Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

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The holidays are filled with indulgent dishes, but sometimes, you need something light, fresh, and festive to balance it all out. That’s where this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad comes in. Bursting with color and flavor, it’s a bright, crisp side that feels just as celebratory as the main course. With sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, and a zingy vinaigrette, this salad checks all the boxes for holiday-worthy elegance.

Perfect for your Christmas table or any winter gathering, this salad doesn’t just taste good—it looks the part too. The deep green spinach, ruby red cranberries, and snowy white feta make for a dish that doubles as decoration. Whether you’re hosting dinner or asked to bring a side, this salad will add a refreshing twist to your spread.

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What Kind of Spinach Should I Use?

Baby spinach is the ideal choice for this recipe. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and holds up beautifully against the vinaigrette without wilting too quickly. If you’re using regular spinach, consider tearing it into smaller pieces and removing any thick stems for a better texture.

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Ingredients for the Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Fresh baby spinach: This forms the base of the salad, offering vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste that complements the other ingredients.

Dried cranberries: Their natural sweetness and chewy texture bring festive flair and contrast perfectly with the tangy dressing and savory feta.

Whole almonds: Roasted or raw, almonds add essential crunch and a nutty depth that rounds out the flavors. You can also toast them for added richness.

Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, feta brings balance to the sweet and tart elements, while adding a snowy holiday appearance.

Olive oil vinaigrette: A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper that ties the salad together with brightness and warmth.

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How To Make the Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified. Set aside to let the flavors blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Rinse and dry about 6 cups of fresh baby spinach. You can use a salad spinner to remove excess water or pat gently with a paper towel. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Almonds

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/3 cup of whole almonds over the spinach. If you prefer, lightly toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Crumble the Feta

Add 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. For a more even distribution, use your fingers or a fork to gently scatter the cheese.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently using salad tongs until all the ingredients are coated and well combined. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

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Serving and Storing This Festive Salad

This cranberry spinach salad is best served fresh and tossed just before eating to keep the spinach crisp and the almonds crunchy. It’s a great make-ahead option too—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that once dressed, the spinach will wilt over time. If you anticipate leftovers, portion out the salad and only add dressing to what you plan to eat immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prep all the components a day in advance, but wait to combine everything and add the vinaigrette until just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I substitute another cheese for feta?

Absolutely. Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan are great alternatives. Goat cheese gives a creamier texture, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick.

What other nuts can I use?

Walnuts or pecans are both excellent choices if you don’t have almonds on hand. Candied versions can also add an extra festive sweetness.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your Dijon mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free if you’re serving guests with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are too tart for most palates when raw, but you can make a quick cranberry compote or use lightly sweetened dried cranberries for the perfect balance.

What proteins can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, turkey breast, or even crispy tofu work well if you’d like to turn this side dish into a hearty main.

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Want More Salad Ideas That Shine on the Table?

If you enjoyed this Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad, here are a few more flavorful dishes to explore that deliver both on taste and color:

• Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad: Bold, creamy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake: Great as a brunch side with refreshing sweetness.
• Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad: Light and juicy, perfect for warmer months or to contrast holiday richness.
• Grilled Peach and Honey Mustard Dressing: Adds grilled depth and a punchy homemade vinaigrette.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli: Hearty, creamy, and a great warm pairing.

These recipes keep your table colorful and your palate happy, no matter the season.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can return to it any time: Follow Life with Jam on Pinterest.

I’d love to hear how your version of this cranberry spinach salad turned out. Did you swap in pecans? Use goat cheese instead? Share your holiday spin in the comments below!

Have questions or ideas? I’m always here to help you mix, match, and serve up something memorable.

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