Name: Festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad That Wow's Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 10 cups fresh baby spinach (A nutrient-dense base); 1 cup fresh cranberries (Or dried cranberries); 0.5 cups feta cheese (Crumbled); 0.5 cups candied pecans or walnuts (Adds crunch and sweetness); 0.5 red onion (Thinly sliced); 0.25 cups balsamic vinaigrette (Store-bought or homemade); 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; slices of orange or mandarin (Optional for garnish)

As I walked through the holiday market, the air filled with the sweet and tart aroma of fresh cranberries caught my attention. It reminded me of my favorite festive dish: the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad. This vibrant salad not only captures the essence of the season, but it also brings health and happiness to your holiday table. With quick prep time and the perfect balance of flavors, this delicious blend of fresh baby spinach, zesty cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy candied nuts offers a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. Plus, it’s a refreshing option amidst the heavier holiday fare, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to elevate your holiday meals with a burst of color and taste?

Why is this salad a holiday favorite?

Vibrant Colors: This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is a feast for the eyes, showcasing festive greens and reds that add a cheerful touch to your holiday table.

Quick Prep: Whipping this salad up takes just 15 minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy the celebrations rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Harmony: The sweet and tart cranberries pair beautifully with crumbled feta and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful medley of flavors that will wow your guests.

Healthy Choice: With only 200 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any festive meal, helping guests feel light and energized amidst holiday indulgences.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether served as a starter or side dish, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy both health-conscious diners and those indulgent foodies alike. For more fresh salad inspirations, check out my recipe for Tropical Quinoa Salad that brings a touch of summer to your winter gatherings!

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

• Elevate your holiday meals with these fresh ingredients!

For the Salad
• Fresh baby spinach – A nutrient-dense base that adds vibrant color and texture.
• Fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries) – The perfect sweet-tart burst to enhance the festive flavor profile.
• Feta cheese – Adds a creamy tang that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Candied pecans or walnuts – Introduces delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to your salad.
• Red onion – Provides a mild, zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

For the Dressing
• Balsamic vinaigrette – A rich dressing that ties all the flavors together; can be store-bought or homemade.
• Salt – A subtle enhance to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
• Black pepper – Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the salad.

For Garnish
• Slices of orange or mandarin – Optional, but they add a refreshing citrus touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is not just a visual delight but a flavorful celebration on your plate!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Base
Begin by washing and drying 10 cups of fresh baby spinach thoroughly. Use a salad spinner for best results so that the leaves are crisp and free from excess water. Take a large salad bowl and gently place the spinach as the vibrant base for your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, creating a lush green canvas.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries
Next, evenly distribute 1 cup of halved fresh cranberries over the spinach. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries work just as well, adding a sweet-tart flavor that's perfect for the holidays. As you sprinkle them across the salad, you’ll see the beautiful pops of color against the greens, making it visually appealing.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Feta Cheese
Now, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese uniformly across the top of the salad. The creamy, tangy feta adds a delightful richness that balances the tartness of the cranberries. Use your fingers or a spoon to ensure even distribution, enhancing the flavor profile of your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad.

Step 4: Incorporate the Nuts
Add ½ cup of candied pecans or walnuts to the bowl next. As you toss these crunchy elements throughout the salad, their sweetness will complement the cranberries and feta beautifully. Make sure they are well spaced out for an enjoyable crunch with every bite, contributing to the delightful texture.

Step 5: Layer the Red Onion
Take ½ of a thinly sliced red onion and gently scatter it over the salad ingredients. The red onion provides a mild zing that contrasts well with the sweetness of the other components. As you spread it out, you’ll want to ensure it’s evenly distributed to enhance each bite of the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad.

Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing
Carefully drizzle ¼ cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad, aiming for an even coating on all ingredients. The rich, tangy dressing will unify the salad’s flavors. Gently toss the salad to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated, being cautious not to bruise the delicate spinach leaves.

Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper
Now, season the salad with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients. Toss everything together again to ensure the seasoning is evenly mixed throughout your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine.

Step 8: Garnish with Citrus
If desired, artfully arrange slices of orange or mandarin around the edges of the salad for a splash of color and refreshing zest. These citrus slices not only beautify the dish but also add an extra layer of flavor. Take a moment to admire the finished look of your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad before serving.

Step 9: Serve or Chill
You can serve your salad immediately if you like it fresh, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, enjoy sharing this festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad with friends and family, celebrating the holiday season with a delightful and healthy option!

