7 Cranberry, Orange and Walnut Christmas Salad Recipes for Dinner Tables

As the holiday season approaches, I often find myself searching for festive recipes that stand out on the dinner table. Recently, I discovered a collection of cranberry, orange, and walnut salads that perfectly blend vibrant flavors and textures. These salads not only brighten up the meal but also provide a nutritious complement to richer dishes. If you’re curious about which recipes made the cut, you might just want to keep going.

Sale
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for...
  • Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
  • Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving...
  • Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks

Festive Cranberry, Orange, and Walnut Salad With Feta

festive cranberry orange walnut salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful side dish to any meal. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta creates a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare, this festive salad will surely impress your guests and elevate any dining experience.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh cranberries 2 cups
Oranges 2 medium
Walnuts (chopped) 1 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Fresh spinach 4 cups
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Honey 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool water and pick out any damaged or soft berries. If using dried cranberries, you can skip this step.
  2. Segment the Oranges: Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand the orange upright and slice off the peel in a downward motion, removing as much of the white pith as possible. Once peeled, cut the oranges into segments by slicing between the membranes.
  3. Prep the Spinach: Rinse the spinach leaves under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner. This will ensure your salad is not soggy.
  4. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the fresh spinach. Top with the cranberries, orange segments, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine without bruising the spinach leaves or breaking the feta.
  8. Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. It can also be refrigerated for a short while if you wish to prepare it in advance, but it’s best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Sale
TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking – 2 in 1 Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle for...
  • Lifetime Assurance: We stand behind the quality of our oil dispenser for kitchen. If you experience any...
  • Dual Dispensing: This oil mister offers both spray and pour options for total control while cooking....
  • Precision Spray Nozzle: The olive oil spray bottle features a nozzle that delivers a fine mist or steady...

Citrus-Infused Cranberry and Walnut Salad

cranberry citrus walnut salad

Citrus-Infused Cranberry and Walnut Salad is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavors of citrus fruits, complemented by crunchy walnuts. This refreshing salad is not only visually appealing but also a nutritious choice, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a standalone option for a light lunch.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh cranberries 2 cups
Oranges 2 medium
Grapefruit 1 medium
Walnuts (chopped) 1 cup
Mixed greens (e.g., arugula or baby spinach) 4 cups
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool water and remove any soft or blemished berries. If you’re using dried cranberries instead, there’s no need to rinse them.
  2. Segment the Citrus Fruits: Carefully peel the oranges and grapefruit. Cut off the tops and bottoms, stand the fruit upright, and slice off the peel in sections to remove the pith. Slice between the membranes to create segments and set them aside in a bowl.
  3. Prep the Mixed Greens: Rinse the mixed greens under cold water and spin dry using a salad spinner or pat them dry with a towel. Properly drying the greens will help the salad dressing adhere better.
  4. Toast the Walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and aroma fills the kitchen. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, place the mixed greens. Top them with the prepared citrus segments and fresh cranberries. Add the toasted walnuts for extra crunch.
  7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad with tongs to combine the ingredients without bruising the greens.
  8. Serve: Enjoy the Citrus-Infused Cranberry and Walnut Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. It’s a delightful addition to any table and a refreshing choice for warm-weather meals.
Sale
Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper - Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, Food Chopper with Container,...
  • The Original Pro Chopper – TikTok’s favorite veggie slicer and one of the top-rated kitchen gadgets...
  • Easy Meal Prep with Rust-Resistant Blades – Perfect for those who want to eat healthier but don’t...
  • 5-Star Design for Everyday Cooking – Built for comfort and precision. The soft-grip TPU handle offers...

