoning to bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Baby Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Dressing
Start by pulsing the fresh spinach in a food processor until it’s finely minced—this helps the dressing cling to every bit of the salad. Then add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Mix them together until smooth and creamy, the dressing will have a lovely green hue and a bright, fresh flavor from the lemon.
Step 2: Cook and Dice the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté them in a hot pan until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before dicing it into half-inch chunks. This keeps the chicken juicy and makes it easier to mix into the salad.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
Fry the bacon strips until they are perfectly crunchy. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. The bacon’s smoky crispness is crucial—it adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
Step 4: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Finely chop the green onion or chives to sprinkle throughout the salad for a subtle sharpness and vibrant color. Depending on their size, halve or quarter the baby tomatoes so they release just the right amount of juicy sweetness without overwhelming the salad.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Just Before Serving
When you’re ready to serve, toss together the creamy spinach dressing, diced chicken, bacon, tomatoes, croutons, and chopped green onions. Mixing all the ingredients just before serving ensures the croutons stay crunchy, and every bite is fresh and flavorful.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Baby Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the salad with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of shaved Parmesan cheese to add a salty, nutty dimension. A dash of paprika on top can also add a beautiful color contrast and a subtle smoky hint.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderful served as a light meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a warm bowl of soup, or even a chilled glass of white wine to elevate your dining experience effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear glass bowls showcasing the colorful layers. Alternatively, build the salad on large platter leaving the dressing on the side for guests to add just the right amount themselves—perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the spinach and croutons from becoming soggy. Leftover salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh spinach, tomatoes, and creamy dressing do not hold up well after thawing. The texture and flavor would suffer considerably.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to warm the chicken before adding it to a fresh batch of salad, gently reheat it in a skillet to maintain its juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale offers a slightly heartier texture and a stronger flavor, which can be a delicious twist on the original salad. Just be sure to mince it finely for the creamy dressing.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works wonderfully to keep that creamy, tangy element in the salad.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding ingredients like roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for protein and crunch.
How can I make this salad ahead for a picnic?
Keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to preserve freshness and texture. Pack the salad in a cooler with ice packs to keep everything crisp and cool.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?
Pan sautéing the chicken breasts with simple salt and pepper seasoning gives the best flavor and texture, keeping the meat juicy and tender for the salad.
Final Thoughts
One bite of this Creamy Spinach Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Baby Tomatoes Recipe and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying all at once—a salad that feels like a complete meal. Don’t hesitate to whip it up for your next lunch or dinner; your taste buds will thank you with every creamy, crunchy, delicious forkful.
Print
Creamy Spinach Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Baby Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful spinach salad featuring tender sautéed chicken, crispy bacon, fresh baby tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-mayo dressing. This salad is perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 oz bag of fresh spinach
- 2 chicken breasts
- 10 oz (about 1 1/2 cups) baby tomatoes
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups croutons
- 2 Tbsp green onion or chives
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper for chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing and spinach: Use a food processor to mince the fresh spinach until finely chopped. Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to the minced spinach and pulse or mix until the mixture is creamy and well combined, forming the salad dressing base.
- Cook and dice the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté them in a pan over medium heat until cooked through, about 7-10 minutes depending on thickness. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature, then dice the chicken into 1/2-inch chunks.
- Cook and chop bacon: In the same or separate pan, sauté the bacon strips until they are crispy and browned. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare fresh ingredients: Finely chop the green onions or chives. Cut the baby tomatoes in halves or quarters depending on their size to make bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and serve: In a large bowl, mix together the creamy spinach dressing, diced chicken, chopped bacon, fresh tomatoes, green onions, and croutons. Toss gently to combine all ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh baby tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- Allow the chicken to cool before dicing to keep the salad cool and maintain the creamy texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and mayonnaise quantities for preferred creaminess and tanginess.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and bacon, and add toasted nuts for extra protein and crunch.
- Croutons add texture, but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
