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This Cranberry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and tangy red onion. The dressing—a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard—ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Let's dive in!
Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, almonds, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
What You Will Need
What you will need to make cranberry spinach salad
- Fresh spinach: Provides a crisp, nutrient-rich base that pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the other ingredients.
- Dried cranberries: Adds a sweet, tart flavor and chewy texture, balancing the freshness of the spinach.
- Toasted sliced almonds: Offers a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor, enhancing the salad's overall texture.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base for the dressing, adding a smooth, rich flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances the dressing.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, balancing the vinegar's acidity.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a slight kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining spinach, cranberries, almonds, and red onion evenly.
- Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk: Necessary to blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Salad tongs: Helps toss the salad gently without bruising the spinach.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of dressing ingredients for consistent flavor.
Cranberry Spinach Salad
A refreshing and easy-to-make salad with spinach, cranberries, and a tangy dressing.
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Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Salad Tongs
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, almonds, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes:
You can add some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prep all ingredients except dressing.
- Store spinach, cranberries, almonds, and red onion separately in airtight containers.
- Mix dressing and keep in a small jar.
- Combine everything just before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Do not freeze spinach or dressing.
- Freeze cranberries and almonds in separate bags.
- Thaw at room temperature before using.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing can give this Cranberry Spinach Salad a unique, warm flavor twist that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works perfectly.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
It’s best eaten immediately but can last up to a day in the fridge.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely, feta or goat cheese would be great additions.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes.
Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds.
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