If you’re looking for a vibrant, tasty salad that feels like a celebration in every bite, then the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This refreshing dish beautifully balances tart cranberries and sweet blueberries with the creamy tang of feta and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Tossed with a luscious, homemade blueberry balsamic dressing that brings out the best in every ingredient, this salad is perfect for brightening up any meal or impressing guests with something both colorful and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this salad sing. Each element adds depth, texture, or a pop of flavor that turns an ordinary salad into something extraordinary. Get ready to gather these essentials for your next fresh and fruity salad adventure.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: These bring brilliant tartness and a gorgeous ruby red color that’s hard to resist.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the cranberries and dressing.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and a slight crunch for contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: The crunch and earthiness balance the sweetness of the fruit beautifully.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing gently without overpowering the berries’ natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a smooth base for the dressing and helps blend the flavors seamlessly.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a deep, slightly sweet acidity that complements the fresh fruit wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the salad’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a faint kick and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Berries
Begin by rinsing your cranberries and blueberries under cold water. This not only cleans them but also wakes up their vibrant colors and flavors. Let them drain thoroughly in a colander to avoid watering down the salad.
Step 2: Chop the Onion and Walnuts
Peel and finely chop the red onion so it blends nicely with the other ingredients without overpowering them. Then chop your walnuts into smaller pieces unless they are already pre-chopped—these crunchy nuggets provide a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 3: Crumble the Feta Cheese
Crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized chunks. The creamy saltiness of the feta will soften the tartness of the cranberries and highlight the sweetness of the blueberries.
Step 4: Whisk the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, combine honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything comes together into a smooth, glossy dressing that tastes as delightful as it looks.
Step 5: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently toss the cranberries, blueberries, chopped onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Be careful not to bruise the berries; you want them whole and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently so that every component is lightly coated. The dressing should enhance without overwhelming, tying all the flavors into a harmonious bite.
Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustments
Give your salad a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. A pinch more salt or a grind of pepper can make a big difference, ensuring every mouthful is perfectly balanced.
Step 8: Serve Immediately or Chill
This salad shines when served fresh, but you can also refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors meld even deeper before enjoying.
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top. These garnishes not only add a beautiful finishing touch but also introduce fresh herbal notes or a nutty crunch that complements the salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a simple crusty bread. Its fresh and fruity character also makes it an excellent side to richer main dishes, balancing heavy flavors with lightness and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try layering the salad in clear glass jars or serving it in elegant bowls with extra dressing drizzled on top. You can also stuff the salad into lettuce cups for a casual, handheld option that’s perfect for picnics or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh berries and dressing, it’s best to consume within 24 hours to enjoy peak freshness and texture without the salad becoming soggy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The berries and dressing texture would suffer from freezing and thawing, losing their vibrant appeal.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Simply enjoy it chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh?
While dried cranberries offer sweetness, they lack the fresh tartness and crunch of fresh ones. For this recipe’s signature flavor, fresh cranberries are definitely the way to go.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Absolutely! Simply swap honey with maple syrup and use a vegan-friendly feta or omit it altogether for a delightful plant-based version.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the blueberry balsamic dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but balsamic vinegar’s unique sweetness and depth really add that special something to the dressing.
How long does this salad keep once dressed?
For best quality and texture, consume the salad within 24 hours of dressing it. Beyond that, the berries may release juice and the greens or onions could become soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe that makes eating healthy feel like a treat rather than a chore. It’s fresh, fun, and bursting with flavor in a way that’s both sophisticated and simple. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your salad repertoire!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing offers a refreshing and flavorful combination of fresh cranberries, blueberries, crisp red onion, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet blueberry balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the berries: Rinse the cranberries and blueberries under cold water thoroughly and let them drain in a colander to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the onion: Peel and finely chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces to add sharpness and crunch to the salad.
- Chop walnuts: If walnuts are not already chopped, chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even texture throughout the salad.
- Prepare feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks for a creamy and tangy contrast in each bite.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth, emulsified, and well combined to create the blueberry balsamic dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the rinsed cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese, mixing carefully to keep textures intact.
- Dress the salad: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavor balance.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld nicely before serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if stored properly.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a vegetarian but dairy-free option.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries can be used but thaw and drain them first.
- Adjust the honey quantity in the dressing to your preferred level of sweetness.
