Name: Festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad to Brighten Your Table
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 10 cups fresh baby spinach (washed and dried); 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved); 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts; 1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; slices of orange or mandarin (optional)

Stepping into the kitchen with the holiday spirit can feel magical, and there's nothing quite like a vibrant dish to brighten up your festive gatherings. That's why I’m thrilled to share my Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad recipe! This delightful mix of fresh baby spinach and tart cranberries isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a masterpiece of flavor and texture that will impress family and friends alike. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for those busy holiday days. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy greens without sacrificing taste. Whether served alongside your main course or as a light starter, this salad is bound to be a hit. Curious about the best way to give it a merry twist? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is this salad a holiday must-have?

Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh baby spinach and tart cranberries creates a lively salad that looks stunning on any festive table.

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy cooks wanting to put a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with nutrients, this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad wonderfully balances health with taste, thanks to the creamy feta and crunchy nuts.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad is versatile enough to shine at any gathering. For more holiday inspiration, check out our guide to Holiday Side Dishes.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its bright colors and delightful crunch, this salad is sure to impress both family and friends—making it a true holiday winner on your table!

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

Discover the delightful ingredients that make this salad shine!

For the Salad Base
• Fresh baby spinach – a nutrient-packed leafy green that serves as the perfect foundation.
• Fresh cranberries – tart and vibrant; they add a pop of color and zing (dried cranberries can be a great substitute).

For the Creamy Touch
• Feta cheese – crumbled for a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

For the Crunch
• Candied pecans or walnuts – sweet, crunchy additions that elevate the salad’s texture.

For the Flavor Boost
• Red onion – thinly sliced for a bit of bite, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing – a tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together (you can use homemade or store-bought).
• Salt – enhances the overall flavor, bringing all the ingredients to life.
• Black pepper – adds a subtle kick for extra depth.

For the Finishing Touch
• Slices of orange or mandarin (optional) – adds a citrusy brightness that complements the salad beautifully, making this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad even more festive!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Base
In a large salad bowl, add 10 cups of fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried, creating a vibrant green foundation. This will serve as the base for your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad. Ensure the spinach is evenly spread to make room for all the delicious toppings that follow.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries
Evenly distribute 1 cup of halved fresh cranberries over the spinach. If fresh cranberries aren't available, dried cranberries are a suitable alternative. These tart gems will not only add color but also a burst of flavor, making your salad festive and exciting.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Feta Cheese
Next, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese across the top of your salad, allowing the tangy cheese to nestle between the cranberries and spinach. This creamy addition enhances the salad's flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.

Step 4: Add the Nuts for Crunch
Incorporate ½ cup of candied pecans or walnuts into the salad, evenly distributing them throughout. The sweet and crunchy nuts bring a delightful texture to the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, elevating the dish with sweet notes that pair beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 5: Layer the Red Onion
Gently scatter ½ of a thinly sliced red onion over the salad. The onion adds a crisp bite and a hint of sharpness, balancing the sweetness from the cranberries and nuts. Be sure to distribute the slices evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing
Carefully drizzle ¼ cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad, ensuring all components are lightly coated. The tangy dressing beautifully ties together the flavors of the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, enhancing its overall taste and making it an irresistible dish.

Step 7: Season and Toss
Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper on top of the salad. Using salad tongs, gently toss the ingredients together, taking care not to bruise the spinach. Aim for a light mix to combine all the flavors without compromising the freshness of the greens.

Step 8: Garnish with Citrus
If desired, add slices of orange or mandarin around the edges of the salad for a pop of color and an extra citrusy zing. This finishing touch not only enhances the presentation of your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad but also lends a refreshing flavor contrast.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately to savor the freshness, or if preferred, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully. This brief resting time will enhance the taste, making every bite of your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad truly delightful.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Avoid Soggy Leaves: If you anticipate having leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Freezer: This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients. The texture of the spinach and other components will suffer when thawed.

Reheating: No reheating is needed! Serve this salad cold for the freshest taste, and simply toss the ingredients again before serving.

