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The holiday season is a time of celebration, warmth, and, of course, delicious food! As the table fills with hearty dishes, I’ve found that a vibrant salad can offer just the right balance. That’s where my Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad comes in. The moment I toss together fresh baby spinach with tart cranberries, I’m greeted by a delightful pop of color and flavor that instantly brightens the festive spread.

Crunchy toasted pecans add a satisfying texture, making it more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. This salad not only sings of the season but also caters to gluten-free needs and is incredibly easy to whip up. I love that it complements rich holiday meals without weighing them down. Join me in creating a refreshing dish that will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!

Why is this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad a must-try?

Vibrant colors make this salad a feast for the eyes, adding a festive touch to your holiday table. Quick and easy to prepare, you’ll have more time to enjoy with family and friends. Nutritious and fresh, it offers a health-conscious option amid holiday indulgences. Customizable variations let you swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences—try adding feta or swapping nuts. Crowd-pleaser appeal? Absolutely! This salad is sure to impress, making it a perfect addition to any holiday spread.

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Baby Spinach – Fresh greens that provide a mild flavor and tender texture; substitute with regular spinach, keeping in mind it can be slightly more bitter.
• Dried Cranberries – Add bursts of sweetness to the salad; consider using fresh cranberries for a tart flavor, though you may need to sweeten them.
• Toasted Pecans – Introduce crunch and nuttiness; toast raw pecans in a pan until aromatic, ensuring they don’t burn.
• Sliced/Slivered Almonds – Contribute additional crunch to the dish; toast them for enhanced flavor.

For the Dressing
• White Wine Vinegar – Provides sharp acidity for the dressing; you can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter note.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy sweetness to your dressing.
• Sugar – Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar; add according to your taste preference.
• Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth consistency.
• Honey – Offers a natural sweetness to the dressing; substitute with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Shallot (finely chopped) – Adds a subtle onion flavor, elevating the dressing’s complexity.
• Sesame Seeds – Enhance texture and contribute a nutty flavor; poppy seeds can be used as a tasty alternative.

Celebrate the season with this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad recipe and delight your guests with this vibrant, homemade dish!

How to Make Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until fully dissolved. Slowly add the olive oil, honey, finely chopped shallot, and sesame seeds; mix until you achieve a smooth and emulsified dressing.
Toast Nuts: In a pan over medium heat, toast the pecans and sliced almonds until they are fragrant and golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance their flavor tremendously.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, toasted pecans, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries. The bright colors and textures will make your salad visually appealing.
Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Optional: Garnish with additional sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad?

Creating an inviting holiday spread can be a delightful challenge, with each dish playing its part.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s bright flavors beautifully, making it a heartier meal.
Roasted Turkey: A holiday classic, roasted turkey’s savory notes pair well with the sweet and tangy elements of the salad, creating balance on your plate.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting texture contrast, making each bite feel like a warm hug amidst festive festivities.
Butternut Squash Soup: The creamy, sweet soup brings warmth and richness that perfectly offset the salad’s crunch and freshness, creating a cozy dining experience.
Cranberry Sauce: Enhance the fruity notes of your salad by serving it alongside homemade cranberry sauce, amplifying both flavor and festivity.
Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: The caramelized sweetness complements the salad, adding a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your holiday table.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink option, sparkling water cleanses your palate and enhances both the salad’s crispness and the meal’s festive atmosphere.
Apple Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with apple pie, whose warm spices harmonize wonderfully with the crisp, refreshing elements of the salad.

Tips for the Best Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Fresh Greens Matter: Use fresh baby spinach for the best flavor and tenderness. If substituting with regular spinach, wash and dry it well to minimize bitterness.
Timing is Key: Dress the salad right before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach. This ensures every bite stays light and refreshing.
Watch the Nuts: When toasting pecans and almonds, keep a close eye on them over medium heat. They can burn quickly, turning from fragrant to charred in no time.
Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in your dressing according to taste. If using fresh cranberries instead of dried, you might need more sweetener to balance their tartness in the Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad.
Emulsify Properly: When mixing the dressing, whisk or shake until fully emulsified. This helps every ingredient blend together for a cohesive flavor experience.

Make Ahead Options

This Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the salad components up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wash and dry the baby spinach leaves, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. Toast the pecans and sliced almonds ahead of time, allowing them to cool completely before sealing them in a separate container. Mix the dressing ingredients and keep them refrigerated as well. When you’re ready to serve, combine the salad ingredients in a bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top, tossing gently for a bright and fresh side dish that’s just as delicious!

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Variations

Feel free to customize this salad with delightful twists that cater to your taste!

Nut-Free: Replace pecans and almonds with sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative that’s safe for nut allergies.
Cheesy Delight: Crumble feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the sweet cranberries.
Fruit Fusion: Stir in diced apples or pears for a juicy, fruity twist that adds freshness and sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a surprising burst of heat that contrasts beautifully with the salad’s sweetness.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an aromatic element that brings a garden-fresh flavor to your dish.
Citrus Zest: Include orange segments or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing note.
Gluten-Free Grain: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad while keeping it gluten-free and nutritious.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top for a sweet-tart flavor that enhances the overall depth of your salad.

How to Store and Freeze Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Fridge: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the spinach and prevents sogginess.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad once dressed, as the texture of fresh spinach won’t hold up. However, you can freeze unused dressing in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Since this is a salad, serve it chilled or at room temperature. For a refreshing experience, toss with freshly toasted nuts and a bit of dressing before serving.

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for the salad?
Absolutely! When choosing baby spinach, look for vibrant, deep green leaves that are crisp to the touch—avoid any wilting or yellowing. For cranberries, opt for dried ones that are plump and intact, steering clear of overly hard or shriveled varieties. Fresh cranberries should be bright and firm, occasionally showing some slight blemishes, which is normal.

How should I store leftovers of the salad?
Very! Store any leftover salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Keeping the dressing separate ensures that the spinach stays crisp and fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply drizzle on the dressing and give it a gentle toss to bring it back to life!

Can I freeze any components of the salad?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the entire salad, you can certainly freeze the homemade dressing! Store it in a sealed container or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.

What should I do if my dressing separates?
Don’t worry—it happens to all of us! If your dressing separates, simply whisk or shake it again right before serving. This will bring it back together for that perfect emulsification. You could also add a touch more olive oil if it’s too thin, altering it to your desired consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Absolutely! This Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is gluten-free and can easily accommodate vegan diets by substituting honey with maple syrup. Just be sure to check the labels on any packaged ingredients to avoid potential allergens. If serving to guests who may have nut allergies, you can simply leave out the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the allergens.

Can I customize the salad for different tastes?
Absolutely! I love swapping out ingredients based on my mood. For some creaminess, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese. If you prefer a fruity twist, diced apples or pears make a delicious addition. Feel free to mix and match to create your very own version of this festive salad!