There’s something about the combination of bright citrus, crunchy nuts, and a luscious, tangy dressing that really sings in the colder months. This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is my go-to for bringing freshness and festive vibes to the table, and I think you'll love how simple yet stunning it is.

A white bowl filled with mixed green leafy vegetables forms the base layer, topped with sections of bright red pomegranate seeds, sliced yellow grapefruit segments, creamy white crumbled cheese, sliced green avocado fanned out, and a pile of dark brown pecans. A dark brown dressing is drizzled in thin lines over the cheese and avocado. The bowl sits on a wooden table next to a small glass jar holding more dressing with a spoon inside, and a stack of similar wooden bowls with metal forks resting inside them. The setting is on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited about this winter salad because it’s one of those rare dishes that manages to feel fresh, festive, and filling all at once. Every bite has that bright pop from oranges and pomegranate, balanced with creamy avocado and the salty tang of feta—all brought together by a slightly sweet, tart cranberry dressing.

Seasonal fresh flavors: The use of oranges, pomegranate, and cranberry dressing really captures winter’s best tastes.
Textural contrast: Crunchy spiced nuts paired with creamy avocado and crumbly feta give you an exciting mouthfeel every time.
Simple and quick: You can prep it in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for when time is short but you want something special.
Versatile for occasions: Works beautifully as a holiday side or light dinner on chilly nights.

A large wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad that has multiple layers of ingredients. The base layer is a mix of green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach with a rough texture. On top of this are bright yellow slices of citrus fruit and chunks of avocado with smooth, creamy textures. Scattered throughout are small red pomegranate seeds adding pops of color and tiny white crumbled cheese pieces that give a soft contrast. There are also whole pecans and almonds spread across, giving a crunchy feel. A pair of large wooden salad tongs rest on the bowl. In the background, there is another salad with similar colors on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe plays a role in creating a wonderfully balanced dish. The bright citrus cuts through the creamy and salty elements, while the nuts add crunch and warmth. Here’s why I love these components and some tips on picking the best ones.

Flat lay of two peeled orange segments arranged neatly, one sliced avocado with vibrant green flesh, glistening ruby red pomegranate seeds scattered, a generous handful of fresh mixed baby greens in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with crumbly white feta cheese, another small white bowl containing candied spiced nuts with a glossy finish, three small white bowls holding smooth cranberry sauce, dark balsamic vinegar, and golden olive oil side by side, salt crystals and fresh cracked black peppercorns in minimal amounts beside them, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oranges: Choose seedless, juicy oranges like Cara Cara or navel—removing the rind ensures no bitterness.
Avocado: Ripe but firm avocados offer that perfect buttery texture and richness.
Pomegranate seeds: Fresh is best for a juicy burst, but frozen seeds can work in a pinch.
Mixed baby greens: A tender, mild base like baby spinach or spring mix brings freshness without overpowering.
Feta cheese: The salty crumbly cheese balances sweetness beautifully—don’t skip it!
Candied Spiced Nuts: They add sweetness and crunch; if you can’t find these, toasted pecans or walnuts with a pinch of cinnamon work great.
Cranberry Balsamic Dressing: The perfect blend of sweet, tart, and tangy to tie the salad together—homemade or store-bought.
Cranberry sauce: Adds a bit of luscious sweetness; fresh or leftover holiday cranberry sauce works perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar & Olive oil: Create that rich, smooth vinaigrette base that enhances every bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching it up depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. For you, this recipe is a great starting point—feel free to add or swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes I swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier, tangier flavor that’s still wonderfully rich.
Seasonal tweaks: In the colder months, I might add roasted beets or sweet potatoes for extra warmth and color.
Dietary mods: For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use a nut-based cheese or more nuts for richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep your fresh ingredients

First up, peel those oranges carefully, removing all pith so the segments are juicy but not bitter. Next, slice your ripe avocado—if it’s too soft, it’ll get mushy in the salad, so aim for firm but yielding. Pop out the pomegranate seeds; this is my favorite part because they add such a fun pop of color and that juicy crunch. Toss your mixed baby greens into a large bowl—this is your salad base, so make sure it’s fresh and dry to avoid sogginess.

Step 2: Layer the textures and flavors

Sprinkle the orange segments, avocado slices, and pomegranate seeds over the baby greens. Then, crumble your feta cheese on top to add those salty notes that make the salad so irresistible. Add the candied spiced nuts last for a crunchy, sweet-spicy finish. If you don't have candied nuts, toasted pecans with a pinch of cinnamon and a little sugar work in a pinch! This layering helps keep each ingredient distinct and vibrant.

Step 3: Whip up the cranberry dressing and drizzle

In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste to adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking. Pour ¼ cup of this vibrant dressing over the salad. You can either toss gently to coat everything evenly or serve it drizzled on top for a more elegant presentation—both ways work great.

Top Tip

From my many trials with this salad, balancing the dressing’s flavors and the freshness of the fruit and greens is key. These tips will help you nail it every time.

Choose fresh citrus: Using ripe, high-quality oranges lifts the entire salad—it’s worth seeking out the best you can find.
Dress just before serving: To keep greens crisp, don’t toss the dressing into the salad too early; add it right before eating.
Adjust dressing sweetness: Depending on your cranberry sauce, you might want to add a little honey or maple syrup if it’s too tart.
Toast nuts yourself: If you can, toast or candy your own nuts at home to control the spice and sweetness exactly how you prefer.

How to Serve Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a few extra pomegranate seeds scattered on top—they add gorgeous color and that delightful crunch. A few fresh mint leaves can also brighten things up. Sometimes a handful of shaved Parmesan adds an extra salty twist that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey for a holiday meal. It’s also a delicious companion to a warm butternut squash soup or a pan-seared salmon. For lighter dinners, serve it alongside some crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this salad in individual clear glass bowls so everyone can appreciate the layers of color. You can also arrange it on a large platter like a vibrant winter wreath with the oranges and pomegranate seeds artfully placed on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes it extra special for festive occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible—keep the greens in an airtight container and the dressing in a jar. This keeps everything fresher longer and prevents sogginess. Bring everything together just before serving the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the fresh fruits, greens, and dressing don’t hold up well. The textures and flavors are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If you want to serve it warm, consider pairing it with a warm side rather than heating the salad itself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cranberry dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The cranberry dressing can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling over your salad to recombine any separated ingredients.

What can I substitute for candied spiced nuts?

If you can’t find candied spiced nuts, toasted plain nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even almonds work well. For extra flavor, toss them with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of sugar, or a dash of chili powder before toasting.

How do I keep the salad greens from getting soggy?

The best way is to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Also, make sure the greens are well washed and completely dry; excess moisture will cause sogginess over time.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, roasted turkey slices, or even crispy tofu can be added for a heartier meal without overpowering the delicious winter flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings a little sunshine and celebration to chilly days. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a stunning holiday side, this salad is a winner. Give it a try—you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients can come together in such a delightful way, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your winter recipe rotation too.