Zesty Cranberry Salad Recipe: A Bright Holiday Classic

Cranberry salad dances with vibrant flavors that instantly brighten any holiday table.

festive gatherings call for something special and unexpected.

Sweet and tart notes mingle beautifully in this delightful dish.

Crisp ingredients bring color and zest to your plate.

Chopped nuts add delightful crunch against soft, luscious berries.

Simple preparation means you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones.

This recipe promises to become your new seasonal favorite that everyone will request.

Cranberry Salad Recipes: Festive Reasons to Make These Salads

• Toasted pecans add a rich, nutty depth that transforms an ordinary salad into a gourmet experience with minimal extra effort.
• This recipe requires simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks seeking an impressive dish without complicated techniques.
• Cranberries and mixed greens provide a vibrant combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting a healthy and delicious meal option.
• Suitable for various occasions from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this salad adapts easily to different meal settings and preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Favorite Cranberry Salads

• Cranberries: Tart red berries that add bright flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
• Mixed Greens: A combination of soft and crisp leafy vegetables that create a delicious base.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts that provide a rich, buttery crunch and enhance the salad's texture.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy and salty element to the salad.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A smooth, slightly sweet dressing that ties all the ingredients together with a robust flavor.

Steps for Assembling Festive Cranberry Salad Recipes

Step 1: Prepare Cranberries and Pecans

Rinse fresh cranberries under cool running water, carefully removing any stems or damaged berries.

While cleaning the cranberries, heat a dry skillet over medium flame and toast pecans until they become fragrant and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Create Leafy Base

Select a large mixing bowl and add a vibrant mix of fresh salad greens like baby spinach, arugula, and tender romaine lettuce.

These greens will provide a crisp and nutritious foundation for your cranberry salad.

Step 3: Add Fruity and Nutty Elements

Gently scatter the cleaned cranberries and toasted pecans over the prepared greens.

The bright red cranberries will add a tart burst of flavor, while the pecans contribute a delightful crunch and rich, nutty undertone.

Step 4: Enhance with Cheese

Crumble tangy feta cheese across the salad.

The creamy, salty cheese will beautifully complement the sweet-tart cranberries and earthy pecans, creating a complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle a high-quality balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Use a light hand to ensure the dressing doesn’t overwhelm the delicate ingredients.

Toss the salad gently to distribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Final Presentation

Serve the salad immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the greens and the vibrant flavors of the ingredients.

This colorful and nutritious salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing everyday meal.

Cranberry Salad Tips for Big Flavor and Texture

• Rinse berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or stems before preparing the salad.
• Gently roast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance their rich, nutty flavor.
• Add dressing just before serving to maintain crisp greens and prevent wilting of delicate salad ingredients.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta last to preserve its texture and provide a tangy contrast to sweet cranberries.
• Toss salad gently and present right away to ensure maximum freshness and vibrant ingredient colors.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Salad Creations

• Store leftover cranberry salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent greens from getting soggy.
• Separately freeze toasted pecans in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding back to salad.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, quickly refresh mixed greens by tossing with fresh crisp leaves to restore crispness and texture.
• Always add balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to maintain the salad's vibrant flavors and prevent wilting of delicate greens.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Cranberry Salads at Your Table

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the tangy cranberries and creamy feta, balancing the salad's bright flavors with smooth wine undertones.
• Match with Roasted Turkey Slices: Add lean roasted turkey breast as a protein companion, creating a harmonious blend of festive flavors that enhances the salad's seasonal profile.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a crunchy texture contrast and soak up the balsamic vinaigrette's rich dressing.
• Complement with Sparkling Apple Cider: Pour a chilled sparkling apple cider to echo the salad's fruity notes and provide a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage option that cleanses the palate.

Unique Ways to Customize Cranberry Salad Recipes

• Vegan Berry Bliss: Replace feta with crumbled almond cheese and use maple-mustard vinaigrette for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Garden Mix: Swap mixed greens with quinoa base and use gluten-free pecans to create a safe alternative for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Cranberry Crunch: Substitute greens with baby spinach and add roasted pumpkin seeds instead of pecans for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Protein-Packed Power Salad: Include grilled chicken strips or chickpeas to enhance protein content and create a more substantial meal option.

FAQs

• How do I select the best cranberries for this salad?

Look for firm, plump cranberries with a deep red color. Avoid soft, mushy, or discolored berries. Fresh cranberries should bounce when dropped and have a vibrant, glossy appearance.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the salad to prevent excess moisture. Frozen cranberries work well when fresh are not in season.

• What if I'm allergic to nuts or don't like pecans?

You can substitute pecans with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or skip nuts entirely. These alternatives provide a similar crunch and texture to the salad.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, sliced almonds, or chickpeas to increase protein content. Quinoa or crumbled hard-boiled eggs are also excellent protein-boosting options for this salad.

Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry salad brings holiday cheer with its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing create a memorable side dish that elevates any seasonal gathering, promising delightful moments you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, spring mix)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Carefully sort and rinse fresh cranberries under cool running water, discarding any damaged or soft berries.
2. Heat a dry skillet over medium flame and toast pecans for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Select a spacious mixing bowl and layer crisp mixed greens as the salad foundation.
4. Scatter vibrant, plump cranberries across the greens, distributing them evenly.
5. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad, ensuring balanced coverage.
6. Crumble tangy feta cheese across the surface, creating delicate white clusters.
7. Prepare balsamic vinaigrette moments before serving to maintain its bright, zesty character.
8. Drizzle vinaigrette sparingly over the salad, allowing each ingredient to shine.
9. Gently toss the components using delicate folding motions to prevent bruising delicate greens.
10. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Select firm, plump cranberries with deep red color for maximum flavor and texture in your salad.
• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor, watching closely to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown coloration.
• Consider substituting feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile if desired.
• Prepare salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain crisp greens and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg