If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and color, this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy fresh cranberries and blueberries mingling with crunchy walnuts and tangy feta, all brought together by a luscious blueberry balsamic dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced. This salad is not just visually stunning but also a celebration of textures and tastes that will brighten any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role. Crisp cranberries and sweet blueberries provide a juicy contrast, while red onion adds a subtle bite. Walnuts offer a satisfying crunch, and feta cheese contributes a creamy, salty finish. The blueberry balsamic dressing ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness and acidity.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: Fresh and tart, these give the salad its bright, tangy kick.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Sweet and juicy, they balance the cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, savory depth to each bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Provides crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it enhances the salad’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and softens the tartness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich base for the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and depth with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a slight pungency that brightens the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad and dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat for balance.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Start by thoroughly rinsing your fresh cranberries and blueberries under cold water to remove any residue, then let them drain in a colander. Peel and finely chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces to evenly distribute its vibrant flavor throughout the salad.
Step 2: Prep the Nuts and Cheese
If your walnuts aren’t pre-chopped, now’s the time to chop them into small pieces for easy crunch. Crumble the feta cheese gently into small chunks – this creamy cheese will add a lovely salty contrast next to the fresh fruit and nuts.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the dressing is smooth, silky, and ready to coat your salad with flavor magic.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Give the ingredients a gentle toss to mix everything without breaking down the fruit.
Step 5: Add the Dressing and Toss
Pour your luscious blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently. Make sure each ingredient is lightly coated so every bite is bursting with flavor. Taste, and if needed, adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve this salad right away for crisp freshness, or let it chill in the fridge for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully for a more softened profile.
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a few crumbles of feta on top just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of lemon zest can also add a refreshing note that brightens the salad even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, summery main dishes like grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a fresh quiche. Its sweet and tangy flavors complement savory proteins and can add a beautiful balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful mix of red cranberries, deep blue blueberries, and contrasting white feta. You can also offer it as a layered parfait in individual cups for a fun, elegant appetizer or picnic addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Since the dressing is fresh and the fruit can soften, the salad is best enjoyed soon after making to maintain its crisp textures.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh fruits and cheese lose their textures and the dressing may separate once thawed, diminishing the overall quality.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating will wilt the fresh ingredients and disrupt the delicate balance of flavors that make this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for this salad?
While fresh cranberries and blueberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture making the salad soggy.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese is a creamy alternative that pairs beautifully with the tart fruit and nuts. For a dairy-free option, try cubed avocado for creaminess without the tang.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The blueberry balsamic dressing can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before using to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
To keep the salad crisp, toss it with the dressing right before serving. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
What other nuts could I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios make excellent alternatives, each adding their own unique crunch and flavor profile that complements the fruit and cheese nicely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe enough for anyone who loves a salad that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat. It’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a party showstopper. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite on your table!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavorful dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries and blueberries with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a sweet and tangy blueberry balsamic dressing with honey and Dijon mustard, this salad makes a perfect light meal or side dish, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
Nuts & Cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse Berries: Rinse the cranberries and blueberries under cold water and set them aside in a colander to drain thoroughly.
- Prepare Red Onion: Peel the red onion and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces to add a sharp yet mild flavor to the salad.
- Chop Walnuts: If your walnuts are whole, chop them into smaller pieces to add a crunchy texture throughout the salad.
- Prepare Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks so it evenly distributes and adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fruits and nuts.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth, flavorful, and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the rinsed cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese to ensure even distribution without crushing the berries.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to mingle and deepen before serving.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add a drizzle more of honey according to your taste preference.
- You can toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared ahead and chilled for up to 1 hour.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier variation.
- If fresh cranberries are too tart, consider briefly soaking them in warm water with a bit of sugar before preparing.
