If you’re looking for a dish bursting with bright flavors and beautiful colors that will instantly lift your spirits, the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is your new go-to. This salad marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet juiciness of blueberries, all tied together by a luscious blueberry balsamic dressing that’s both tangy and sweet. With crunchy walnuts and creamy feta adding texture and richness, this salad feels indulgent yet refreshingly light—a fantastic addition to any meal or a vibrant side dish that steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is simple, fresh, and essential, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The tart berries, sharp onions, nutty walnuts, and salty feta each play a crucial role, while the dressing brings everything together with a delightful zing that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they add a lively punch of flavor.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Sweet and juicy, they balance the tartness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a crisp, sharp bite for contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Provides enjoyable crunch and earthy undertones.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy, salty element that elevates the salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a smooth base for the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Brings subtle acidity and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Berries
Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly under cold water, then set them aside in a colander to drain completely; this keeps them fresh and crisp. Repeat the same with the blueberries, handling them gently to avoid bruising since their delicate skins are like edible little bursts of joy.
Step 2: Chop the Aromatics and Nuts
Peel and chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces—this adds a nice sharpness that complements the sweet and tart fruits beautifully. Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces to ensure each bite has that perfect crunch without overwhelming the salad.
Step 3: Crumble the Feta
Use your fingers or a fork to crumble the feta cheese into small chunks. This creamy, salty component will act as little pockets of flavor weaving through every forkful, balancing the fruit’s brightness.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Base
In a medium bowl, toss together the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly without squashing those lovely berries.
Step 5: Whisk the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well emulsified—the flavors meld into a glossy dressing that will coat the salad beautifully.
Step 6: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient glistens with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper to suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve or Chill
Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the dressing to infuse the ingredients more deeply, making every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a few whole berries on top for a visually stunning presentation that guests will admire. Fresh basil or mint leaves also make a refreshing garnish that brightens each serving.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. The fruity tang and crunch make it a perfect counterpoint to savory mains and creamy sides alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass jars or small bowls for a charming touch at parties or outdoor gatherings. Layer the salad and dressing in a clear container beforehand for a beautiful, colorful display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The salad holds well but is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the berries’ firm texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
This delicate salad is not suitable for freezing. The fresh berries and creamy feta lose their texture and integrity when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to make it fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh fruit and cheese salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for this salad?
While fresh berries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen berries in a pinch. Just be aware they will be softer and may release more juice, making the salad a bit wetter.
Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy, try crumbled firm tofu or a nut-based cheese alternative. For a different flavor profile, goat cheese works beautifully as well.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be whisked together in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake before using as olive oil and vinegar tend to separate.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with red wine vinegar mixed with a little honey to mimic the sweetness and acidity, but balsamic offers a richer depth of flavor that really shines in this recipe.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
To keep your salad crisp, dress it just before serving and avoid letting it sit for hours. Refrigeration is great for flavor melding but too long will soften the fruits and nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that feels like a celebration on your plate. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with layers of flavor that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s bound to become a favorite you return to again and again. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cranberry Blueberry Salad features a vibrant mix of fresh cranberries, blueberries, red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy and sweet blueberry balsamic dressing made with honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this no-cook salad combines fruity tartness, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta for a delightful, easy-to-prepare dish.
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
Blueberry Balsamic 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 Cranberries: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and setting them aside in a colander to drain.
- Rinse Blueberries: Place the fresh blueberries in a separate colander and rinse them gently under cold water as well.
- Chop Red Onion: Peel and chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Walnuts: Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces if they are not pre-chopped.
- Prepare Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks with your fingers or a fork.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Mix Salad: Stir the mixture gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, add the honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk Dressing: Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dressing to Salad: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss Salad: Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one hour to let the flavors meld.
- For added texture, try substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- If preferred, reduce the amount of honey for a less sweet dressing.
- Use fresh berries rather than frozen for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the feta cheese.
