SPINACH SALAD W/ BACON & BUTTERMILK DRESSING

SPINACH SALAD W/ BACON & BUTTERMILK DRESSING image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 slice bacon
½ baguette (8 oz.) sliced into ½-inch cubes
2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
salt and pepper
½ c buttermilk
½ c whole fat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 tsp minced chives
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp minced basil leaves
1 tsp minced parsley leaves
1 c loosely packed baby spinach leaves
1 head romaine, chopped
2 small tomatoes, cored and diced

Steps:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon; drain, cool, and then crumble into large pieces.
2. To make croutons, toss baguette with oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375º oven until golden brown, tossing halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar, herbs; season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix together baby spinach and chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl. Divide among 6 salad bowls, then top each with tomatoes, croutons, and bacon. Drizzle dressing over the top.