Name: Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup toasted pecans; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad brings the festive spirit to your plate with every colorful, crunchy, and tangy bite. The deep greens of fresh spinach, pops of ruby-red cranberries, and crunch from toasted pecans create a salad that is not just delicious, but a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Whether served as a light appetizer or a complement to a heartier main dish, it delivers both flavor and elegance.

What makes this salad truly shine is the balance of sweet and savory. The tartness from the cranberries, the richness of feta cheese, and the sweetness of the vinaigrette work beautifully together. It’s simple to throw together but feels special enough for a Christmas table spread. If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, this salad is your best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, yet it never fails to impress. It’s ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a bright and fresh contrast to heavier winter meals. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to suit vegan or dairy-free diets by omitting the cheese.

You’ll also love how it plays well with other dishes. The flavors are bold but not overpowering, making it a great companion to meats, roasts, and even other vegetable-based sides. Plus, it’s a refreshing way to get some greens in during the indulgent holiday season.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

For this salad, dried cranberries work best. They provide chewiness and a touch of sweetness that fresh cranberries can’t match unless they’re cooked. If you’re using unsweetened dried cranberries, you can balance them out with a touch more honey in the dressing. You could even go the extra mile and soak them in orange juice beforehand to soften and add citrusy depth.

Ingredients for the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Every ingredient in this salad is there for a reason: to deliver crunch, color, creaminess, or contrast. Here’s what you need to make it pop:

Fresh spinach: The leafy base that gives body and freshness.
Dried cranberries: For that classic holiday sweetness and color.
Toasted pecans: They add a warm crunch and nutty richness.
Feta cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy counterbalance.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and color.
Homemade vinaigrette: A blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for balance.

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad (1)

How To Make the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Set a skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool before using.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the spinach first. Top it with cranberries, toasted pecans, thin slices of red onion, and crumbled feta.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together gently to coat. Serve immediately so the spinach stays crisp.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

This salad serves about 6 to 8 people as a side. It’s best served fresh, right after tossing with the vinaigrette. If you’re making it ahead, store the dressing separately and combine just before eating to keep the spinach from wilting.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to one day, though the texture of the greens may soften. If you want to prep in advance, chop the onions and toast the nuts ahead of time, storing each ingredient separately.

What to Serve With Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad?

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

The boldness of a seasoned prime rib pairs wonderfully with this crisp and tangy salad.

Maple Glazed Ham

The sweet-savory flavor of a glazed ham plays perfectly against the cranberry vinaigrette.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

A bowl of creamy soup with a side of this spinach salad makes a cozy yet balanced winter meal.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

The buttery sweetness of skillet corn complements the tangy tones of the salad beautifully.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

This salad brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of a baked pasta dish.

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Bread

Lean into the cranberry theme and pair with this pull-apart bread for a festive flavor match.

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

A comforting casserole alongside this light salad brings balance to your holiday table.

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Double up on greens with contrasting flavors that brighten your spread.

Want More Salad Ideas for the Holidays?

If you’re enjoying this Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, you might also love these flavorful and festive dishes:

Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a creamy classic.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you want a warm pairing with greens.
Zesty Taco Pasta Salad for a holiday table twist.
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad with crunch and creamy bites.
Sausage and Spinach Frittata if you’re thinking of brunch salad pairings.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or holiday board so you can easily find it when you’re prepping your festive meals.

Did you add candied pecans or go for goat cheese instead of feta? I’d love to hear how you personalized it. Feel free to ask questions in the comments if you’re tweaking ingredients or serving it with a unique main dish.

Explore beautifully curated salad inspirations and more on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest. It’s your one-stop board for fresh ideas!