Nothing brightens up a meal quite like the vibrant, refreshing flavors packed into this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tart cranberries, juicy blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all harmonized perfectly with a tangy-sweet blueberry balsamic dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply craving a healthy, colorful salad to brighten your day, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe keeps things simple yet sophisticated—each ingredient plays a vital role in building that delightful balance of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll adore.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: Tart and juicy, these berries bring a lively pop of color and tanginess to the salad.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Sweet and plump, they offer a perfect contrast to the cranberries and add visual interest.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Their crunchy texture brings an earthy nuttiness, creating a satisfying bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, providing richness and a slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness for perfect balance in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it forms the foundation of the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Deep and tangy, this vinegar enhances the dressing’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice for depth without overpowering the salad.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Berries
Begin by rinsing the cranberries and blueberries under cold water. This refreshes the berries and removes any residual dust. Let them drain in a colander so they’re ready for the salad without extra moisture diluting the dressing.
Step 2: Chop the Onion and Walnuts
Peel and finely chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces—this ensures you get little bursts of onion flavor without overwhelming the salad. If your walnuts aren’t pre-chopped, chop them into smaller pieces; the crunch they add is crucial to balancing the softness of the berries and feta.
Step 3: Crumble the Feta Cheese
Use your hands or a fork to crumble the feta into small chunks. This cheese brings a beautiful, creamy saltiness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness and tartness in the salad.
Step 4: Whisk the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the star that ties the salad together, delivering a rich yet tangy flavor with hints of sweet blueberry essence.
Step 5: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently toss together the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Mixing these ingredients carefully ensures you keep the berries intact while evenly distributing the savory and crunchy elements.
Step 6: Dress and Toss
Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently. The goal is a light coating on every ingredient, so each bite bursts with harmony between sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give the salad a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed—add a bit more salt or pepper if you want to fine-tune the balance. This step ensures that the salad perfectly suits your palate.
Step 8: Serve or Chill
Serve immediately for the freshest crunch or refrigerate for up to an hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall experience of the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe.
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with a few fresh mint leaves for a burst of herbal freshness or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds to add an extra layer of crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. These garnishes can make your presentation pop while adding another sensory dimension.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or a light pasta dish. Its refreshing, sweet-tart notes complement heartier mains without overwhelming them. It also makes a colorful, nutritious side for holiday meals or summer barbecues.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this vibrant salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to show off the stunning layers of berries, nuts, and cheese. Another fun option is to pile it on crisp lettuce leaves or endive for a hands-on appetizer that looks just as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors will remain pleasant and enjoyable.
Freezing
Due to the fresh berries and creamy feta, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. Freezing will change the texture of the berries and the cheese, making the salad less appealing after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer, you can let it sit out a few minutes after refrigeration to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones?
You can, but fresh cranberries give the best tartness and crunch that make this salad special. Dried cranberries will be sweeter and chewier, altering the overall texture and flavor balance.
Is there a vegan version of this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. The salad’s flavor and texture will still shine with the fresh berries and tangy dressing.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it with the salad to recombine the ingredients.
What other nuts can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work beautifully and bring their unique flavors and crunch to the salad if you want to switch things up.
Is this salad suitable for holiday meals?
Definitely! Its festive colors and fresh, bright flavors make it a perfect addition to holiday spreads, balancing richer dishes with a refreshing bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten your meal routine with something fresh, flavorful, and truly satisfying, I can’t recommend this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, full of vibrant flavors, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to holiday feasts. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorites!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tart cranberries and sweet blueberries with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta cheese. The vibrant dressing, made with honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, ties all the ingredients together for a delightful and healthy salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
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
Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
- 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 and set aside in a colander to drain completely.
- Prepare the Onion: Peel and chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces for a mild crunch and flavor.
- Chop the Walnuts: If your walnuts are whole, chop them into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Prepare the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks to add creaminess and tang in every bite.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Stir gently to mix without breaking the berries.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add extra salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure berries are thoroughly drained after rinsing to prevent a watery salad.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey to the dressing if desired.
- For added texture, consider substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be kept in the fridge up to 1 hour for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
