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Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, a vibrant and festive dish, is the featured image for this recipe.
Lady Maria

BEST CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY SPINACH SALAD

This vibrant Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Featuring spinach, cranberries, feta, and a homemade poppy seed dressing, it's a visually stunning and delicious addition to any holiday table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced optional
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium apple or pear, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet or oven for toasting nuts
  • paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings to your liking. Add more sugar for sweetness or salt for enhanced flavor.
  3. Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Make sure the spinach is completely dry. Pat it dry with paper towels if necessary.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, dried cranberries, feta cheese, red onion (if using), toasted pecans or walnuts, and diced apple or pear.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle about half of the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
  7. Add more dressing as needed, but be careful not to overdress.
  8. Serve the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad immediately.

Notes

To revive spinach, soak it in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and dry. Toast nuts in a dry skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients ahead of time, storing separately. Reduce sugar or use a substitute if desired. Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. Add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for protein. Use fresh berries, mandarin oranges, or sunflower seeds for variations. Balsamic vinaigrette or honey-mustard dressing can replace the poppy seed dressing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days; add dressing just before serving.