What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Each bite of this festive salad invites you into a world of vibrant flavors and textures, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Roasted Turkey: A classic holiday favorite that pairs perfectly with the salad's bright flavors, balancing heartiness with freshness.
Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet glaze harmonizes beautifully with the tart cranberries, providing a delightful contrast in every mouthful.
Savory Stuffing: The herby, warm notes of stuffing complement the salad's crisp elements, creating a comforting meal.
Creamy Potato Gratin: This indulgent side offers a wonderful creamy texture that contrasts with the salad’s crunchy nuts and crisp spinach.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread will add a comforting warmth, making each plate feel even more festive.
Mulled Wine: A comforting, spiced drink that enhances the holiday feel and perfectly accompanies the fresh flavors of the salad.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink highlights seasonal tastes and pairs well with both the savory and sweet moments of your meal.
Pumpkin Pie: Top off your holiday feast with this classic dessert, echoing the warmth of the season and its sweet, spiced flavor.
Chocolate Mousse: For a light yet indulgent dessert option, the richness of chocolate mousse balances the refreshing salad beautifully.
Pecan Pie: Its sweetness and crunch pair well with the salad’s vibrant textures, finishing your meal on a satisfying note.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can wash and dry the spinach and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Similarly, prepare and combine the cranberries, feta cheese, and nuts in a separate bowl, refrigerating them until you're ready to mix them into the salad. To maintain freshness, wait to add the dressing until just before serving, preventing the salad from becoming soggy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply toss the prepped ingredients together with the spinach and add the balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious, vibrant dish that will impress your guests with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and cranberries to ensure the best flavors. Wilted spinach can make your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad less appealing.
Crumble Feta Correctly: Use your fingers to crumble the feta directly into the salad. Big chunks may overpower the other ingredients, so aim for an even distribution.
Toss Gently: When mixing your salad, use a soft touch to combine ingredients. Over-mixing can bruise the delicate spinach leaves, ruining the salad’s texture.
Dress Right Before Serving: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before you’re ready to serve. If dressed too early, the spinach can become soggy, detracting from the crispness of your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad.
Experiment with Nuts: Try using different nuts like almonds or pistachios if you'd like a change. But remember, the crunch should still complement the other flavors without overwhelming them.

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Variations

Feel free to customize your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad with these exciting twists that will charm your taste buds!

Nut-Free: Omit the candied pecans or walnuts and replace them with crispy chickpeas for added crunch without nuts.
Vegan Delight: Use plant-based feta and balsamic vinaigrette to create a delightful vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
Sweet and Savory: Add sliced apples or pears to enhance sweetness and complement the tart cranberries perfectly. This adds layers of flavor that are simply irresistible!
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil to brighten the salad with fresh flavors that make it even more refreshing.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist that contrasts delightfully with the overall sweetness.
Grain Booster: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad that offers added texture and sustenance – perfect for lunch on its own!
Creamy Addition: Drizzle with a touch of cream or Greek yogurt to give the salad a creamy consistency, making it incredibly luscious.
Citrus Burst: Use grapefruit segments instead of oranges or mandarins to impart a tangy brightness that elevates the holiday flavors.

These variations will let your creativity shine during festive gatherings! For more delicious recipes, why not explore my Autumn Harvest Salad that celebrates seasonal flavors beautifully?

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness while preventing the spinach from wilting.

Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad due to the loss of texture, you can freeze individual components like candied nuts for up to 2 months.

Reheating: If you’ve stored the salad in the fridge, simply remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Toss gently to revive the flavors.

Make-Ahead Tip: To prepare this salad in advance, you can chop and store ingredients separately in the fridge, and combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp!

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cranberries?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh cranberries, look for ones that are bright red and firm. Avoid those with soft spots or dark blemishes, as they may be overripe. Dried cranberries should also be plump and moist for the best taste.

What’s the best way to store leftover salad?
To store your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method will help keep the spinach fresh while preventing it from wilting. If you notice any excess moisture, you can use a paper towel to absorb it before sealing.

Can I freeze any part of this salad?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, as freezing can affect the texture of the spinach, you can freeze the candied pecans or walnuts separately. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they'll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to use, simply let them thaw before adding to your salad.

What if I don't have balsamic vinaigrette?
No worries! You can easily make a homemade balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, ½ cup of olive oil, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. This simple recipe will give your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad a delightful homemade touch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Very! To prepare in advance, you can wash and dry your spinach, chop the red onion, and store each ingredient separately in the fridge. Combine all the components just before serving for a fresh and crisp salad. If you’re making it a few hours before serving, I recommend dressing the salad right before serving to keep the spinach from wilting.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Sure, if you're serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad. To make it dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. If nut allergies are a concern, you can leave out the candied nuts and add crispy chickpeas for a similar crunch. Always check with your guests to ensure everyone can enjoy this festive dish!