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Perfect Cranberry Walnut Thanksgiving Salad with Feta

cranberry walnut thanksgiving salad - featured image
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A bright, crunchy, and tangy salad with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, creamy feta, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for balancing rich holiday meals and ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups (about 10 oz) mixed salad greens (spring mix and baby spinach)
  • 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (100 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Place chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove immediately to cool.
  2. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Prep the produce: Rinse and dry the salad greens. Thinly slice the red onion. For milder flavor, soak onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine greens, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and pomegranate seeds (if using). Do not add dressing yet.
  5. Dress and toss: Just before serving, shake or whisk the vinaigrette again. Drizzle about half over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed until greens are lightly glistening.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with extra cranberries, walnuts, and feta crumbles. Serve right away for best texture.

Notes

Toast walnuts carefully as they burn quickly. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent soggy salad. Dress just before serving. For make-ahead, prep all components separately and assemble/dress right before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry walnut salad, Thanksgiving salad, feta salad, holiday salad, easy salad recipe, balsamic vinaigrette

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/perfect-cranberry-walnut-thanksgiving-salad-with-feta-easy-and-best/