A Festive Welcome to This Salad
This Festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad brightens any holiday table. It is quick, colorful, and full of fresh flavors. The sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds make each bite fun. If you enjoy berry desserts too, try this linked Christmas Berry Crumble Cheesecake for a sweet finish: https://pauloans.com/christmas-berry-crumble-cheesecake-festive-baked-cheesecake-with-berries/.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Salad
This salad is easy to make and looks special. It mixes simple ingredients you can find in most stores. You can make it ahead and toss before serving. It suits vegetarian guests and pairs well with many main dishes.
Step-by-Step: Make the Festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
Follow these steps to assemble the salad. If you want a festive bread to serve alongside, the pull-apart tree bread is a fun choice: https://pauloans.com/festive-pull-apart-bread-in-a-christmas-tree-shape/.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quick Directions
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, sliced almonds, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive side dish!
Serving Suggestions for This Salad
Serve the salad right after dressing it so the spinach stays crisp. Use a large shallow bowl so the colors show. Add a few extra cranberries on top for a pretty look.
Storing and Keeping Fresh
Store any leftover salad dressing separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers after tossing, keep them in an airtight container and eat within 1 day for best texture. If you haven’t dressed the salad yet, store the salad components separately up to 2 days.
Tips to Make It Shine
- Toast the almonds lightly for more crunch and flavor.
- Use thinly sliced red onion for a milder bite.
- For an even sweeter touch, add a spoonful of dried cranberries or a drizzle of honey.
- For more fruit and color ideas, check this Spinach Blueberry Superfoods Salad for inspiration: https://pauloans.com/spinach-blueberry-superfoods-salad/.
Easy Variations
- Nut-free: Replace almonds with roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Vegan: Skip the feta or use a vegan cheese.
- Fruit mix: Use pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries for a jewel-like look.
Nutrition Facts (Estimate)
Per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: ~150–200 (depends on feta and dressing)
- Fat: 10–14 g
- Carbohydrates: 10–15 g
- Protein: 3–5 g
These are estimates. Exact values depend on brands and portion sizes.
Serving Ideas for the Whole Family
This salad works well at holiday dinners or casual weeknight meals. Serve it with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or a hearty vegetarian main. It’s colorful and mild enough for kids to enjoy if you skip strong cheeses.
What to Serve With This Salad
Pair it with roasted meats, pasta dishes, or baked fish. It also balances rich mains like ham or casseroles by adding a fresh, bright bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier. You may want to reduce any added sweet dressing.
Q: How long can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Prep ingredients up to 1–2 days ahead. Keep dressing separate and toss right before serving.
Q: Can I swap almonds for another nut?
A: Yes. Pecans or walnuts work well and add their own flavor.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, with typical ingredients it is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on dressings and add-ins.
Conclusion
If you want more holiday salad ideas, see this detailed Christmas Salad – Julia’s Album for inspiration: Christmas Salad – Julia’s Album. For a similar spinach-and-cranberry version with helpful notes, try this Spinach Salad (with Cranberries and Almonds) – Cooking Classy: Spinach Salad (with Cranberries and Almonds) – Cooking Classy. For another festive take and plating ideas, visit Festive Christmas Salad With Cranberries – Chef Tariq: Festive Christmas Salad With Cranberries – Chef Tariq.
Cranberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds Lightly toasted for extra crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese Optional, can be skipped for a vegan version.
- 1/4 cup red onion Thinly sliced for a milder taste.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette Adjust based on preference; keep dressing separate before serving.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, sliced almonds, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy your festive side dish!
