Experience the perfect blend of sweetness and crunch with the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad, a delightful dish that marries the freshness of spinach with the vibrant tartness of cranberries. This easy-to-make salad is not only visually appealing but also a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.
Fresh Spinach Base:
Commence the creation of this salad by selecting fresh and crisp spinach leaves. Their mild and slightly peppery taste serves as an excellent foundation for the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad.
Tartness of Dried Cranberries:
Introduce a burst of tartness with the addition of dried cranberries. These ruby-red jewels not only contribute a delightful sweetness but also add a chewy texture, creating a dynamic contrast with the tender spinach leaves.
Nutty Crunch with Candied Pecans:
Elevate the salad with candied pecans, providing a nutty crunch and a hint of sweetness. The combination of candied pecans and cranberries introduces a satisfying balance, turning each bite into a delightful medley of flavors.
Creamy Goat Cheese Crumbles:
Enhance the creaminess of the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad by sprinkling goat cheese crumbles. The tangy and creamy profile of goat cheese complements the sweetness of cranberries, creating a rich and indulgent element in every forkful.
Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Craft a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette to tie the ingredients together. Combine balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad, enhancing each component with its tangy and savory notes.
Customize with Sliced Apples or Pears:
Add an extra layer of freshness by incorporating thinly sliced apples or pears. The natural sweetness and crispness of these fruits complement the overall profile of the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad, offering a delightful variation.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad is versatile and can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or enjoy it on its own for a quick and healthy meal. The vibrant colors and flavors make it an excellent choice for gatherings or as a go-to weekday salad.
Make-Ahead Convenience:
Prepare components in advance for added convenience. Store the washed and dried spinach, candied pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the optimal freshness and crunchiness.
In conclusion, the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad is a celebration of simplicity and balance. Its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and complementary flavors make it an enticing addition to any meal, providing a delicious and nutritious experience for spinach and cranberry enthusiasts alike.
Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipes
Step 1: Combine the spinach, cranberries, walnuts, vinaigrette, and Romano cheese in a large bowl; toss until spinach is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Feedback of Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipes
I loved the simplicity of this salad. It was perfect for a dinner party. A word of caution though....I used spinach and romaine (because I like the crunch of romaine). The romaine turned a reddish color from the dressing which was not very appealing to the eye. It still tasted delicious though and i will make again without the romaine.
Quick and delicious!
Excellent salad and so easy.
Easy and delicious!
I added roasted almonds and arugula to it and it was fantastic.
Used Ken's Low Fat Raspberry Pecan dressing, walnuts, dried cranberries and grated Romano/Parmesan. It was simple and delicious. Even my non-spinach eating son liked it!
Excellent salad!
Simple but superb.Used the simple raspberry vinaigrette recipe on the site. Substituted feta chunks and instead of cranberries, I took the simple route and used craisins, which worked out great.
Perfect healthy salad. I added a little more of all the topping ingredients so every serving would have a lot of goodies on top!
All Nutrifacts of Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipes
✅Q: How do I select the freshest spinach for this salad?
Opt for fresh spinach leaves with vibrant color and crisp texture. Baby spinach is a great choice, offering tenderness and a mild peppery flavor for the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad.
✅Q: Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones?
While fresh cranberries can be used, dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness and chewy texture, providing a dynamic contrast to the tender spinach leaves in the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad.
✅Q: What's the secret to making perfect candied pecans for the salad?
To make candied pecans, coat them in a mixture of sugar, water, and a pinch of salt before baking. This process adds a nutty crunch and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad.
✅Q: How can I adjust the sweetness and tanginess in the balsamic vinaigrette?
Achieve the perfect balance by adjusting the ratios of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in the vinaigrette. This customization ensures a harmonious blend of flavors in the salad.
✅Q: Are there alternative toppings besides goat cheese for the salad?
Certainly! Experiment with toppings like feta cheese, blue cheese, or even crumbled nuts to add richness and variety to the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad. These alternatives provide unique flavor profiles for customization.
✅Q: Can I prepare the salad in advance for a quick meal option?
Yes, components like the vinaigrette, candied pecans, and washed spinach can be prepared in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness, making it a convenient and quick meal option.
✅Q: How versatile is the serving of this salad?
The Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad is versatile, serving as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or stands alone as a healthy and flavorful meal. Its vibrant colors make it an excellent choice for various occasions.
✅Q: Can I customize the salad further by adding seasonal fruits?
Absolutely! Enhance the salad with thinly sliced apples or pears to introduce seasonal freshness. The natural sweetness and crispness of these fruits complement the overall profile of the Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad, offering a delightful variation.
