Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad: A Joyful Holiday Delight Recipe
Introduction
This Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is a bright and cheerful dish perfect for the holiday season. With fresh spinach, tart cranberries, and juicy orange segments, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the spinach and place it in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add cranberries and orange segments to the bowl.
- Step 3: Sprinkle walnuts and feta cheese on top.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Step 6: Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but reduce the dressing sweetness slightly to balance flavors.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and nutrients.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Storage
Store the salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated and toss just before serving to maintain freshness. Once dressed, consume immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are preferred for texture, but you can use thawed frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available, keeping in mind they may be softer.
Print
Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad: A Joyful Holiday Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and refreshing holiday dish that combines fresh spinach, tart cranberries, juicy orange segments, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing, it makes a perfect light and colorful side for any festive meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and place it in a large mixing bowl to create the base of the salad.
- Add fruit: Add 1 cup of cranberries and the orange segments to the bowl, spreading them evenly over the spinach for color and flavor contrast.
- Add nuts and cheese: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and crumbled feta cheese on top of the fruit and spinach, giving the salad texture and savory notes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a simple yet flavorful dressing.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- For a sweeter touch, substitute dried cranberries for fresh if preferred.
- Walnuts can be lightly toasted to enhance their flavor before adding.
- Feel free to add a handful of sliced red onions or fresh herbs like mint for extra zest.
- This salad should be served fresh; avoid dressing it too far in advance to prevent wilting.
- Can be easily doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Orange salad, Cranberry salad, Holiday salad, Spinach salad, Festive salad, Vegetarian salad, Healthy salad
