Cranberry Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe
A vibrant and healthy Cranberry Walnut Spinach Salad combining fresh baby spinach, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Dry the leaves completely using paper towels or a salad spinner to ensure the dressing adheres well.
- Toast Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they become fragrant. Remove and allow to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and dried spinach, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all components without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, either plated individually or directly from the mixing bowl for a casual presentation.
Notes
- For nuttier flavor, walnuts can be lightly chopped before toasting.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with fresh pomegranate seeds for a juicy alternative.
- Make sure spinach is well dried to prevent a soggy salad.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; the dressing can wilt the spinach if left to sit too long.
Keywords: spinach salad, cranberry walnut salad, healthy salad, feta cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette, toasted walnuts
