Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing (Fresh, Festive & Easy Side Dish)

This Cranberry Spinach Salad is bright, fresh, and full of flavor, combining tender spinach, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta in a light honey Dijon dressing. This easy spinach salad recipe is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday meals when you want something fresh that still feels special.

If you love fresh, vibrant salads, pair this with Apple Pecan Salad, Classic Caesar Salad, or Chicken Salad Sandwich for a complete and balanced meal. You can also explore more fresh options in the Salad Recipes Collection to build a full lineup of easy, flavorful sides.

Why You’ll Love This

• Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced flavor

• Crisp spinach with crunchy and creamy textures

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Perfect for holidays, lunches, or side dishes

• Light, fresh, and crowd-pleasing

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 10 g

Ingredients

• 6 cups baby spinach (180 g)

• ½ cup dried cranberries (75 g)

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds (40 g), toasted if desired

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (40 g)

Honey Dijon Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil (60 ml)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing:

   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, almonds, red onion, and feta.

3. Toss and Serve:

   Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat.

Tips & Variations

• Toast almonds for a deeper flavor and crunch

• Swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins

• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier bite

• Add sliced apples or pears for extra freshness

• Add grilled chicken for a heartier salad

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store salad ingredients and dressing separately

• Toss just before serving to keep the spinach crisp

• Dressing keeps up to 5 days refrigerated

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep ingredients ahead and toss just before serving.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates work well.

Can I use different greens?

Yes, try arugula, kale, or spring mix.

Is the dressing homemade?

Yes, but store-bought can be used if needed.

How long does the dressing last?

Up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re building a fresh salad rotation, try these next:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

• Greek Orzo Salad

• Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Classic Southern Garden Salad

Final Thoughts

This cranberry spinach salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for everything from holiday tables to everyday meals. With its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s a reliable go-to that adds brightness to any menu.