Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad - Healthy Holiday Greens

This vibrant Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad is a celebration in a bowl, balancing sweet, tart, and savory notes with crunchy pecans, chewy cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all coated in a delightful cranberry poppy seed vinaigrette. It's the perfect healthy, festive addition to any holiday table.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

5 ounces fresh baby spinach about 5 cups, washed and dried
1/2 cup dried cranberries sweetened or unsweetened
1/4 cup candied pecans roughly chopped
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion very thinly sliced

For the Cranberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup cranberry juice 100% juice, not cocktail
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Pinch salt to taste
Pinch black pepper to taste

Equipment

Large Salad Bowl
Whisk or Jar with lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Salad Spinner (optional)
Mandoline (optional, for thin red onion slices)

Method

Gently wash your baby spinach leaves. Thoroughly dry them using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. Place the dried spinach in a large salad bowl.
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Evenly sprinkle the dried cranberries, chopped candied pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach.
1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup candied pecans, 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup red onion
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cranberry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
1/4 cup cranberry juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds, Pinch salt, Pinch black pepper
Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Just before serving, pour about half of the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to lightly coat all components. Add more dressing if desired, but be careful not to overdress. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures!

Notes

For best results, always dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Components can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately.