Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Red Onion & Avocado

Wash spinach thoroughly under cold running water and dry it in a salad spinner. Place the spinach, onion and avocado in a salad bowl.

Place bacon in a skillet or medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp and browned, about 4 minutes. Working quickly and stirring constantly, add sugar then carefully add vinegar (the mixture will bubble up). Continue to stir until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes total. The hot vinaigrette should be slightly thinner than maple syrup. Remove from heat, taste and add up to 2 tablespoons water, if desired, to thin the vinaigrette or dilute the flavor to your preference. Pour the hot vinaigrette over the spinach, onion and avocado. Toss to coat and partially wilt the spinach. Garnish with pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.