Festive Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad : The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Looking for a delicious and healthy salad to serve at your next holiday gathering? This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is the perfect combination of fresh greens, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all drizzled with a sweet vinaigrette. Whether you’re preparing a Christmas dinner, looking for a healthy side dish, or simply want something festive to add to your holiday meals, this salad is sure to impress.

Packed with vibrant spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted nuts, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that are perfect for the holiday season. Easy to make and full of seasonal ingredients, this salad will be a hit at your Christmas dinner or any festive meal.

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Why You’ll Love Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad brings together the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. The spinach provides a healthy base, while the cranberries add a festive pop of color and a sweet, tangy flavor. The toasted nuts add an extra layer of crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Not only is it a beautiful addition to your holiday table, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep, you can have this salad ready in no time. It’s a great choice for healthy Christmas salad recipes and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes.

Who This Recipe Is For

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is perfect for anyone who loves holiday salads or wants to add a refreshing, healthy dish to their Christmas dinner spread. It’s ideal for those looking for vegan-friendly, light holiday sides or anyone who loves salads with seasonal ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to add some greens to balance out the richness of holiday foods, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 5 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional for a non-vegan version)
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this salad, but you can mix it with arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Pecans and walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can also use almonds or pistachios if you prefer.
• Cheese: For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also add vegan feta for a tangy flavor.
• Sweetener: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey based on your sweetness preference. For a more savory salad, reduce the sweetness or add extra vinegar.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large salad bowl
• Whisk or fork (for dressing)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

Start by toasting the pecans or walnuts. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the nuts. Stir them frequently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts. If you’re using cheese, add the crumbled feta or goat cheese as well.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish to your holiday meal, or store it in the fridge for later use.

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Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

• Toast the nuts: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick shake before using.
• Add fruit: For an extra burst of holiday flavor, add orange slices or pomegranate seeds to the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-dressing the salad: Start with a little dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Not drying the spinach: Make sure the spinach is thoroughly dried before making the salad, or the dressing will get diluted and soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with holiday mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or a vegetarian Wellington. It’s also perfect as a side to Christmas brunch or any festive gathering.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• For a festive touch, serve the salad in individual bowls and garnish with pomegranate seeds or roasted chestnuts.
• You can also serve the salad in a large platter for a family-style dinner.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Fruits: Add sliced pears or apple slices for a refreshing, fruity twist.
• Add some crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted quinoa or crispy chickpeas on top of the salad.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for later.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad components in advance (e.g., toast the nuts, chop the vegetables, and prepare the dressing). When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the salad and toss it with the dressing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan-friendly alternative like vegan feta.

How do I keep the salad fresh if I make it ahead?
It’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Final Thoughts: Why Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Is a Keeper

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is the perfect side dish to add color, flavor, and freshness to your holiday spread. It’s light, healthy, and full of vibrant seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect fit for any festive meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!

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