There’s something so refreshing and vibrant about a salad made for cold-weather days. This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe brings together crisp greens, juicy citrus, and a homemade cranberry dressing that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. It’s more than just a salad; it's like a little celebration of winter's best flavors all in one bowl.

A large wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad placed on a white marbled surface with a pink cloth underneath. The salad has six main layers arranged in sections: dark green leafy base at the bottom, bright yellow citrus slices on the left, white crumbly cheese next to the citrus, green sliced avocado fanned out in the middle with brown dressing drizzled on it, dark brown roasted nuts to the right, and bright red pomegranate seeds near the center. Behind the bowl, there are stacked wooden bowls with metal spoons inside and a small glass jar with a spoon, containing brown dressing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ll be honest, this Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something bright and satisfying during chilly months. It’s loaded with textures and flavors that never get boring, plus it’s pretty simple to put together.

Seasonal freshness: The combination of oranges and pomegranate seeds makes this salad sparkle with fresh winter fruits.
Sweet and savory harmony: The candied spiced nuts paired with salty feta make every bite a balanced delight.
Homemade cranberry dressing: It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and so easy to whip up — way better than store-bought versions.
Perfect for entertaining: This salad adds a festive, colorful touch to any holiday table or midwinter dinner.

This image shows a wooden bowl filled with a fresh green salad. The salad has multiple layers including dark green leafy spinach and kale as the base. On top, there are sections of pale yellow citrus slices, scattered bright red pomegranate seeds, and whole brown pecans mixed throughout. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled generously over the salad. Two large wooden salad spoons rest on top of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe plays a key role in striking the right balance. When shopping, aim for the freshest greens and ripest fruits—you'll notice the difference right away.

Flat lay of a large white ceramic bowl filled with fresh mixed baby greens, a small white bowl with bright orange segments neatly arranged, a few thick slices of ripe avocado on a white plate, scattered ruby red pomegranate seeds, a small white bowl holding crumbled white feta cheese, a small white bowl with glossy candied pecans, three small white bowls containing deep red cranberry sauce, dark balsamic vinegar, and golden olive oil respectively, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mixed baby greens: These tender greens create a soft bed that lets the other ingredients shine without overwhelming flavors.
Oranges: Choose seedless or navel oranges when possible; their bright juice cuts through the richness of the nuts and cheese perfectly.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and a mild flavor that tones down the acidity, making every bite smooth.
Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds add a burst of juicy sweetness and a fun crunch.
Feta cheese: Salty and crumbly, feta adds depth and a savory contrast that works brilliantly with fruity elements.
Candied spiced nuts: If you can find candied spiced pecans, they’re wonderful here; otherwise, toasted nuts with a touch of cinnamon and sugar work great.
Cranberry balsamic dressing: This homemade dressing balances the tartness of balsamic vinegar with the sweetness of cranberry sauce for a flavor that feels festive and fresh.
Cranberry sauce: Look for a good quality sauce with real cranberries; it adds natural sweetness and texture to the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and richness, helping marry all the salad flavors.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the smoothest, most balanced finish.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the best in every ingredient.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing it up with this salad depending on what I have on hand. You can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the orange segments for grapefruit during the deep winter—its tartness adds a nice punch that balances the sweet dressing beautifully.
Nut-free option: If you’re avoiding nuts, try pumpkin seeds instead; just toast them lightly for some crunch.
Vegan twist: Skip the feta and sprinkle on some roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.
Make it heartier: Add warm quinoa or farro on the side to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

I start by laying out all the ingredients. Rinse the mixed baby greens and spin them dry so your salad isn’t soggy. Peel and segment the oranges carefully, removing all the white pith—it can turn bitter. Slice or chop the avocado last to prevent it from browning too soon. Lastly, remove the seeds from the pomegranate—this can take a bit of patience but is worth it for those sweet bursts.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Cranberry Dressing

For the dressing, I combine cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk it all together until smooth and slightly thickened. This dressing is the heart of the salad—it ties all the fresh ingredients together with its sweet-tart zing. Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper until it hits just the right note.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place your greens in a large bowl or divide between individual plates. Distribute the orange segments, avocado, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied nuts over the top. Drizzle with the cranberry dressing—use about ¼ cup or adjust to your liking. You can toss everything gently to mingle the flavors or leave it layered for a more dramatic presentation.

Top Tip

I’ve made this salad a dozen times, and here’s what really helps it shine every time.

Fresh citrus prep: Taking the time to segment the oranges carefully avoids bitterness from the pith and keeps your salad bright and juicy.
Nuts with a crunch: Candied spiced nuts elevate this salad, but if you’re short on time, toasted pecans with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar work just as well.
Dressing balance: Always taste your dressing before adding it in because the sweetness of cranberry sauce can vary — tweak with a splash of extra vinegar or olive oil accordingly.
Assemble last minute: To keep greens crisp, dress your salad right before serving instead of prepping too far ahead.

How to Serve Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh herbs like mint or parsley sprinkled on top for an extra pop of color and freshness. Toasted pomegranate seeds add a sparkle that’s almost too pretty to eat, but you will want to!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or pork loin. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside warm lentil soup or creamy mashed potatoes to round out the winter comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like arranging the salad on a large white platter, creating colorful sections of the fruit, cheese, and nuts before drizzling dressing in a pretty swirl. It’s a showstopper and makes guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad keeps best if you store the dressing separately. Keep the greens in an airtight container in the fridge and add the dressing just before serving to avoid limp leaves.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the fresh ingredients and dressing don’t hold up well, but you can freeze any extra cranberry dressing for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

This salad is best served fresh and cold, so reheating isn’t ideal. However, if you've paired it with a warm main dish, reheat the main separately and serve the salad chilled on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cranberry dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The cranberry dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.

What can I substitute for candied spiced nuts?

If you can’t find candied spiced nuts, toasted pecans or walnuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar make a great alternative. For a nut-free option, try toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and replace it with roasted chickpeas or a nut-based cheese alternative. The dressing is naturally vegan as well.

How long will leftover salad stay fresh?

The salad is freshest when served immediately after dressing. Leftovers can be stored for up to two days if the dressing is kept separate from the greens and fruit. Make sure to toss just before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe has found a cozy spot in my recipe box because it’s both festive and simple. I love how it brings color and brightness to chilly days and holiday meals alike. Trust me, once you try this combo of bright citrus, creamy avocado, and that irresistible cranberry dressing, you’ll want to make it again and again. Just picture sharing this salad with friends or family—it always sparks compliments and smiles. Give it a go — I think you’ll really enjoy it!