If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with something fresh, vibrant, and packed with seasonal flavors, then you have to try this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe. It’s a festive medley of crisp baby spinach leaves, tart dried cranberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all brought together by a sweet and tangy dressing that elevates every bite. This salad isn’t just a pretty face on your plate; it’s a celebration of texture and taste that perfectly complements your holiday feasts and adds a burst of color to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the juicy crispness of the apples to the creamy tang of feta, making this salad as attractive as it is delicious.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The fresh, tender base that provides a mild, leafy green flavor and beautiful color.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a sweet-tart burst that perfectly complements the other salad components.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: A creamy, salty kick that adds richness and depth.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (toasted): Toasting nuts enhances their nuttiness and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced: For a little sharp bite and beautiful layering of color.
- 1 apple thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp): Crisp and subtly sweet with a hint of tartness, adds a juicy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Tiny pops of texture and a visually appealing speckling throughout the salad.
- Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The rich, smooth base that carries all flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetness to round out the acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the salad.
How to Make Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by washing and drying 6 cups of baby spinach thoroughly since a well-dressed salad needs a dry base to avoid sogginess. Then thinly slice half a red onion and one crisp apple, ideally a Honeycrisp, for that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Toss the apple slices briefly in lemon juice if you want to keep them looking fresh and bright longer.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Warm a small skillet over medium heat and toast your choice of sliced almonds or chopped pecans until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir constantly to prevent burning. The toasting step transforms the nuts, giving them a deeper flavor and satisfying crunch that takes this salad to the next level.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, sliced red onion, apple slices, and a tablespoon of poppy seeds. Each component is like a piece in a flavorful puzzle that comes together beautifully in the final dish.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. This dressing wonderfully ties together the sweet, tangy, and savory elements of the salad.
Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together until the spinach leaves are evenly coated but not wilted. Serving immediately ensures the best texture and freshest flavors—you’ll love that crispness in every bite.
How to Serve Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Boost the presentation and flavor by sprinkling a few extra toasted nuts or a pinch of crumbled feta on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper add a subtle final touch that makes this salad feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with hearty holiday mains such as roast turkey, glazed ham, or baked salmon. It’s light enough to balance rich dishes but flavorful enough to stand on its own in a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party, consider serving this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe in individual clear glasses layered with the ingredients for a stunning visual effect. Or arrange it on a platter with edible flowers and extra fruit slices for a centerpiece-worthy display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers. Store the salad ingredients in the fridge for up to one day to preserve the crisp texture, and toss with dressing only when ready to serve again.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh ingredients and a delicate dressing, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will damage the texture of the spinach and apples, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you want to warm up a holiday meal while keeping the salad fresh, keep it chilled until the last minute.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so they don’t work as well in this salad. Dried cranberries offer the perfect sweet-tart balance and chewy texture that complements the other ingredients.
What nuts work best for this salad?
Sliced almonds and chopped pecans are both excellent choices. Toasting them intensifies their flavor and crunch. Feel free to experiment with walnuts or pistachios if you want a different twist.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
The salad ingredients (without dressing) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once dressed, it’s best consumed immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe is truly a holiday treasure, perfectly blending bright, fresh flavors with a festive spirit. Whether you’re serving it alongside your main courses or bringing it to a family gathering, this salad will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and watch how it steals the spotlight with every colorful, crunchy forkful!
Print
Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad combining fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crisp apples, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a holiday side dish to complement roast turkey or ham.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, thinly sliced red onion, apple slices, and poppy seeds. Gently toss them together to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing to maintain the crisp texture of the salad components.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- To prevent apples from browning, toss the apple slices in a small amount of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or ham, making it a perfect holiday meal addition.
- You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
