The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and refreshing cranberry salad? Cranberries are a staple ingredient during this time of year, and when paired with a variety of flavors and textures, they can elevate any meal or gathering. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 mouthwatering cranberry salad recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
From classic combinations like orange and walnut to more adventurous pairings like avocado and lime dressing, these salads offer something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a quick and easy side dish, we’ve got you covered with our collection of cranberry salad recipes.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of the 20 recipes, featuring a mix of sweet and savory flavors, textures, and presentation ideas to inspire your own creations. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember with these refreshing cranberry salads!
Classic Cranberry Orange Salad with Walnuts
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges and crunch of walnuts, perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, orange segments, and sugar. Toss until the sugar is well combined.
3. Squeeze the orange juice over the mixture and toss again.
4. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple
A sweet and tangy salad perfect for the holiday season, this festive cranberry jello salad with pineapple is a refreshing twist on traditional jello recipes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 envelope (0.25 oz) unsweetened cranberry jello
– 1 cup cold water
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the cranberry jello in the boiling water.
2. Add the cold water and stir until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for about 3-5 minutes, or until the jello has started to set.
4. Stir in the crushed pineapple and chopped nuts.
5. Continue refrigerating for another 30 minutes, or until the jello is fully set.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is a no-cook recipe.
Creamy Cranberry Apple Salad with Pecans
A refreshing autumnal salad that combines the sweetness of apples and cranberries with the crunch of pecans, all tied together with a creamy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apple, and cranberries.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tangy Cranberry Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this recipe combines the creamy richness of avocado with the tanginess of cranberries and a hint of lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, cranberries, and red onion.
2. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and olive oil.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in under 10 minutes.
Crunchy Cranberry Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Crunchy Cranberry Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
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A refreshing twist on the classic green salad, this crunchy cranberry broccoli salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with smoky bacon.
Ingredients:
————-
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
————-
1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture; toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pecans (if using) over the top.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
————-
– Preparation: 10 minutes
– Total time: 15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Crunchy Cranberry Broccoli Salad with Bacon!
Sweet and Savory Cranberry Chicken Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of tangy cranberries, savory chicken, and crunchy pecans to create a delightful twist on traditional chicken salad. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, and pecans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Vibrant Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Feta
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the tanginess of feta cheese, perfect for a light and flavorful side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cranberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Cranberry Pear Salad with Honey Drizzle
Elevate your salad game with this delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring spiced cranberries, juicy pears, and a hint of warm spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly (about 10 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chopped pear, and warm spiced cranberry mixture.
4. Toss gently to combine, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including prep time)
Enjoy your Spiced Cranberry Pear Salad with Honey Drizzle!
Zesty Cranberry Mandarin Salad with Almonds
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the tanginess of cranberries, all wrapped up in a crunchy almond package. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cranberries, and mandarin oranges.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top of the salad and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Light Cranberry Cucumber Salad with Mint
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the coolness of cucumber and the brightness of mint, perfect for a light and healthy side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and cranberries.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Decadent Cranberry Pistachio Salad with Goat Cheese
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and tangy combination of fresh cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 8 oz crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and honey.
3. Toss cranberries with the honey mixture until coated.
4. Spread cranberries on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted cranberries, chopped pistachios, and crumbled goat cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Autumn Cranberry Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this vibrant salad, featuring crisp kale, sweet cranberries, and a tangy maple vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 3-5 minutes until they become tender.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the vinaigrette.
3. Add the cranberries, goat cheese (if using), and nuts to the kale. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tropical Cranberry Mango Salad with Coconut
This refreshing salad combines sweet and tangy flavors of mango, cranberries, and coconut, perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish. The crunchy texture from the toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful contrast to the soft fruits.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mango and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey and lime juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top and toss again to combine.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in 10 minutes.
Herbed Cranberry Couscous Salad with Lemon
This refreshing salad combines the warm flavors of herby couscous with the tartness of cranberries and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light and easy side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the couscous and water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until fluffy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cooked couscous to the bowl and stir to combine.
4. Stir in cranberries and lemon juice.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bold Cranberry Beet Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This vibrant salad combines sweet and earthy flavors, featuring roasted beets, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. Peel the cooled beets and slice into wedges.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cranberries to the dressing and toss to coat.
5. Combine beet wedges with cranberry mixture and top with chopped pecans (if using).
6. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and serve.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of cranberries with the earthiness of spinach, topped with a tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 2 tbsp poppy seeds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Add poppy seeds to the dressing and stir until combined.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Top with feta cheese and nuts, if using.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Rich Cranberry Wild Rice Salad with Toasted Pecans
This hearty salad combines the earthy flavors of wild rice and toasted pecans with the sweet-tartness of fresh cranberries, perfect for a satisfying side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss pecans with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine.
6. Top with toasted pecans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fresh Cranberry Grapefruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing salad, perfect for any occasion. This sweet and tangy combination of cranberries, grapefruit, and honey will surely delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 grapefruits, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries and grapefruit segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture; toss 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: 10 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Elegant Cranberry Pomegranate Salad with Candied Walnuts
Elegant Cranberry Pomegranate Salad with Candied Walnuts: A sweet and tangy combination of fresh cranberries, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy candied walnuts, perfect for a holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts (see notes)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cranberries. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cranberries pop.
3. Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let cool completely.
4. Fold in pomegranate seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle candied walnuts on top of the salad. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Rustic Cranberry Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of farro with the sweetness of cranberries and the earthiness of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fresh lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup farro
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crumbled goat cheese or chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook farro according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. Toss the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, roasted vegetables, and cranberries.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 45-50 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 walnut, to unique twists like cranberry avocado and lime dressing, there’s a recipe on this list for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sweet and savory, tangy and crunchy, or light and refreshing, these salads are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
