Low FODMAP Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
This Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, Chicken, Blue Cheese & Strawberries is a fantastic warm-weather dinner or a very hearty lunch.
It doesn’t pack well, so save it for a time when you can serve it fresh at the table. The tender spinach leaves, protein rich chicken, salty, umami-packed blue cheese, sweet, juicy strawberries and savory, crisp bacon combine to create a salad loaded with flavor and texture that engages all of your senses.
Please read the recipe through to understand the process as timing is important in order to have the bacon dressing hot and ready to go.
For another hearty salad, check out our Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate.
A note on blue cheese: Recent lab tests have indicated that even blue cheese that has mold developed from wheat sources can be considered gluten-free. Read more in our article Is Cheese Low FODMAP?
Also, you might like to read our article, Is Bacon Low FODMAP?
Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, Chicken, Blue Cheese & Strawberries
This salad makes an elegant lunch or even a light dinner. I am partial to using poached chicken breasts for the added moisture they bring, but grilled chicken breasts are great, too! And if you are lucky enough to have access to low FODMAP rotisserie chicken from the store, by all means use it.
Ingredients:
Spinach Salad:
- 4 ounces (115 g) tender spinach leaves, washed & dried, larger stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces (225 g) cooked chicken breast, (poached, grilled, roasted - your choice!), sliced or chopped
- 10 medium (140 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 ounces (55 g) blue cheese, crumbled (read labels to confirm that it is gluten-free)
Hot Bacon Dressing:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon; use gluten-free if following a gluten-free diet
- Extra-virgin olive oil, if necessary
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:
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For the Salad: Toss together the spinach, chicken, strawberries and blue cheese in a mixing bowl; set aside.
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For the Dressing: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp; leaving the fat in the pan, drain the bacon on paper towels and set aside. You want 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan. Drain any excess away or add olive oil if necessary. Whisk the vinegar, mustard, and sugar into the hot bacon fat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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While the dressing is still warm, pour it over the salad and toss well. Crumble the bacon over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes:
Tips
- The only trick with this recipe is timing. Just read through the recipe first to familiarize yourself with the approach and it will go smoothly.
- You may use dark meat chicken, if you like.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. For a more detailed explanation, please read our article Understanding The Nutrition Panel Within Our Recipes.
Click here for 20 Low FODMAP Strawberry Recipes That Will Make You Berry Happy!
I’ve made this salad for dinner about 4 times by now. I usually forgo the chicken and use beef tenderloin instead. Also, since I am allergic to dairy, I put in half a chopped avocado. My husband, who can eat anything, has always remarked on how good this salad is every time. Thanks for a tasty, quick, and easy recipe.
Danielle, Thank you for writing – for so many reasons! First of all, we are thrilled that you are using us as a resource for Thriving with your IBS! Secondly, it is so gratifying to see how you are making the diet and our resources your own. Thirdly, it allows me to comment on a few specifics: you mention using beef tenderloin as well as a large amount of avocado. From a strict point of view, this would put the recipe into high FODMAP territory as well as a high fat content. Many people with IBS would not be able to tolerate your version. I would not only love it, but would tolerate it just as you do (and my husband would similarly be thrilled). Your note allows me to point out one of my favorite aspects of the low FODMAP diet – that it is HIGHLY individual for each and every one of us. Your salad works for you, me and many FODMAPers who will hopefully read this. Then there are those who must take a different approach. This is simply the way it is. All of us are following the diet, as it is Always tailored to the individual – if you are doing it right! The healthiest thing you can do is ultimately know your limits and liberalize your diet to its greatest extent. Enjoy your salad:)
I‘m in love! 😍 This salad is sooo tasty and perfect for summer!! Thank you for another delicious recipe.
YOU INSPIRED ME! LOL I haven’t made this in a long time. Guess what I’m making for dinner?
Hmm…Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing, Chicken, Blue Cheese & Strawberries? 😊 I’m glad to have been a source of inspiration. Enjoy!! 🥗