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own magic into this delightful salad with these fun twists!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the feta with avocado or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Nut-Free: Omit the candied pecans or walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to introduce a zesty heat that complements the sweet cranberries.
Fruity Delight: Toss in diced apple or pear for added sweetness and an extra layer of flavor that brightens the salad even more.
Grain Boost: Combine cooked quinoa or farro with the spinach to turn this salad into a heartier dish, perfect as a stand-alone meal.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or basil to elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh twist.
Citrus Zing: Replace cranberries with pomegranate seeds or mandarin segments, creating a vibrant mix of flavors that burst in your mouth.
Asian Inspiration: Drizzle the salad with a sesame dressing instead of balsamic vinaigrette for a unique, Asian-inspired flavor.

Whichever variation you choose, your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad will always be a showstopper! For more festive salad ideas, don’t miss our guide to Holiday Side Dishes.

Expert Tips for Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Choose Fresh Spinach: Ensure your spinach is fresh and vibrant to avoid wilted leaves. Fresh greens are key for a visually appealing salad.

Cranberry Selection: If using fresh cranberries, remember to wash and halve them for easier eating. Dried cranberries are a great alternative, but they bring more sweetness.

Even Tossing Technique: When tossing your salad, use gentle motions to prevent bruising the spinach. A gentle toss helps maintain its crispness and bright appearance.

Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out candied pecans for other nuts, like almonds or pecans, for different flavors and textures in your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad.

Dress Right Before Serving: To keep your salad fresh, add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. This prevents soggy leaves and ensures maximum crunch!

Add Seasonal Fruits: Consider adding slices of pear or pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch and flavor contrast in your salad.

What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad?

Elevate your holiday meal by pairing this vibrant salad with delightful accompaniments that capture the festive spirit.

Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet and savory profile of honey-glazed ham complements the tart cranberries beautifully, making each bite a flavor revelation.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The creamy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes adds warmth and texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of your meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the salad's bright flavors, ensuring a well-rounded plate.
Herb-Crusted Chicken: The savory herbs in herb-crusted chicken harmonize with the salad's freshness, bringing in delicious protein that all guests will love.
Festive Quiche: A light quiche filled with seasonal vegetables and cheese creates a lovely balance with the crunchy and refreshing salad, perfect for brunch!
Cranberry Juice Cocktail: This sparkling drink echoes the cranberries in your salad, creating a delightful thematic experience while adding a touch of festivity.
Chocolate-Pecan Pie: Ending your meal with a slice of chocolate-pecan pie adds indulgent sweetness that contrasts nicely with the salad's crispness.
Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, like brie and aged cheddar, adds delightful richness to your table while beautifully complementing the fruity notes in the salad.

Make Ahead Options

The Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday rush! You can wash and dry the fresh baby spinach, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can prepare the cranberries, feta cheese, and nuts in advance, keeping them separately refrigerated to maintain their crunch and freshness. When you're ready to serve, simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, add the balsamic vinaigrette, and toss gently. This way, you’ll enjoy a wonderful salad that tastes just as delicious as if it were made right before serving!

Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of spinach is best for this salad?
Absolutely! When choosing spinach, opt for fresh baby spinach as it’s tender and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Look for vibrant, green leaves without any dark spots or wilting for the best taste and appearance.

How should I store my Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad leftovers?
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you notice any wilting, it's best to enjoy it sooner! To prevent soggy leaves, make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve again.

Can I freeze the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad?
Unfortunately, freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as the fresh spinach and other ingredients will lose their crisp texture upon thawing. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh and consider making just enough for your gathering!

How can I prevent the spinach from wilting in the salad?
Certainly! To prevent the spinach from wilting, add the dressing only just before serving. This ensures the greens stay crisp and vibrant. Additionally, using chilled ingredients can help maintain freshness, especially during warmer months.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very much so! If you or your guests have allergies, this salad contains dairy from the feta cheese and nuts from the candied pecans or walnuts. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese. If nut allergies are a concern, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the components—like chopping the vegetables and mixing the dry ingredients—up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving to ensure the freshest taste.