Spinach Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Candied Walnuts

nutritious spinach salad delight

Spinach Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Candied Walnuts is a delightful and nutritious dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach combined with sweet dried cranberries, juicy orange segments, and crunchy candied walnuts. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a refreshing addition to any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh spinach leaves 6 cups
Dried cranberries 1 cup
Oranges 2 medium
Candied walnuts (chopped) 1 cup
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1/4 medium
Feta cheese (crumbled, optional) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Honey 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Rinse the fresh spinach leaves under cool water and spin dry using a salad spinner or pat them dry with a towel. Ensure they are clean and free of any grit.
  2. Segment the Oranges: Carefully peel the oranges. Cut off the top and bottom of each orange, stand them upright, and slice off the peel in sections to remove the pith. Hold the orange over a bowl to catch any juice and slice between the membranes to release the segments. Set the segments aside.
  3. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and set it aside. If the flavor of raw onion is too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the taste.
  4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cleaned spinach, dried cranberries, orange segments, sliced red onion, and candied walnuts. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
  5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.
  6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving. Toss gently with tongs to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
  7. Serve: Serve the Spinach Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Candied Walnuts immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.
CIRCLE JOY Gravity Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set Automatic Salt and Pepper Grinder Set with...
  • 【Automatic Operation】The gravity salt and pepper grinder set electric uses advanced technology for...
  • 【Adjustable Coarseness】This electric pepper grinder set can meet your grinding needs. Easily adjust...
  • 【Upgraded Salt and Pepper Set】The upgraded automatic salt and pepper grinder set has a long lifespan...

Quinoa Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Toasted Walnuts

nutritious quinoa salad recipe

Quinoa Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Toasted Walnuts is a nutritious and flavorful dish that brings together protein-packed quinoa, sweet dried cranberries, juicy orange segments, and crunchy toasted walnuts. This vibrant salad is not only satisfying but also makes an excellent option for meal prep, lunchboxes, or as a side dish at any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Water 2 cups
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Oranges 2 medium
Toasted walnuts (chopped) 1/2 cup
Green onions (sliced) 2 stalks
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove its bitter coating called saponin. This step is important for enhancing the flavor of the quinoa.
  2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the water and is tender. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork after resting.
  3. Prepare the Ingredients: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Peel the oranges and cut them into segments. If desired, you can also chop the segments into smaller pieces. Slice the green onions and set them aside.
  4. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them lightly, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow them to cool.
  5. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, orange segments, sliced green onions, and toasted walnuts.
  6. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad just before serving. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  8. Serve: Serve the Quinoa Salad With Cranberries, Oranges, and Toasted Walnuts at room temperature or slightly chilled. This salad can also be stored in the refrigerator for leftovers and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Enjoy!
Sale
Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System, 1500W, 4QT & 6-Cup TempWare Glass...
  • ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2...
  • CRISPI POWERPOD: The power of a full-sized air fryer now in the palm of your hand
  • SMALL & LARGE BATCH CONTAINERS: 6-cup container cooks a personal sized meal in 7 mins while the 4 QT fits...

Kale and Berry Salad With Orange Vinaigrette and Walnuts

refreshing kale berry salad

Kale and Berry Salad With Orange Vinaigrette and Walnuts is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of kale with the sweetness of mixed berries and a zesty orange vinaigrette. This salad is not only packed with vitamins and antioxidants but also offers a delightful crunch from toasted walnuts, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own.

Ingredients Quantity
Kale, chopped 4 cups
Mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) 2 cups
Toasted walnuts (chopped) 1/2 cup
Orange, zested and juiced 1 medium
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Kale: Start by washing the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If the kale is tough or fibrous, you can massage it gently with a pinch of salt for a few minutes until it becomes tender.
  2. Prepare the Berries: Rinse the mixed berries under cold running water to clean them. Drain well and slice the strawberries if you are using whole ones. Set the berries aside.
  3. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be cautious not to over-toast them as they can burn quickly. Once done, remove from heat and allow them to cool.
  4. Make the Orange Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice (from the prepared orange), orange zest, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined, and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
  5. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and mixed berries. Add the toasted walnuts on top.
  6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Use salad tongs or your hands to gently toss everything together until the kale and berries are well coated with the dressing.
  7. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving if you prefer a chilled salad.
Elite Gourmet EGC115B Easy Egg Cooker Electric 7-Egg Capacity, Soft, Medium, Hard-Boiled Egg Cooker...
  • SEVEN EGG CAPACITY: Cook up to 7 eggs in soft, medium, or hard-boiled firmness, while saving time and...
  • EASE OF USE: Fill pre-marked measuring cup with water to desired doneness & add to the cooking plate,...
  • VERSATILITY: Whether pairing with avocado toast or preparing deviled eggs, the Elite Gourmet Easy Egg...

