This Cranberry Spinach Salad comes together in about 10 minutes and is a no-cook wonder for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Seriously, who doesn’t love a salad that’s not only light and fresh but also packs a flavor punch? Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients Breakdown
For this Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need:
- (6-ounce) package fresh spinach: Spinach is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, making it a fantastic base for any salad. Plus, it holds up well with dressings!
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: These little jewels add a pop of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy spinach. You can also switch it out for raisins if that’s what you have.
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts: Their crunchy texture is the perfect contrast to the soft spinach. Feel free to substitute pecans or slivered almonds for a twist!
- 1/3 cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette: This is my go-to for that tangy sweetness. You can also swap in your favorite dressing here, maybe a balsamic or a citrus dressing if you prefer!
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded Romano cheese: Because who doesn’t love a sprinkle of cheese? It adds a creamy richness! Parmesan would work here too, if that’s what you have.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Combine Ingredients: Start by tossing the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and shredded Romano cheese into a large mixing bowl. Oh, and before I forget, let’s make sure to wash the spinach (even if the package says it’s pre-washed)! That little bit of freshness really matters! You’ll want to get in there and mix everything up until the spinach looks all bright and well-coated.
Add the Dressing: Pour in the raspberry walnut vinaigrette. Now, gently toss the salad again, making sure that every leaf is coated as you go. No one likes a dry salad, right? Keep tossing until the vinaigrette is evenly distributed, maybe about 30 seconds of love!
Season it Up: This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle in a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Trust me, seasoning is key! Taste it, and if it needs a little extra zing, feel free to add more vinaigrette, your call!
Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh. The beautiful colors come through when you plate it up right away. So, grab your favorite bowl, and serve it up!
If you loved this Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad, be sure to check out my Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese, my Chickpea Salad, or my Mediterranean Bean Salad! Trust me, you’re going to want these recipes in your rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This salad comes together in under 10 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when the last thing you want to do is slave over the stove. A little chopping here, some tossing there, and voilà, a meal is born!
Customizable
The magic of this salad is in its flexibility. You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Fresh berries instead of cranberries? Sure! Different nuts? Absolutely! Just think of it as a salad canvas waiting for your creative additions.
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
Between the sweet vinaigrette, the crunchy walnuts, and the tangy cheese, this salad is far from bland. Each bite is a crispy, fresh explosion of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. I promise, you won’t be left hanging!
Healthy and Nutritious
With fresh spinach and other wholesome ingredients, it’s hard to feel guilty about having a second serving, or third, if you’re really into it. This salad offers tons of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that just feel good.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch of this salad over the weekend, and you’ve got your lunches sorted! Just toss in a little extra dressing before serving, and you’re golden!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Salad
This Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a cozy bowl of soup! It’s versatile enough to be a side or the main star of your dinner.
Storage
If you have leftovers (though, honestly, that rarely happens in my house), this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. Spinach can become a bit sad if it sits around in dressing too long!
Reheating Instructions
This salad is best eaten cold, so I suggest having it fresh off the counter. If you absolutely must, toss it lightly with a warm ingredient like grilled chicken right before serving.
Is it Freezer Friendly?
This particular salad isn’t freezer-friendly due to the greens, but you can always prep the components and freeze them separately. Assemble it fresh whenever you’re ready to eat!
So, there you have it! A Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad that is not only quick and easy but also deliciously satisfying. Give it a go, and bring a bit of fresh flavor to your dinner table tonight!
Happy eating! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Simple Cranberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious, quick, and no-cook salad featuring fresh spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a tangy raspberry walnut vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 (6-ounce) package fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded Romano cheese
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and shredded Romano cheese.
- Toss the ingredients together until the spinach is well-coated.
- Pour in the raspberry walnut vinaigrette and gently toss until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in your favorite bowl.
Notes
This salad is highly customizable, feel free to use leftover proteins or different nuts as you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg