If you are looking to brighten up your meal with a refreshing mix of flavors and textures, the Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad combines crisp mixed greens with sweet dried cranberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy candied nuts, sharp red onion, and juicy apple slices—all brought together by a luscious balsamic dressing. Whether you want a light lunch, a holiday side, or an easy weeknight salad, this recipe delivers fresh, wholesome goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a starring role, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty notes along with delightful textures and colors. These simple components are easy to find but essential to achieving that irresistibly fresh and festive character.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens: A blend like spinach, arugula, and romaine provides a fresh, peppery base with varying textures and vibrant color.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These add a chewy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with salty and tangy flavors.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, feta offers a delightful richness that ties the salad together.
- ¼ cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts: Sweet and crunchy, these nuts provide texture and a lovely contrast to the soft greens and cheese.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced: The red onion brings a sharp bite that cuts through the sweetness and adds color.
- 1 apple, thinly sliced: Choosing a crisp apple like Honeycrisp adds juicy freshness and a subtle tartness.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: The star of the dressing, offering rich, tangy notes with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness that balances the balsamic vinegar’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing your mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped candied pecans or walnuts, thinly sliced red onion, and delicate apple slices. Each component enhances the salad’s overall flavor and texture, making this step both easy and important for layering taste.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper vigorously until the dressing is nicely emulsified. The vinaigrette balances sweetness, acidity, and richness, and it’s this dressing that truly elevates the entire salad.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so all the leaves and mix-ins get coated with that glossy, flavorful dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and bright flavors.
How to Serve Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe even more special, consider topping it with extra candied nuts or a little more crumbled feta for a festive touch. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can also add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, making the salad irresistible both to the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon if you want a more substantial meal. The tangy sweetness complements savory protein wonderfully. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or crusty bread for a well-rounded, nutritious feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic feel, or arrange it artistically on individual plates for a dinner party. Using radicchio or purple cabbage in the greens blend can add even more vibrant color. For a fun twist, try presenting the salad in endive leaves or as a layered parfait in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad separately from the dressing to keep the greens crisp. Keeping the components in airtight containers in the fridge will help maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Mix and dress again when ready to serve for the best texture.
Freezing
The Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate greens and dressing. Freezing would compromise the textures and flavors that make this salad so delightful.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat the salad since it’s designed to be served cold and fresh. If you add it as a side dish to a warm main course, the contrasting temperatures are part of the charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, which might overpower the salad’s balance. Dried cranberries offer sweetness and chewiness, making them the better choice for this recipe.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in the Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While feta cheese adds a salty creaminess, goat cheese or blue cheese can be interesting substitutes, each offering a unique flavor profile to the salad.
How long does the salad last once dressed?
Once tossed with the dressing, the salad is best eaten right away to enjoy the crisp textures. If left for more than an hour, the greens may start to wilt and lose their vibrant texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the balsamic dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling over the salad to recombine any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the harmony of flavors and textures in the Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe. It’s simple to make, fresh, and vibrant—perfect for any occasion where you want a healthy, tasty salad that feels special. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite that you reach for again and again.
