There’s nothing quite like gathering friends or family around a vibrant bowl of Balsamic Cranberry Salad—this dish is so much more than a sum of its parts! Bursting with color, tangy cranberries, crisp apples, creamy feta, and the perfect touch of sweet and crunchy candied nuts, this salad brings together flavors and textures in every bite. Drizzled with a honey-kissed balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a showstopper that’s equally at home on a weeknight table or featured front and center at a holiday spread. Say hello to your new salad obsession!

Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s truly beauty in simplicity, and this Balsamic Cranberry Salad proves it! Each ingredient is selected to play a key role—lending color, crunch, creaminess, or zing. Grab these essentials, and you’ll have everything you need for a fresh, crowd-pleasing salad.

Mixed salad greens (6 cups): Use a blend like spinach, arugula, and romaine for a well-rounded texture and flavor foundation.
Dried cranberries (½ cup): Their tangy-sweetness delivers a perfect burst of flavor and jewel-like pops of color.
Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Creamy and just a little tangy, feta offers rich contrast to the salad’s sweet and savory notes.
Candied pecans or walnuts (¼ cup, chopped): These add delicious crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness—toast your own or use store-bought!
Red onion (½ small, thinly sliced): A few paper-thin slices provide piquancy and color without overpowering.
Apple (1, such as Honeycrisp, thinly sliced): The crisp, juicy sweetness of apple makes the whole salad come alive.
Balsamic vinegar (¼ cup): The star of the dressing, bringing depth and just the right amount of zip.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Smooths out the acidity and helps the dressing cling to each bite.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Naturally sweetens the dressing and balances the tart cranberries and vinegar.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle complexity and helps the vinaigrette emulsify.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for pulling all the flavors together—taste and adjust just before serving.

How to Make Balsamic Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Toss the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine your mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped candied nuts, thinly sliced red onion, and crisp apple slices. Don’t be shy with the mixing—use clean hands or salad tongs to fluff the greens and evenly distribute the color-speckled goodies throughout. This is the moment when Balsamic Cranberry Salad starts coming to life visually!

Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or a handy jar with a tight lid, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake well if using a jar) until the dressing looks glossy and thickened. Give it a quick taste—this is the chance to tweak the sweetness or acidity to suit your preference. The magic of a homemade vinaigrette can’t be overstated!

Step 3: Dress and Toss

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Use tongs to gently toss everything together so each leaf glistens and every bite gets a bit of every flavor. Tossing right before serving keeps those gorgeous greens perky and fresh.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Plate up your masterpiece! Transfer the freshly tossed Balsamic Cranberry Salad to a serving platter or dish it out into individual bowls. The salad’s mix of colors, aromas, and textures will win hearts at first glance—and the taste delivers just as much joy.

How to Serve Balsamic Cranberry Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish elevates this salad from lovely to irresistible. Sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries, candied nuts, and crumbled feta right over the top just before serving. For an extra pop of freshness, a few shreds of lemon zest or a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or chives offers a bright finish.

Side Dishes

Balsamic Cranberry Salad is a star on its own, but if you’re building a meal, it pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, roast salmon, or even a hearty grain dish like quinoa pilaf. The sweet-tangy flavors complement savory proteins and bring balance to richer entrées.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the salad in individual glass bowls for a layered look, or hollow out apples and use them as edible serving cups at your next brunch. For potlucks or holidays, arrange the salad ingredients in rows atop a platter before drizzling with vinaigrette for a “salad bar” aesthetic—this makes for an inviting and interactive presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Balsamic Cranberry Salad? If you anticipate leftovers, store the greens and toppings separately from the dressing. Once tossed together, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, but undressed components will stay crisp in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a jar and shake before using.

Freezing

Due to the fresh, leafy greens and delicate fruit, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing alters the texture and results in limp, watery greens and mushy apples—trust me, it’s just not worth it! Prepare and enjoy this salad fresh for the best results.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be delightfully cold and crisp! If you find yourself with chilled leftovers, simply toss again and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off—no reheating needed. Warm salad is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I make the balsamic dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The balsamic vinaigrette for Balsamic Cranberry Salad can be made up to a week ahead. Store it in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator, and shake well before each use to re-emulsify.

What other fruits work well in this salad?

While apple is a classic, you can swap in pear, pomegranate seeds, or sliced strawberries for an equally delicious twist! Each brings its own flair, and the tart-sweetness will still play beautifully with the balsamic and feta.

Can I use regular walnuts or pecans instead of candied?

Of course! If you prefer to keep it simple or cut down on sweetness, feel free to use toasted nuts instead of candied ones. A few minutes in a dry skillet to toast them brings out even more nutty flavor.

Is there a vegan option for this salad?

It’s easy to make this salad vegan-friendly! Skip the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The salad will still be zippy, colorful, and absolutely delicious.

How can I make it a full meal?

To turn Balsamic Cranberry Salad into a hearty main course, add grilled or roasted chicken, cooked salmon, or marinated tofu on top. Tossing in a handful of cooked quinoa, farro, or chickpeas also packs in extra protein and staying power.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, festive, and foolproof way to brighten your table, make Balsamic Cranberry Salad your go-to! With its irresistible mix of colors, flavors, and textures, there’s something in every bite to love. Whip it up for your next meal or gathering and watch it disappear—don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe!

Balsamic Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Balsamic Cranberry Salad is a delightful mix of mixed greens, sweet dried cranberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy candied pecans, red onion, and crisp apple slices, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Salad Greens:

6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)

Dried Cranberries:

½ cup dried cranberries

Feta Cheese:

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Candied Nuts:

¼ cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts

Red Onion:

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

Apple:

1 apple (such as Honeycrisp), thinly sliced

Balsamic Dressing:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, feta cheese, candied nuts, red onion, and apple slices.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.
You can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store separately; dress just before serving to keep greens fresh.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American