BEST CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY SPINACH SALAD

The vibrant jewel tones of cranberries, the deep green of spinach, and the creamy white of feta cheese—this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a visual centerpiece begging to be devoured. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of cranberries mingling with the earthy spinach and salty feta, all tied together with a luscious poppy seed dressing. I promise, this salad will be the star of your holiday table, and you’ll be asked for the recipe every single time!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces, thoroughly washed and dried
• Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (sweetened or unsweetened, your preference!)
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped (adds crunch and nutty flavor)
• Apple or Pear: 1 medium, cored and diced (Granny Smith or Bosc are great choices)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (I prefer a good quality mayo)
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• Poppy Seeds: 2 tablespoons
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)

Easy-Peasy Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Poppy Seed Dressing:

1. Whisk it Up: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! Is it sweet enough? Does it need a pinch more salt? Adjust the seasonings to your liking. The beauty of homemade dressing is that you can customize it!
3. Chill Out: Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial! The poppy seeds will also soften slightly.

Assembling the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad:

1. Prep the Spinach: Make sure your spinach is completely dry. Wet spinach will make your salad soggy. If you’re using pre-washed spinach, pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, dried cranberries, feta cheese, red onion (if using), toasted pecans or walnuts, and diced apple or pear.
3. Dress Lightly: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed, but be careful not to overdress it! Nobody likes a soggy salad.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve your Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Salad

• Spinach SOS: If your spinach isn’t as fresh as you’d like, revive it by soaking it in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. Drain well and pat dry.
• Toast Those Nuts: Toasting the pecans or walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly!
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Sweetness Control: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or use a sugar substitute. You can also use unsweetened dried cranberries.
• Cheese Please: Not a fan of feta? Try goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to put your own spin on this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad? Here are a few ideas:

• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for a more substantial salad.
• Berry Blast: Use a mix of fresh berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, in addition to or instead of the dried cranberries.
• Citrus Zing: Add mandarin oranges or segments of grapefruit for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Seed Sensations: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the pecans or walnuts.
• Vinegarette Vibes: Swap out the poppy seed dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette or a honey-mustard dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is the perfect addition to any holiday feast. It pairs well with:

• Roasted turkey or ham
• Green Bean Bake
• Grandma’s Secret Green Beans
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Stuffing or dressing
• Cranberry Saucee (of course!)

It’s also a great salad to bring to potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings. It’s so versatile that you can even enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner.

Other Salad Inspirations

If you’re looking for more delicious salad recipes, be sure to check out these options:

• Spinach Watermelon Salad: A light and refreshing summer salad perfect for hot days.
• Watermelon Feta Salad: Another fantastic watermelon salad with a salty and sweet flavor combination.
• Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt: A cool and creamy salad that’s perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftover Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the salad will become softer over time as the dressing wilts the spinach. It’s best to eat it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. If you know you will have leftovers, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Why This Salad Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite

Honestly, what’s not to love about this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad? It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a beautiful addition to any holiday table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a tradition in your family. Happy cooking, my friend!