If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with flavor, texture, and a touch of festive charm, the Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine crisp mixed greens tossed with tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all brought together by a luscious balsamic vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of colors and tastes that will brighten any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role, from the crispness of fresh greens to the sweetness of dried cranberries and the nuttiness of toasted pecans, making this salad irresistibly delicious.
- 6 cups mixed greens: A fresh and varied base that brings crispness and a beautiful green backdrop to the salad.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds a delightful tart sweetness that complements the nuts and cheese perfectly.
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the overall taste.
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a gentle sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional): Brings a fresh, juicy sweetness and beautiful texture.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette: The perfect dressing that ties all the components together with its sweet and acidic punch.
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds: Adds jewel-like pops of color and a burst of juicy flavor.
- Grilled chicken slices (optional): A tasty protein boost if you want a heartier salad.
- Avocado slices (optional): Adds luscious creaminess and richness to balance the tangy elements.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gathering your fresh mixed greens into a large bowl. This salad base is crucial because it provides the fresh, crisp foundation that carries all the other ingredients beautifully. Next, toss in the dried cranberries and toasted pecans—all the while you’ll be layering in those lovely textures and vibrant colors.
Step 2: Add Onion and Fruit
Carefully add thinly sliced red onion and your choice of fruit, either apple or pear slices. These not only bring a wonderful sweetness but also add a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese and nuts.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cheese
Now comes one of the best parts: sprinkling the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad. This adds creamy pockets of savory flavor that balance the fruity and nutty ingredients perfectly, making every forkful a delight.
Step 4: Toss with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything without bruising the greens. This vinaigrette acts like a magic elixir, marrying all the flavors and giving the salad its signature sweet and tangy finish. Remember, start with a little dressing—you can always add more to taste.
Step 5: Optional Add-Ins and Final Touches
For a stunning crunch and jewel-like sparkle, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top. If you want to turn this into a more filling meal, add grilled chicken slices for protein or creamy avocado slices for extra richness. Your Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like pomegranate seeds and avocado slices not only make the salad look spectacular but also provide bursts of freshness and creaminess. A final drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the flavor profile even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a flaky homemade quiche. For vegetarians, it complements a hearty grain bowl or savory soups beautifully. The freshness and crunch act as a perfect counterbalance to warm, comforting mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic touch or use individual glass bowls to showcase the layers of colorful ingredients. You can also arrange the salad on a platter and create neat piles of each ingredient before tossing them together at the table for an engaging experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dressing the salad just before serving keeps the greens crisp and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The greens and delicate fruits will not hold up well once frozen and thawed, losing their crunch and vibrant texture.
Reheating
Since the Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is a fresh, cold dish, reheating is not necessary. It’s always best served chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and bring their unique nutty crunch. Just make sure to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor, similar to the pecans.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, swap out the feta or goat cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or simply use creamy avocado slices to provide richness. Also, double-check your vinaigrette ingredients to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
How long does this salad stay fresh after assembling?
Once tossed with dressing, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the components separate and combine just before serving for optimal freshness.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken slices are a delicious addition, and you can also use shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this satisfying salad into a full meal.
What type of balsamic vinaigrette is best?
A good-quality, slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette strikes the perfect balance against the tart cranberries and creamy cheese. You can use store-bought or make your own with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey, and Dijon mustard.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe—it’s fresh, festive, and packed with layers of flavor that feel both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a holiday celebration, this salad is sure to become one of your favorites.
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Cranberry Pecan Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting pecans, optional)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Salad is a vibrant and festive dish perfect for any occasion, combining mixed greens with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Optional add-ins like grilled chicken, avocado, and pomegranate seeds add extra flavor and texture, making it a fresh and delightful salad that is easy to prepare and full of contrasting tastes.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Grilled chicken slices (for added protein)
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and the apple or pear slices if using. This creates a fresh and flavorful foundation for your salad.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the salad mixture, adding a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries and fruit.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad gently. Toss the salad carefully to combine all ingredients without bruising the greens. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to individual plates, arranging it nicely. Garnish with optional pomegranate seeds, grilled chicken slices for protein, and slices of avocado to enrich texture and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to ensure the mixed greens remain crisp and fresh. Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy elements in this festive and healthy salad.
Notes
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For added protein, grilled chicken slices provide a hearty option but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Use fresh seasonal fruit like apples or pears for best flavor and crispness.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste to keep the salad light and fresh.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
