Spinach and Mandarin Orange Salad

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salad:
• 1 (10 ounce) package baby spinach
• 1 (6 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, sliced and separated into rings (optional)
• 1/4 cup croutons, or as desired (optional)

Directions

Mix vinegar, sugar, water, butter, and salt together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is bubbling, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Whisk egg into dressing; return saucepan to low heat and simmer until dressing thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.

Combine spinach, mushrooms, mandarin oranges, almonds, bacon, red onion rings, and croutons in a large bowl; pour dressing over salad. Toss to coat.