There’s something truly magical about a salad that feels as festive as a holiday gathering, and my Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is just that! This vibrant dish is a burst of freshness that brightens up any table, especially during those special occasions when you want to impress your guests. I remember the first time I made it for a family get-together; everyone raved about the crisp spinach paired with the sweet-tart cranberries and juicy orange segments. It was a colorful hit! Every bite is like a celebration, and trust me, the crunch of walnuts and the creamy feta just take it over the top. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy dinner with friends, this salad always steals the show and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. You’re going to love how easy it is to make, too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad
Preparing my Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! Let’s dive into the steps to bring this delightful dish to life. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly it all comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly. I like to give it a gentle spin in my salad spinner to ensure it’s nice and dry. Then, place the spinach in a large bowl. This vibrant green base is where all the magic begins!
- Next, toss in the cranberries and orange segments. If you’re using fresh cranberries, you’ll want to make sure they’re not too tart. The sweet juiciness of the orange really complements them beautifully!
- Now, sprinkle the chopped walnuts and crumbled feta cheese on top. The walnuts add a delightful crunch, and the feta brings a creamy richness that elevates the whole salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. This dressing is simple but packs a flavor punch!
- Drizzle that lovely dressing over your salad and toss everything gently. You want all those beautiful ingredients to get acquainted without bruising the spinach.
- Finally, serve it immediately! This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait too long to dig in. If you’re prepping ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. That way, everything stays crisp and vibrant!
And there you have it—your Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is ready to impress! Enjoy the delightful flavors and the compliments that are sure to follow.
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so take these numbers as rough estimates. For my Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad, a typical serving comes in at around 180 calories, with about 14g of fat, 4g of protein, and 15g of carbs. It also boasts 3g of fiber, making it a healthy addition to your festive table. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – it comes together in just 15 minutes!
- Refreshing flavors that brighten up any meal and lift your spirits.
- Versatile for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual dinners.
- Healthy and vegetarian-friendly, making it a guilt-free addition to your table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad turns out just right, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First off, always use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh spinach, vibrant cranberries, and a juicy orange will really elevate the flavors. I also recommend preparing the salad just before serving. This way, the spinach stays crisp, and the colors remain bright and beautiful on your plate.
Another great tip is to adjust the dressing to your taste; some people love a little more tang, while others prefer it lighter. Start with the recommended amount and add a tad more olive oil or balsamic vinegar if you like it extra flavorful. And don’t forget, if you’re making it ahead of time, keep that dressing separate until you’re ready to toss it all together. Trust me, your salad will thank you!
Variations
One of the best things about my Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, why not try swapping out the walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds? Both options add a delightful crunch and a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of feta, crumbling some creamy goat cheese on top brings a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet oranges and tart cranberries.
Another fun variation is to add in some seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for an extra layer of flavor and color. You could even toss in some thinly sliced red onions for a bit of zing! Feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect combination. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this salad a true crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions
This Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal. It also makes a stunning side for holiday feasts, complementing roasted turkey or ham perfectly. You can even enjoy it as a light lunch with some crusty bread on the side. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to brighten up your plate!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad is super easy! Just place any uneaten salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 2 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed right away! If you need to store it, remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This will help maintain that delightful crunch and vibrant flavors. There’s really no need to reheat this salad—enjoy it cold for the best taste experience!
Print
Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the spinach and place it in a large bowl.
- Add cranberries and orange segments to the bowl.
- Sprinkle walnuts and feta cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead of time, but add dressing just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Festive Orange & Cranberry Salad