Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

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Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday table with this vibrant and refreshing Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad. Bursting with seasonal colors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat. Crisp baby spinach leaves are paired with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy almonds, all lightly dressed in a bright vinaigrette that lets each ingredient shine.

Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad comes together effortlessly and offers a healthy counterbalance to heavier holiday fare. It works perfectly as a starter or a light side dish, and it stays delicious even as it sits—making it a great choice for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

This salad is the definition of festive simplicity. You’ll love it for its:

• 10-minute prep time
• Minimal ingredients
• Gorgeous holiday color palette
• Balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors
• Adaptability with add-ons like goat cheese or sliced apples

What Kind of Spinach Should I Use?

Baby spinach is your best bet for this recipe. It’s tender, subtly sweet, and holds up well to the vinaigrette. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can mix in some arugula or chopped kale for added depth.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Each ingredient in this salad plays a role in creating the perfect bite:

• Fresh Baby Spinach: The leafy base that gives this salad its vibrant green hue and delicate crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Provide a burst of tart-sweet flavor and festive red color.
• Whole Almonds and Sliced Almonds: For a mix of textures and a rich, nutty crunch.
• Sea Salt Flakes (optional): Add a gentle pop of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Homemade Vinaigrette: A light mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup ties everything together with a holiday-worthy zing.

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How To Make the Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Greens

Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy leaves. Place it in a large serving bowl.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the spinach. Toss in both whole and sliced almonds for crunch and variety. If using sea salt flakes, add a pinch now.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Add a small pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat the leaves without bruising them. Serve immediately for best freshness.

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How to Serve and Store This Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and can serve about 4 people as a side dish. If prepping in advance, store the vinaigrette separately and combine everything just before serving to maintain crispness. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours but may become slightly wilted.

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What to Serve With Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad?

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Its rich, savory layers balance the brightness of the salad. Try our full recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.

Easy Veggie Patties

For a vegetarian main, pair this salad with Easy Veggie Patties that are full of texture and flavor.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

These cozy shells complement the fresh spinach in the salad. See the full recipe: Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Double down on salads with our Classic Chicken Salad for a hearty protein boost.

Flaky Mile High Biscuits

The perfect flaky side to balance the salad’s freshness. Get the flaky details here: Flaky Mile High Biscuits.

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Want More Salad Ideas With Holiday Vibes?

If you love this festive mix, here are more salads to try:

• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs – zesty, creamy, and protein-packed.
• Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad Recipe – a bold pop of color and flavor.
• Italian Grinder Salad – when you’re craving something savory.
• Healthier Waldorf Salad – fruity, nutty, and refreshing.
• Easy Asian Slaw – for a tangy, crunchy twist.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s handy for your next gathering.

Let us know how you made yours! Did you add goat cheese or maybe pomegranate seeds for extra flair? Drop your variations in the comments below.

Explore even more refreshing and wholesome ideas on Nora Nosh’s Pinterest and never run out of fresh inspiration.

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