Wow. Ten stars. I had some bacon and baby spinach to use up and found this recipe. I had to make a change due to what I had but am rating anyway because I think the result would have been VERY similar. I didn't have creamy Italian dressing but only had regular. Assuming (and I apologize if I'm wrong) that creamy Italian dressing has a "mayo-like" base I used the bottle of regular Italian dressing in place of the creamy and then used 1/3 cup mayo in place of the regular Italian which I'm thinking "evened" everything out. Everything else I followed EXACT. SOOOOO GOOD!!! Where has this recipe been all my life?! I can't wait to try this out on everyone this summer at family and neighborhood BBQs!
This is such awesome salad a change from regular salads making again this weekend everyone wants more!!!
Add the bacon just before serving and grate some fresh parmesan on top before serving. I find Good Seasons packet dressing you make yourself the best.
I loved it but changed a few things the second time I made it. I tossed the warm pasta with a couple Tablespoons of Bacon grease used arugula instead of spinach omitted the creamy dressing and added some fresh cilantro. Big hit both times.
I agree with the other reviewer that the bacon was soggy--I would substitute ham or salami for the added smoky flavor. Also "wilting" that amount of spinach inevitably leads to clumping. I would simply toss in uncooked baby spinach leaves. I didn't love this and probably won't make it again but that having been said I made it for a potluck and came back with an almost-empty bowl.
Good dish. I loved it. Works well with busy schedules like a house filled with kids and night school!
Recipe is good but the bacon gets soggy. Think next time i will add this either right before serving or buy bacon bits. I also added more dressing and even a little ranch for a bit of creaminess.
This recipe was a big hit. I loved it and so did everyone else. Lauren
Great salad! Reading about several reviewers having soggy bacon I used thick bacon. Problem solved. Really great flavor. The only changes I made were the bacon and I put 1 more tomato in it. It just looked like it needed it. I also had to add a little more salad dressing in it. When I put it in the refrigerator to chill it jelled up. And it seemed dry when I stirred it up. Putting a little more dressing loosened it up.
