Nothing brightens up a chilly day quite like a fresh, zesty salad bursting with winter flavors. This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe brings together crisp greens, juicy citrus, and a tangy-sweet dressing that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of salad you’ll want to make again and again once you try it.

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful salad arranged in separated sections. The bottom layer is fresh green leafy lettuce spread evenly inside the bowl. On top, sliced pale yellow avocado with smooth texture is placed next to a pile of dark brown roasted pecans. Bright red pomegranate seeds create a jewel-like cluster beside soft white crumbled cheese. Next to that, light yellow grapefruit slices add a juicy look with a slightly translucent texture. A drizzle of dark brown dressing spreads over the avocado and cheese. Behind the bowl, there is a small clear jar with more dressing and wooden salad bowls stacked behind it. 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 still remember the first time I made this Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe—it was at a holiday gathering and instantly became the star of the table. The combination of seasonal ingredients hits all the right notes, from bright and fresh to sweet and savory.

Seasonal brilliance: This salad celebrates winter’s best fruits and nuts, making it wonderfully fresh and festive.
Simple yet impressive: You don’t need fancy techniques to make a salad that looks and tastes gourmet.
Versatile for any occasion: It shines at holiday dinners but is just as perfect for weeknight meals.
Balanced flavors and texture: Creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, tart pomegranate, and salty feta create a perfect harmony.

The image shows a large wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad. The salad has a base layer of mixed green leafy vegetables, including kale and spinach with uneven textures and vibrant green colors. Spread throughout the greens are round, bright red pomegranate seeds and creamy white crumbles of cheese. There are also slices of pale yellow citrus fruit layered on top, along with whole toasted brown pecans adding a crunchy texture. Two large wooden salad spoons rest inside the bowl, partly visible at the top left. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a slightly blurred background showing another bowl of similar salad and some kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a special role here, creating a salad that’s greater than the sum of its parts. When you shop for this, aim for the freshest citrus and ripe avocado to get that perfect texture and flavor pop.

Flat lay of peeled orange segments arranged neatly next to bright green sliced avocado, a small pile of shiny red pomegranate seeds, fresh vibrant mixed baby greens filling a simple white ceramic bowl, a mound of crumbly white feta cheese, a pile of glossy candied spiced pecans, small white ceramic bowls each containing deep red cranberry sauce, dark balsamic vinegar, and golden olive oil, and a tiny white bowl with coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns, all elements fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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: Their juicy sweetness adds a bright, citrusy contrast and natural moisture to the mix.
Avocado: Creamy texture balances the crisp greens; plus, it’s a healthy fat that makes the salad more satisfying.
Pomegranate seeds: These little bursts of tartness not only look festive but add a juicy crunch.
Mixed baby greens: A tender, mild base that lets the toppings shine.
Feta cheese: Salty and tangy, feta adds depth and contrast.
Candied Spiced Nuts: Sweet and crunchy, these nuts give the salad an exciting texture and warm spice notes.
Cranberry Balsamic Dressing: The star dressing that ties everything together with sweet, tangy, and slightly earthy flavors.
Cranberry sauce: Adds extra sweetness and cranberry punch to the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings acidity that sharpens and balances the sweetness.
Olive oil: Smooths out and melds all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.

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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 how flexible this Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is. Sometimes I swap in walnuts instead of spiced nuts or add sliced pear for a subtle sweetness. Feel free to make it your own—seasonal or dietary tweaks only make it better!

Nut options: Candied spiced pecans are my go-to, but toasted walnuts or almonds are lovely alternatives that bring their own character.
Diet-friendly twists: Skip the feta for a vegan version or substitute with a plant-based cheese and still enjoy the rich flavor.
Extra crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes or shaved carrots if you want more texture variety.

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

Step 1: Prepare the fresh ingredients

Start by peeling your oranges carefully to remove all the white pith—it can be bitter. Then, cut them into segments right over the bowl to catch the juice. Slice or chop the avocado into bite-sized pieces, making sure it’s ripe but firm so it doesn’t get mushy. Finally, remove the pomegranate seeds, which can be a little messy, but totally worth it. I like using a bowl of water to help separate the seeds without red juice splattering everywhere.

Step 2: Assemble the salad base

Place your mixed baby greens in a large salad bowl or divide between serving bowls. I usually keep the greens first and then add all toppings, so I can show off the colorful layers before tossing it all together.

Step 3: Top with the delicious extras

Add the orange segments, avocado pieces, and pomegranate seeds evenly over the greens. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously, followed by a hearty handful of candied spiced nuts. These layers create such a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that your taste buds will thank you.

Step 4: Drizzle the cranberry dressing & serve

Whisk together the cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create your homemade cranberry balsamic dressing (or use a good store-bought cranberry balsamic vinaigrette). Drizzle it over the entire salad and either toss gently or leave it layered for a stunning presentation. I like to toss so every bite is packed with flavor, but it’s equally beautiful as a plated salad.

Top Tip

This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe shines when the ingredients are fresh and balanced. I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it tasting perfect every time, especially during busy holiday seasons.

Fresh citrus prep: Remove the orange pith carefully to avoid bitterness that can overpower the delicate dressing.
Avocado timing: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and keep the salad looking vibrant.
Nut choice: Toast nuts lightly before candying for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Dressing harmony: Taste your cranberry dressing before drizzling and adjust vinegar and sweetness to suit your palate.

How to Serve Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this salad with a few extra pomegranate seeds on top for sparkle, plus a light sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a sprig of fresh herbs like mint or parsley to brighten things up even more—it’s a simple touch that makes the presentation pop!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or baked salmon. For a vegetarian spread, serve alongside warm quinoa or couscous and some crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing. It’s that kind of flexible sidekick that elevates your meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls. The layers of colorful ingredients look stunning and guests appreciate the personal touch. Another fun idea is to hollow out small oranges or grapefruit and serve the salad inside the citrus “bowls” — it’s festive and adds extra zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad separated from the dressing in an airtight container. This helps prevent sogginess. Store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days and add the dressing just before serving again. The avocado might brown a bit, so eating leftovers quickly is best.

Freezing

This salad isn’t great for freezing due to the fresh greens and avocado, which don’t hold up well. I recommend making it fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge as mentioned above.

Reheating

You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm up accompanying dishes, prepare those separately. The salad shines best fresh and chilled—no reheating needed for the salad itself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberry sauce for the dressing?

Fresh cranberry sauce gives the dressing the best sweet-tart balance, but if you only have frozen cranberries, you can cook them down with some sugar and water to make a quick sauce as a substitute.

How long does this salad stay fresh after making?

Best enjoyed the same day you make it, but if you keep the dressing separate and store in the fridge, you can extend freshness up to 2 days. Avocado may brown, so it’s best eaten sooner than later.

Can I make the cranberry balsamic dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry balsamic dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk before serving.

What nuts work best if I can’t find candied spiced nuts?

If you can’t find candied spiced nuts, toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds seasoned with a touch of cinnamon and sugar make a perfect substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe has become one of my favorites to bring to any meal that needs a pop of brightness and festive flair. It’s easy, beautiful, and tastes like a little celebration in each bite. I’m confident you’ll find yourself reaching for it all winter long—go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!