Bright, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is a delightful medley that will quickly become a favorite on your table. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet juiciness of blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta, all enveloped in a luscious homemade blueberry balsamic dressing, this salad is a colorful celebration of fresh ingredients that dance harmoniously on your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this salad both refreshing and satisfying. Each element plays a special role, offering texture, color, and a balance of flavors that elevate the dish beautifully.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: These bring a sharp, bright tartness that wakes up your palate.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Sweet and juicy, they add a natural burst of summer flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a mild pungency and crunchy texture to contrast the fruit.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Provides a satisfying nutty crunch, enhancing the salad’s mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings creamy saltiness that complements both fruit and nuts.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries and vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A smooth, fruity base that binds the dressing together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds rich acidity with a caramelized depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a slight tang and smooth emulsification.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and brightens all the salad’s flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and spice to finish.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Berries
Start by thoroughly rinsing the cranberries and blueberries under cold running water, then allow them to drain well in a colander. This step ensures your salad shines with clean, crisp fruit without any unwanted moisture weighing it down.
Step 2: Chop the Red Onion and Walnuts
Peel and finely chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces so their flavor blends seamlessly into the salad without overpowering the berries. Similarly, if your walnuts aren’t already chopped, give them a rough chop for an ideal crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the fruit and cheese.
Step 3: Crumble the Feta Cheese
Break the feta cheese into small, uneven chunks to provide pockets of creamy, salty richness throughout the salad—a perfect flavor partner to the sweet and tart elements.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, combine honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk energetically until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified. This dressing is the heart of the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a luscious blueberry-inspired twist.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently toss together the cranberries, blueberries, red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the salad and toss delicately again to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated without bruising the berries.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Give the salad a quick taste test and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a pinch more salt or some freshly cracked black pepper to suit your preference. Your Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is now ready to serve immediately, or chilling it for an hour allows the flavors to meld for an even more harmonious bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or a light crumble of feta on top right before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a zest of lemon can also add an extra burst of freshness and a lovely aromatic hint, making the salad look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, acting as a bright and fruity companion that balances richer, savory mains. It’s also a refreshing option alongside a creamy pasta or a hearty grain bowl, adding a crisp and tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in hollowed-out citrus halves like oranges or grapefruits for a charming presentation, perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, layer the salad in clear glass jars for a vibrant parfait-style visual that’s both practical and elegant for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh fruit, it’s best enjoyed quickly to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing since the fresh berries and dressing will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing. For best results, prepare the salad fresh or save the dressing separately if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be heated. Reheating would wilt the fresh ingredients and alter the bright, fresh flavors that make the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries and blueberries?
While fresh berries are ideal for this salad to maintain crispness and vibrant flavor, you can use thawed frozen berries if needed. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess juice, which could make the salad soggy.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free or milder option, try goat cheese or even chopped avocado for creaminess. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile but works wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the blueberry balsamic dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to whisk it again before drizzling over your salad to bring it back to its smooth consistency.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan-friendly.
What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or pistachios make excellent alternatives, adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Toast them lightly for an extra layer of nuttiness that complements the berries splendidly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that is both visually stunning and wonderfully flavorful, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe. It’s an easy way to brighten up your mealtime with fresh, wholesome ingredients combined in a way that feels both special and incredibly satisfying. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Cranberry Blueberry Salad featuring fresh cranberries and blueberries, crunchy walnuts, tangy red onions, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy blueberry balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 aside in a colander to drain thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
- Prepare Onion: Peel and chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces ensuring even distribution in the salad.
- Chop Walnuts: If the walnuts are whole, chop them into smaller pieces for added crunch and easier eating.
- Prepare Feta: Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks to evenly disperse its creamy, tangy flavor throughout the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, balancing sweetness and acidity.
- Combine Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Stir gently to mix all ingredients without crushing the berries.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated, enhancing the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- To reduce tartness, you can soak cranberries in a little warm water with a bit of honey before using.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling with sunflower seeds or adding sliced almonds.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
