Looking for a salad that's both beautiful and delicious? This Vibrant Cranberry Orange Salad with Toasted Pecans is your answer. It's packed with fresh greens, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.

Have you ever been tasked with bringing a salad to a gathering and felt a little bit uninspired? It is easy to fall back on the same old garden salad. But what if you could bring something that is bursting with color, flavor, and texture? Something that gets everyone talking.

Well, this Vibrant Cranberry Orange Salad with Toasted Pecans is exactly that. It is a beautiful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that come together in a truly satisfying way. It looks as good as it tastes, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any table, especially during the holidays.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this Cranberry Orange Salad. First off, it is incredibly easy to assemble. You do not need any special kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. It is all about combining fresh, simple ingredients.

The flavor combination is just fantastic. You get the sweetness from the mandarin oranges and dried cranberries, a nice crunch from the candied pecans, and a salty, creamy element from the feta cheese. It hits all the right notes.

It is also visually stunning. The deep green of the mixed greens, the bright orange of the mandarins, the rich red of the cranberries, and the golden brown pecans create a feast for the eyes. This is one of those Holiday Salad Recipes that will impress your guests before they even take a bite.

Plus, the homemade dressing is a total winner. It is a simple orange vinaigrette that is so much better than anything you can buy at the store. It is zesty, a little sweet, and it ties everything together beautifully.

This salad is also super versatile. It works wonderfully as a side dish for big meals, making it one of the best Thanksgiving Salad Ideas. You can also add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a light and satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to gather to make this wonderful Fresh Cranberry Salad. The list is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores.

For the Salad

6 cups mixed spring greens
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained (use ones packed in 100% juice, not syrup)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (use a vegetarian friendly feta made with non animal rennet)

For the Dressing

⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (make sure it’s pure, with no added alcohol based flavoring)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced shallot
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step By Step Instructions

Putting this salad together is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a gorgeous salad ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare The Salad

Start by getting a large salad bowl. This is where all the magic will happen. Add your mixed greens, the drained mandarin oranges, the sweet dried cranberries, and the chopped candied pecans to the bowl. Give them a gentle toss to mix everything up a bit.

Step 2: Make The Dressing

Now for the dressing. You can do this in a small bowl or a jar with a tight fitting lid. I like using a jar because you can just shake it all together. Combine the olive oil, fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

If you are using a bowl, whisk everything together until it is smooth and emulsified. That just means the oil and vinegar have come together to create a slightly thickened dressing. If you are using a jar, just shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Toss The Salad

It is time to bring it all together. Drizzle about half of the dressing over your salad ingredients in the large bowl. You want to toss it very gently. The goal is to coat everything lightly without crushing the delicate greens or the soft mandarin orange slices. You can always add more dressing if you think it needs it.

Step 4: Add The Cheese

The final touch before serving is the cheese. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the salad. The little white crumbles look so pretty against the other colors and add a wonderful creamy, salty flavor.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This Vibrant Cranberry Orange Salad with Toasted Pecans is at its best when served fresh. The greens are crisp, the nuts are crunchy, and all the flavors are bright and distinct. Enjoy it right away!

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How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, the key to keeping them fresh is to store the components separately. A dressed salad will become soggy in the refrigerator very quickly.

Store any undressed salad mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar or container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you are ready to eat, just give the dressing a good shake and toss it with the salad right before serving.

Tips

Want to make this Cranberry Orange Salad even better? Here are a few simple tips and variations you can try.

If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time for a party, you totally can. Just combine all the salad ingredients except the cheese in your serving bowl, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Mix the dressing and store it separately. When your guests arrive, toss the salad with the dressing and top with feta.

Feel free to get creative with the add ons. For a protein boost, top the salad with some grilled chicken or shrimp. This turns it from a side dish into a complete meal. It is one of the most flexible Holiday Salad Recipes.

You can also switch up the cheese. If you are not a fan of feta, crumbled goat cheese is a fantastic substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor but with an even creamier texture.

For a little extra freshness, consider garnishing the salad with some fresh mint leaves. The cool flavor of the mint pairs surprisingly well with the orange and cranberry. It really brightens up the whole dish.

Conclusion

So there you have it. A simple, beautiful, and incredibly delicious Vibrant Cranberry Orange Salad with Toasted Pecans. It is the kind of dish that proves salads do not have to be boring. With its bright flavors and wonderful textures, it is sure to be a hit at any meal.

Whether you are looking for new Thanksgiving Salad Ideas or just want a refreshing side for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a great choice. It is a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together in the most delightful way. I hope you enjoy it!

FAQ

Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can. For the best results, prepare the salad components and the dressing, but store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the salad greens, oranges, cranberries, and pecans in a bowl. Mix the dressing in a jar. When ready to serve, shake the dressing, pour it over the salad, toss gently, and top with feta.

What Other Greens Can I Use?

While spring mix is a great choice, you can easily substitute it with other greens. Baby spinach, arugula, or even romaine lettuce would work well. Arugula would add a nice peppery kick, while spinach offers a milder flavor. Feel free to use your favorite or a mix of several.

Is There A Substitute For Honey In The Dressing?

Absolutely. If you need a vegan option or just do not have honey on hand, you can use maple syrup. It will provide a similar level of sweetness and will complement the other flavors in the dressing very well. Start with the same amount and adjust to your taste.

How Do I Make Candied Pecans At Home?

Making your own candied pecans is easy. Toss raw pecan halves with a little bit of melted butter, a sprinkle of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sugar is caramelized and the nuts are fragrant. Let them cool completely before chopping.