There’s something so magical about the holidays, and this Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad embodies that festive spirit perfectly! Imagine crisp, vibrant spinach paired with the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of walnuts—all topped with creamy feta. It’s like a celebration in a bowl! I love serving this salad at our family gatherings; it always disappears faster than I can say “pass the dressing!” The bright colors and delightful textures make it a true showstopper on the table, and trust me, the flavors sing together in harmony. Whether it’s a cozy Christmas dinner or a lively New Year’s Eve party, this salad is the perfect accompaniment that everyone will love. I can already smell the deliciousness wafting through the air!
Ingredients for Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
To whip up this delightful Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (toasting them enhances the flavor!)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture, creating a festive explosion in every bite. Now, let’s get ready to toss them together!
How to Prepare Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
Getting this Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad ready is super simple and quick! First, start by washing and drying the fresh spinach thoroughly—no one likes a soggy salad! Once that’s done, grab a large bowl and combine the spinach with the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. The colors will be so vibrant, it’ll make you smile!
Now, here comes the fun part—drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t be shy; you want just the right amount to coat everything beautifully. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss everything gently to combine all those delicious flavors. You want to be careful not to crush the feta, as that adds a lovely creaminess to the dish. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, and watch your guests dig in with delight!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
This Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad is a true gem, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Fresh and festive flavors that brighten up any meal.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
- Versatile for various occasions, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together.
Trust me, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your holiday lineup!
Tips for Success with Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
To make this Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad truly shine, here are my best tips! First off, toasting the walnuts is a game-changer—it brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of warmth. Just pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Always use the freshest spinach you can find; it makes a world of difference! And if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container but keep the dressing separate to prevent wilting. Enjoy this salad while it’s at its vibrant best, and watch it become a holiday staple!
Variations of Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
This Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad is so versatile that you can easily switch it up to suit your taste! For a protein boost, try adding some grilled chicken or even sliced turkey—perfect for those hearty holiday meals. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds for a different crunch.
You can also incorporate seasonal fruits like diced apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness, or even toss in some pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
This delightful Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad is not only festive but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this healthy holiday treat!
FAQ about Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
You might have a few questions about this festive salad, so let’s dive in! First off, yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything and add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, no worries! You can substitute it with goat cheese, or even a dairy-free option like cashew cheese for a vegan twist.
To add more protein, think about tossing in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some quinoa. They’ll make this salad even heartier and more satisfying!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad
This Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday spread! Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a delightful protein boost. It also complements savory dishes like roasted ham or herb-crusted beef perfectly. For a lighter option, enjoy it with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up that delicious dressing. Whatever you choose, this salad will elevate your meal with its vibrant flavors!
For more festive recipes, check out our Christmas appetizers or explore healthy dessert options!
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Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad Bliss in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive salad with spinach, cranberries, and nuts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best results.
- Toast walnuts for added flavor.
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas Spinach Cranberry Salad