Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Spinach salad with almonds, dried cranberries, and feta in a white bowl on a wooden table. Vibrant greens and reds. Rustic setting.

Bright, colorful, and full of flavor — this Cranberry Spinach Salad is a holiday favorite. With tender spinach leaves, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds tossed in a sweet-tangy honey Dijon dressing, it’s the perfect balance of light and festive. This cranberry spinach salad is perfect with apple pecan salad or Caesar salad. It also makes a fresh side for classic chicken salad sandwiches.

Ingredients

6 cups baby spinach
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Honey Dijon Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, almonds, onion, and feta.
Drizzle with dressing and toss just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Lovely alongside Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Sweet Potato Casserole.
Ideal for holiday buffets or light Christmas lunches.

FAQ

Can I make Cranberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately. For best results, keep the honey Dijon dressing in a jar and toss everything together just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates all work well and still give the salad that sweet contrast against the savory dressing.

Can I use a different type of greens?

Absolutely. Baby kale, arugula, or a spring mix are great alternatives, though spinach offers the most tender texture for this salad.

Is Honey Dijon Dressing homemade or store-bought?

This recipe uses a simple homemade honey Dijon dressing, but you can substitute your favorite store-bought version if you’re short on time.

How long does the dressing last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the honey Dijon dressing will keep well for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a fresh, flavorful option that works beautifully for make-ahead meals and easy meal prep. By prepping the ingredients and dressing separately, you can enjoy crisp spinach and bright flavors all week long without any sogginess. Whether you’re packing lunches, planning for busy days, or hosting with less stress, this salad is a light, reliable favorite you’ll reach for again and again.

Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Ingredients

Instructions

Serving Suggestions

FAQ

Conclusion

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