Spinach & Cranberry Celebration Salad Recipe
I’ve got a twist on what I call my Cranberry Celebration Salad Recipe. Adding spinach and brie toast, it’s perfect for any summertime picnic!
While this is not a traditional cranberry celebration salad recipe, and it’s not the holiday season, I thought summertime is the perfect time to use colorful red cranberries in my healthy and old-fashioned salad recipe.
Cranberries are so good, why reserve them for only Christmas dinner? With the 4th of July so close this cranberry salad recipe will be a huge colorful hit for your next gathering.
Any time I get to use cranberries either fresh or frozen, I’m all in! So much that, I highly recommend keeping a bag or two of these frozen jewels in your freezer.
I stock up when cranberries are in abundance around the holidays and keep them frozen and ready to use all throughout the year. Cranberries are a great addition to dressings, salads, desserts, and even cocktails, at any time of year.
When at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a bag.
Are dried cranberries healthy in a salad?
Dried cranberries in a spinach salad are considered to be very healthy for you. Because dried cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, they act as an antioxidant. Filled with B Vitamins, fiber, potassium, and iron as well, cranberries help with regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Is cranberry salad good for you?
Cranberries have many health benefits and are a great choice for adding vitamins to your diet. As cranberries are high in antioxidants, cranberries can help with gut health as well as prevent various diseases.
In addition for each 1/2 cup of cranberries, you will get approximately 4 grams of fiber.
Looking for other ways to add cranberries to your diet besides an actual salad? These cranberry walnut muffins with orange marmalade are a blog favorite! The first time you taste them you’ll be in love.
What you will need
Cranberry Celebration Salad Recipe Dressing Ingredients
- half cup of dried cranberries
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Orange juice
- Canola oil or olive oil
- Fresh Sage
- Dijon Mustard (a twist)
- Brie Cheese
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Brie
- Baby Spinach
- Dried Cranberries
- Baguette
How to make spinach & cranberry surprise salad recipe
Creamy dressing instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries with the sugar and the vinegar over medium heat.
- Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring often.
- Cranberries will soften and begin to pop at about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Transfer the cranberry mixture to a blender.
- Blend on high until nearly smooth, then add orange juice and the mustard.
- Continue blending slowly, then pour in oil until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Transfer cranberry mixture to a mixing bowl and whisk in sage, salt, and black pepper.
Brie toast Instructions
- Preheat broiler.
- Add brie cheese wedges on each toasted bread slice and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, about 5 inches from heat.
- Toss spinach, dried cranberries, and seeds with 3/4 cup of the dressing. Serve with toast.
- The additional dressing may be added per your taste.
Spinach & Cranberry Celebration Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Cranberry Dressing
- 1/2 Cup Cranberries fresh or frozen
- 11/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Cup White Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Orange Juice
- 3 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Sage
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Shelled Pumpkin Seeds Optional
- 10 Cups Baby Spinach
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
Brie Toast
- 8 oz Brie Cheese Cut into wedges
- 16 Slices of Baguette Bread Toasted
Instructions
Creamy Dressing
- In saucepan, combine the cranberries with the sugar and the vinegar.
- Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring often.
- Cranberries will soften and begin to pop at about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Transfer cranberry mixture to blender.
- Blend on high until nearly smooth, then add orange juice and the mustard.
- Continue blending slowly, then pour in oil until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Transfer to mixing bowl and whisk in sage, salt and black pepper.
Brie Toast Instructions
- Preheat broiler.
- Add brie cheese wedges on each toasted bread slice and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, about 5 inches from heat.
- Toss spinach, dried cranberries, and seeds with 3/4 cup of the dressing. Serve with toast.
- The additional dressing may be added per your taste.
To store this delicious side dish, store the salad ingredients in an airtight container for up to three days.
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FAQ
What else can I add to my Spinach and Cranberry Celebration Salad?
As an alternate addition, adding pomegranate seeds, red grapes or crunchy pecans is also a great option.
Can you eat raw cranberries in a salad?
Yes, Cranberries may be added to salads or smoothies. You can also eat them whole. While the tartness of the cranberries isn’t for everyone, you may eat them raw. Prior to eating, be sure to clean properly.
Let me know what you think in the comment section at the bottom of this post! I love hearing from you.
No matter what holiday season is around the corner, this easy recipe can be enjoyed time and time again.
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Yum! This sounds amazing.
Thank you Renae! When Andrew took a bite he said, oh this is really good!
Susan, this looks like a 5 star recipe to me! I can’t wait for David to try it. The toast with the Brie is the perfect touch. Pinned for reference.
The flavors go together so well. Get David going on this! ha
5 stars for you! I love the idea of pumpkins seeds and dijon mustard! Maybe I’ll try this at my daughter’s apartment this week! Great post!
The flavors go together really well and I love that it’s easy to make!