hot bacon pasta salad

The inspiration for this hot bacon pasta salad came from a Tasty Kitchen recipe posted by the Pioneer Woman herself - spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.  The salad was delicious, so I decided to convert it into something more filling, more hearty, and slightly healthier (by using turkey bacon).

Hot Bacon Pasta Salad

• 16 oz. package of pasta
• 1 lb. bacon or turkey bacon
• 1 small package (2 cups) sliced mushrooms
• 10 oz. package baby spinach
• 3 T. red wine vinegar
• 2 t. sugar
• 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
• dash salt
• pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Dice up bacon and place in a large skillet, seasoning liberally with pepper.  Cook until crispy; remove to another bowl.  Add mushrooms to skillet and cook 2-3 minutes, or until tender.  Add spinach leaves; cook and stir until wilted.  Toss in cooked pasta.  Mix the vinegar, sugar, and salt and pour over the pasta.  Stir everything together and serve hot.  Serves 8.

Nutrition:  320 cal, 13g fat, 3g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 91mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 35g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugars, 16g protein, 67% vit. A, 18% vit. C, 7% calcium, 22% iron.