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