Servings: 10

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package Fresh spinach, washed, stems removed and torn into bite-size pieces (10 oz)
• 1/2 lb Mushrooms, sliced
• 7 oz Pasta Swirls, cooked, rinsed with cold water and drained
• 1 medium Red onion, sliced
• 6 slices Uncooked bacon, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup Real Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Water
• 1/3 cup Cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large serving bowl, toss the spinach, mushrooms, cooked pasta, and red onion.
2. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper. With a wire whisk, stir the cornstarch mixture into the drippings in the skillet until smooth.
4. Stir in the mayonnaise until well blended. Gradually stir in the water and cider vinegar. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
5. Pour the hot dressing over the spinach mixture in the serving bowl. Add the cooked bacon to the bowl and toss everything together to coat well.
6. Serve the spinach and pasta salad immediately.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Enjoy this flavorful spinach and pasta salad as a delightful side dish or light meal.

Here are some variations of the spinach and pasta salad recipe:

1. Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad: Add cooked and shredded chicken breast to the salad for added protein. You can use grilled or roasted chicken for extra flavor.
2. Greek Spinach Pasta Salad: Replace the mayonnaise-based dressing with a Greek dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
3. Caprese Spinach Pasta Salad: Toss the spinach, pasta, and sliced red onions with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Add cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, and fresh basil leaves to create a Caprese-inspired salad.
4. Spinach Avocado Pasta Salad: Add diced avocado to the salad for a creamy and nutritious twist. You can also include some diced cucumbers and bell peppers for extra crunch.
5. Spinach Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Use a ranch dressing instead of the mayonnaise-based dressing. Add crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese to enhance the flavors.
6. Mediterranean Spinach Pasta Salad: Mix in roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and marinated olives for a Mediterranean-inspired salad. Use a light lemon vinaigrette to dress the salad.
7. Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad: Create a flavorful pesto dressing using basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the pasta, spinach, and red onions with the pesto dressing.
8. Spinach and Quinoa Salad: Replace the pasta with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option. Add some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein and texture.
9. Asian Spinach Pasta Salad: Prepare an Asian-inspired dressing with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger. Toss in some shredded carrots, edamame, and toasted sesame seeds.
10. Spinach and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad: Crumble some creamy goat cheese over the salad for a tangy and delicious twist. Add some toasted walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch.