This Cranberry, Walnut, and Feta Salad is the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion. This salad only has a handful of ingredients but is packed with sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors and textures!
Why I love this Cranberry Walnut Feta Salad
This Cranberry, Walnut, and Feta Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion and is so easy to make. I especially love this salad during the holidays because of its festive colors and flavors.
The great thing about this salad is you can make the salad dressing and candied walnuts, or you can buy them at the store. You can also use any lettuce you prefer so this salad is very customizable.
Ingredients Needed for a Cranberry and Walnut Salad
Lettuce
I used a blend of 50% spinach and 50% spring mix found at my local grocery store. You can use any soft, green lettuce you like for this recipe.
Feta Cheese
I buy the pre-crumbled feta from the store as well. It's easy to pour out of the container and you get a mix of crumble sizes.
Candied Walnuts
Candied Walnuts (or your favorite nut) are essential to add some sweetness and crunch to this salad. If you don't want to make your own (they only take about 20 minutes), you can find pre-made candied nuts at the grocery store.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries also add a sweet element to this salad and a soft texture. You could also substitute dried cherries or raisins.
Salad Dressing
I use my Lemon Herb Salad Dressing because it's my favorite and I knew I wanted a light dressing for this salad. I also love using this dressing because it had a nice tang to it and added garlic to balance out the sweetness from the nuts and cranberries.
If you have a favorite dressing you want to use, of course, that's fine. Again, I would recommend a lighter dressing for this particular salad.
How to Make Your Own Candied Walnuts
As I mentioned, candied nuts are so easy to make, why not make your own? Check out the full recipe and tutorial for Spiced Maple Walnuts to make some at home.
But, if you don't want to make your own, you can also find candied nuts at the grocery store. And, if you want to cut back on sugar or just enjoy regular nuts, that will be delicious in this salad as well.
Which Salad Dressing to Choose
I liked my Lemon Herb Dressing for this salad because it's light and easy to make. If you want a different dressing, I would recommend a light honey mustard or a basic balsamic vinaigrette.
Tips for Making a Delicious Salad with Candied Nuts
- You can make this salad ahead of time! If you do, don't add the salad dressing until you are ready to serve the salad so the lettuce doesn't get soggy.
- Try different flavor combinations like goat cheese instead of feta or dried cherries instead of cranberries.
- This salad is perfect for feeding a crowd and can easily be doubled or tripled for a large gathering.
- Store any leftover salad in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. If the dressing is on the salad it will only be good for about 24 hours before the lettuce starts to wilt.
Tools To Make a Homemade Salad with Candied Nuts
This OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. All you have to do is add your dressing ingredients and shake!
You can use tongs or salad forks to toss a salad. I prefer tongs because they are easier to grab the lettuce and dig to the bottom to ensure everything is coated in the dressing.
I love a good white bowl to serve salad in. White usually goes with all decor on the table and it makes the salad colors pop!
Cranberry Walnut Feta Salad
Equipment
- cookie sheet (for candied nuts)
- silicone mat (for candied nuts)
Ingredients
- 5 ounces lettuce of choice (I used half spinach, half mixed greens)
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 3 ounces dried cranberries
- 3 ounces candied walnuts
- ¼ cup lemon herb salad dressing
Instructions
- If you are making your own candied walnuts, make those first because they need to cool. Find the recipe link in the ingredients list.
- If you are making your own salad dressing, make this next while the nuts are baking. Find the recipe link in the ingredients list.
- Wash and dry the lettuce (or buy lettuce that is already clean!). Add it to a large serving bowl.
- Top the lettuce with feta cheese, dried cranberries, and cooled candied walnuts.
- Add the salad dressing and toss to coat all of the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can make this salad ahead of time! If you do, don't add the salad dressing until you are ready to serve the salad so the lettuce doesn't get soggy.
- Try different flavor combinations like goat cheese instead of feta or dried cherries instead of cranberries.
- This salad is perfect for feeding a crowd and can easily be doubled or tripled for a large gathering.
- Store any leftover salad in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. If the dressing is on the salad it will only be good for about 24 hours before the lettuce starts to wilt.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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