As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share with you our collection of 20 refreshing cranberry salad recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic combinations to innovative twists, these salads are perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to your festive gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a show-stopping main course, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated selection of cranberry-based salads. From sweet and tangy to savory and crunchy, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not start planning your holiday menu today? Let the cranberry festivities begin!
Classic Cranberry Orange Salad
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of cranberries with the sweetness of orange segments, creating a perfect harmony of flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 large navel orange, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the cranberries to absorb the flavors.
3. Add the orange segments and chopped mint leaves to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None!
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad
Start your holiday gatherings with a refreshing and flavorful side dish – this Festive Cranberry Jello Salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 envelope (0.25 oz) unsweetened cranberry jello
– 1 cup cold water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the cranberry jello in boiling water.
2. Add cold water and stir until dissolved.
3. Stir in sugar until dissolved.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Just before serving, fold in whipped cream and chopped mint leaves.
6. Spoon crushed pineapple over the top of the salad.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is best served chilled.
Crunchy Walnut Cranberry Salad
This refreshing salad combines sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese for a delicious and healthy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Creamy Cranberry Pineapple Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple and cranberries.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top (if using).
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this refreshing and healthy salad, featuring crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and nutrient-rich spinach. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves.
2. Add diced apple and cranberries to the bowl.
3. If using, sprinkle feta cheese and chopped nuts over the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Balsamic Cranberry Quinoa Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This quinoa-based dish is packed with sweet and tangy flavors from the cranberries and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa not included)
Honey Lime Cranberry Fruit Salad
A refreshing and tangy fruit salad perfect for any occasion, this Honey Lime Cranberry Fruit Salad combines sweet and tart flavors with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup mixed greens (such as kiwi, pineapple, and grapes)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries and mixed greens.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the fruit and toss gently to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Avocado Cranberry Kale Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the tartness of cranberries and the earthiness of kale, perfect for a light and nutritious meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or toasted almonds for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Wash the kale leaves and remove any stems. Tear into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2 minutes to tenderize it.
3. Add the diced avocado, cranberries, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl.
4. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled feta cheese or toasted almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Cranberry Salad
This autumn-inspired salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and cranberries with a hint of maple syrup, all atop a bed of crisp greens.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– Crumbly feta cheese or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and olive oil. Brush the mixture on the roasted sweet potatoes while still warm.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cranberries with a pinch of salt to taste.
4. To assemble the salad, place mixed greens on a plate or platter, top with roasted sweet potatoes, and scatter cranberries over the top.
5. Garnish with crumbly feta cheese or chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (sweet potato roasting time)
Greek Yogurt Cranberry Waldorf Salad
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of Greek yogurt with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of a classic Waldorf mix. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1/4 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup diced apple
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
2. Add chopped cranberries, celery, apple, and walnuts to the yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just assemble and chill.
Pomegranate Cranberry Couscous Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a fluffy couscous.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked couscous
– 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and chopped red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar; toss to coat.
3. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spiced Pecan Cranberry Wild Rice Salad
This hearty salad combines the warmth of spiced pecans with the tartness of cranberries and the nutty flavor of wild rice, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
2. In a large skillet, toast pecans over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the skillet with toasted pecans. Stir until combined.
4. Fluff cooked wild rice with a fork and stir in apple cider vinegar.
5. Combine toasted pecan mixture with wild rice and dried cranberries. Top with chopped parsley.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Citrusy Cranberry Arugula Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad that combines the sweetness of cranberries with the peppery flavor of arugula, perfect for a light and revitalizing meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup orange segments (about 1 medium orange)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with orange segments and chopped pecans.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Toasted Almond Cranberry Broccoli Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of toasted almonds with the sweetness of cranberries and the earthiness of broccoli, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toss broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted broccoli, cranberries, and toasted almonds.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tangy Cranberry Coleslaw
Add a burst of flavor to your holiday gatherings with this sweet and tangy coleslaw recipe, featuring fresh cranberries and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (prep time: 5 minutes)
Blue Cheese Cranberry Pear Salad
A sweet and tangy combination of flavors, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. The creamy blue cheese and crunchy pears are balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pear, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped nuts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just 10 minutes.
Roasted Beet and Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines the earthy flavors of roasted beets with the tanginess of goat cheese, all wrapped up in a refreshing package. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (roasting time), 5-10 minutes (assembly)
Chia Seed Cranberry Breakfast Salad
Start your day with a nutritious and flavorful breakfast salad that combines the benefits of chia seeds, cranberries, and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup fresh mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup diced apple
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together oats and chia seeds.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cranberries, and diced apple.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm.
4. Pour the warm honey over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle the oat-chia seed mixture evenly over the salad.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad with Feta
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing summer delight! Grilled chicken, tangy cranberries, and crumbly feta come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 4 cups mixed greens
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Brush the mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
6. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced chicken, cranberries, and feta cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Cranberry Chickpea Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for the holiday season, this Vegan Cranberry Chickpea Salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the creaminess of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cranberries, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests this holiday season with these 20 refreshing cranberry salad recipes! From classic combinations like cranberry orange and cranberry jello to more unique pairings like walnut and pineapple or kale and avocado, there’s something for everyone. Try a sweet and tangy honey lime fruit salad, a hearty quinoa bowl with balsamic glaze, or a crunchy green salad with toasted almonds. Whatever your taste, these recipes are sure to bring joy and flavor to your holiday gatherings.
