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Summer is right around the corner, and this Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad is the freshest side dish for all the picnics, barbecues, and pool parties your heart desires.

Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12 as a side 1x

Description

Summer is right around the corner, and this Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad is the freshest side for all the picnics, barbecues, and pool parties your heart desires.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1/2 pound bacon
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced mild onion (like a red or sweet onion), or to taste
  • 4 cups baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Slice the bacon into small pieces, and then place in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, until very crisp.
  3. While the pasta and bacon are cooking, make the dressing for the pasta salad.
  4. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayo, garlic, salt, and ground black pepper.
  5. Whisk to combine well.
  6. In a large bowl, add the pasta, and toss with the dressing. Add the cooked bacon, tomatoes, onion, and baby spinach, and toss to combine.
  7. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and serve right away.

Notes

  • Salad can be chilled before serving if you’d like.
  • If you’d like to make this ahead, cook the pasta. Make the dressing, and keep the dressing separate from the pasta and the other ingredients. Toss everything together right before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: American