Winter Citrus Salad With Cranberry Dressing

refreshing winter citrus salad

Winter Citrus Salad With Cranberry Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for the colder months. This salad showcases a delightful blend of seasonal citrus fruits, providing a burst of flavor and color. Topped with a zesty cranberry dressing, the salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a balance of sweet and tart elements. It makes for a perfect side dish or a light meal that brings a taste of sunshine to winter.

Ingredients Quantity
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) 4 cups
Oranges, segmented 2 medium
Grapefruit, segmented 1 medium
Pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup
Feta cheese, crumbled (optional) 1/2 cup
Toasted walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup

Cranberry Dressing:

Ingredients Quantity
Cranberry juice 1/3 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Citrus: Begin by peeling the oranges and grapefruit. Segment each citrus fruit by cutting between the membranes to release the juicy segments. Set the fruit segments aside in a bowl.
  2. Make the Cranberry Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the cranberry juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is well blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens. These greens will serve as the base of your salad, providing a fresh and crisp texture.
  4. Add Citrus and Garnishes: Gently fold in the segmented oranges, grapefruit, and pomegranate seeds into the mixed greens. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta over the top along with toasted walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the cranberry dressing over the assembled salad, using as much or as little as you prefer. Ensure all components are lightly coated with the dressing.
  6. Toss and Serve: Using salad tongs, gently toss the salad components together, making sure the dressing is evenly distributed. Once mixed, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates.
  7. Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing side or a light main dish. This Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing is best enjoyed fresh!
Sale
AWLKIM Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Waterproof Food Thermometer with Backlight for...
  • Ultra-Fast & Accurate Digital Meat Thermometer - Our instant-read meat thermometer features a 1.7mm...
  • Multi-Purpose Cooking Thermometer - Ideal for meats, liquids, candy, sourdough and even oil! Use this...
  • Effortless Use, Day or Night-Simply unfold & read! Features a bright backlit LCD for crystal-clear...

Mixed Greens Salad With Cranberry, Orange, and Walnut Crumble

fresh vibrant mixed greens salad
Ingredients Quantity
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) 4 cups
Oranges, segmented 2 medium
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Toasted walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup
Red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 medium
Goat cheese or feta cheese (optional) 1/2 cup
Additional salad dressing of choice as desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. Prepare the Mixed Greens: Begin by washing and drying the mixed greens thoroughly. If using whole leaves, tear them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
  2. Segment the Oranges: Peel the oranges and segment them by cutting between the membranes, releasing the flesh while leaving out any bitter pith. Gently add the orange segments to the bowl with the mixed greens.
  3. Add the Cranberries: Measure out the dried cranberries and sprinkle them over the greens and orange segments. This will add a sweet-tart flavor to the salad.
  4. Add the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and scatter it into the salad bowl. The onion will provide a nice crunch and mild bite that complements the other ingredients.
  5. Incorporate the Walnuts: Chop the toasted walnuts (if whole) and add them to the salad mixture. Their nutty flavor enhances the textures and adds healthy fats.
  6. Include Cheese (Optional): If desired, crumble the goat cheese or feta over the top of the salad for a creamy and tangy element.
  7. Dress the Salad: Choose your favorite salad dressing and drizzle it over the top. You can start with a small amount and add more to taste, ensuring the salad is lightly coated.
  8. Toss and Serve: Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss all the ingredients together to mix them evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for a colder dish. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Mixed Greens Salad!