Festive Cranberry Spinach Salad
Bright, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Festive Cranberry Spinach Salad is perfect for any potluck or large gathering. The combination of fresh spinach, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds creates a delightful contrast in textures that everyone will love. Toasted sesame seeds and a tangy dressing elevate the flavors, making it a standout dish. Prepare the dressing separately and dress the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness. This salad is best enjoyed immediately, making it a fantastic option for gatherings where it can be served fresh and delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
1 lb (Fresh, washed, and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 cup (Pre-packaged)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Unsalted)
Almonds, blanched and slivered
3/4 cup (Toasted)
Toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (Toasted)
Poppy seed
1 tablespoon (Raw)
Minced onions
2 teaspoons (Raw)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
White wine vinegar
1/4 cup (Raw)
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup (Raw)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (Raw)
Instructions
1
Begin by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2
Add the slivered almonds to the pan, stirring frequently until they are lightly toasted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the heat and set them aside to cool.
3
In the same pan, add the sesame seeds and toast them for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, cooled toasted almonds, and toasted sesame seeds.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: sugar, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, vegetable oil, minced onions, and paprika until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
6
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Spinach Salad?
It is a bright and vibrant salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet-tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and toasted sesame seeds in a tangy dressing.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is categorized as vegetarian.
How do I prepare the almonds for this recipe?
Slivered almonds are toasted in melted butter over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Can I make Festive Cranberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and the salad components separately in advance, but you should only toss them together just before serving.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
To maintain freshness and crispness, wait to drizzle the dressing over the spinach until immediately before you serve it.
What type of spinach should I use?
Use 1 lb of fresh spinach that has been washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
What is in the dressing for this salad?
The dressing consists of sugar, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, vegetable oil, minced onions, and paprika.
How long does it take to toast the sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds should be toasted in a pan for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
Is this salad good for large gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it perfect for potlucks or any large gathering.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
No, fresh spinach is required to achieve the correct texture and crispness for this salad.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/4 cup white wine vinegar and 1/4 cup cider vinegar.
How much sugar is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What role does paprika play in this recipe?
Paprika is added to the dressing to provide a hint of spice and color.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the salad components and the dressing items.
What kind of oil should I use for the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
Are poppy seeds used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of raw poppy seeds.
Can I substitute the almonds?
While the recipe calls for blanched and slivered almonds, you could substitute other nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired.
Is the butter used for toasting the almonds salted or unsalted?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
How do I know when the almonds are done toasting?
They should be lightly toasted and golden brown; watch them closely for 3-5 minutes to prevent burning.
What kind of onions are used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced onions.
Should the toasted ingredients be hot when added to the salad?
No, you should set the toasted almonds and toasted sesame seeds aside to cool before combining them with the fresh spinach.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries (Craisins) are recommended for their sweetness; fresh cranberries may be too tart for this specific flavor profile.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish option.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a salad and a side dish.
Is Festive Cranberry Spinach Salad easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple toasting and whisking.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad offers a delightful contrast between the soft spinach, chewy cranberries, and crunchy almonds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it is described as being suitable for large gatherings and potlucks.
Can I use a sugar substitute in the dressing?
The recipe calls for granulated sugar; using a substitute may alter the flavor and consistency of the dressing.
Should I wash the spinach?
Yes, the spinach should be fresh, washed, and torn into bite-sized pieces before assembly.