Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

We loved this spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.  We had a little leftover tonight, so I put it on homemade pizza before baking and it was the best spinach pizza.  So many flavors and how can you go wrong with bacon?  Our family loves bacon, like really, really, loves bacon.  When I asked my six year old what he wanted for his birthday party meal last summer, he said bacon.  Sadly, I got so busy with all of the party food that I completely forgot to make the bacon.  But all was well, he got a nice big helping the next day.   

10 oz. bag fresh spinach
4 slices bacon
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup minced sweet onion
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar


1.  Tear spinach into bite sized pieces and place in a bowl.  (I did not do this and the spinach leaves were kind of large for the kids to eat.)  

2.  In a skillet over medium heat, fry bacon approximately 5 minutes or until crisp; transfer with slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in the skiillet.

3.  Return skillet to medium heat; add oil, onion, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is slightly softened. Add balsamic vinegar; stir together.

4.  Pour warm dressing over spinach and toss gently.  Crumble bacon over spinach and serve immediately.

Makes 6-8 servings.