Why Make This Recipe
This Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is a great addition to your holiday meals. It brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. This salad combines the freshness of spinach with the sweetness of cranberries and the creamy texture of cheese. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s healthy, which is always a nice complement to richer holiday foods.
How to Make Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
Making this salad is simple and quick. You’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach
- Dried cranberries
- Goat cheese or feta cheese
- Candied pecans or walnuts
- Red onion
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion.
- Crumble goat cheese or feta cheese on top.
- Add candied pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
How to Serve Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
This salad can be served as a side dish during your holiday meal. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or any festive dish. You can also serve it as a light lunch by itself. For a nice touch, consider garnishing each plate with extra cranberries or nuts.
How to Store Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat again. This way, the salad won’t get soggy. Consume it within a day or two for the best taste and freshness.
Tips to Make Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. You can add more nuts or cheese if you like.
- Experiment with different dressings; a lemon vinaigrette can also be a refreshing choice.
- If you want a bit of tartness, you can add slices of orange or apple.
Variation
You can easily switch up this salad to suit your preference. For instance, if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta cheese works well and adds a nice flavor. You could also add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
2. What can I use instead of candied nuts?
You can use plain nuts if you want to reduce sugar or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunch.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegan salad.
Conclusion
The Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad adds a festive touch to any holiday meal. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at your gatherings. For more delightful salad ideas, check out this Spinach Salad (with Cranberries and Almonds). And if you’re looking for a sweet holiday treat, you might enjoy this Christmas Cranberry Bread Pudding recipe too!
Print
Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad combining fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Dried cranberries
- Goat cheese or feta cheese
- Candied pecans or walnuts
- Red onion
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion.
- Crumble goat cheese or feta cheese on top.
- Add candied pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
