Winter Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad
Embrace all the winter coziness with this cranberry and goat cheese salad! The sweetness from the cranberries paired with the tang from the goat cheese create a truly dynamic and delicious salad fit for any winter meal or gathering.
I feel like people usually associate salads with bright, spring and summer flavors, but I love a salad with dark, moody vibes and rich flavors for those cold winter months. This one in particular is one of my favorites to make, and it’s so easy and delicious! Cranberries are a winter staple, and they bring a really sweet, rich flavor to this salad, especially when paired with tangy goat cheese and a variety of toasty nuts. Top it off with a balsamic glaze to round out that flavor profile, and you’ve got yourself a stunning winter salad that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday parties, winter family dinners, or even just for lunch on a cold December day.
Here are some more side & appetizer recipes you’ll love: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Toasted Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, and 10 Minute Savory Charcuterie Board.
Ingredients & Equipment
You’ll need the following ingredients and equipment to make this cranberry and goat cheese salad:
- Salad bowl & tongs
- Mixed greens
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted walnuts
- Sliced almonds
- Lemon juice
- Balsamic glaze
Customize This Recipe!
There are a few different ways you can customize this recipe:
- Choose your nuts wisely. I love the richness of almonds and walnuts in this salad, but if you want to add any more or swap any out, go for it!
- Use your choice of greens. I usually use a classic mixture of spinach and arugula for this salad, but big bunches of crunchy kale or radicchio would be so delicious, too!
Kitchen Tips:
- Utilize mise en place! Make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you begin making this recipe – it will help save you time and keep you organized.
- Fresh vs. pre-packaged: Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. I love to get a big package of mixed greens from the store, wash it, and add my toppings – it’s already portioned out for you, so why make it more complicated if you don’t want to?
More winter recipes:
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Winter Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 5 oz mixed greens
- ⅔ cup goat cheese crumbles
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts toasted
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 squeeze lemon juice
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Wash and dry your greens and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and almonds, mixing together. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top and mix well again.
- Transfer to serving bowl and add balsamic glaze just before serving, or let guests add their own amount to their individual salads.
