Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Meet your new warm-weather obsession: the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing. This stunning salad isn’t just a visual delight—it’s a showstopper on the taste buds, too! Plump blueberries and tangy dried cranberries mingle with creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and crisp greens, all tied together with a gorgeous dressing bursting with sweet-tart blueberry flavor. Whether you’re looking for a bright centerpiece for your next brunch or just want to elevate an ordinary Tuesday, this recipe brings a burst of color, flavor, and fun to any table in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing is in its effortless combination of a handful of amazing ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating a refreshing blend of flavors, textures, and vibrant hues that practically dance on your plate.
- Mixed salad greens: Build a crisp, fresh foundation—use a blend for depth and color.
- Fresh blueberries: Juicy sweetness pops in every bite and doubles up in the homemade dressing.
- Dried cranberries: Chewy and tangy, these little gems bring a sweet tartness that brightens everything else.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty tang balances out the sweet fruit and adds a rich mouthfeel.
- Pecans, toasted: Toasted for extra crunch and nuttiness—they add warmth and a hint of butteriness.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds deep, mellow acidity that pairs beautifully with berries.
- Olive oil: Brings silkiness to the dressing and beautifully carries all the flavors.
- Honey: Just a touch for gentle sweetness and cohesion in the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Delicate spice for complexity and emulsifying power in the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: The simple finishing touch—enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
Step 1: Blend the Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
Start with the star of the show! Add the fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a blender. Blitz until completely smooth—don’t stop until the dressing is luscious and glossy. Be sure to taste and adjust for a little more sweetness, tang, or seasoning if you prefer. This dressing is what takes every bite of salad over the top!
Step 2: Build Your Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, fresh blueberries, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. It’s a celebration of color and texture—don’t be afraid to use your hands to gently combine everything without bruising the leafy greens.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle generous ribbons of blueberry balsamic dressing over the tossed salad. Use tongs or two big spoons to lightly toss, ensuring every leaf and berry is lightly coated. The goal? A harmonious blend, not a soggy, weighed-down salad!
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once dressed, this salad should be enjoyed right away for maximum freshness and crunch. Plate it up in generous scoops and get ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra fresh blueberries and a pinch of crumbled feta right on top. A final shower of toasted pecans gives crunch, while a twist of cracked black pepper or a swirl of leftover dressing adds polish and brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh mint leaves will make each serving pop!
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect partner for grilled chicken, salmon, or even a slice of rustic sourdough. Try it alongside a bowl of chilled soup or a summery grain pilaf. The bright, fruity flavors also complement a charcuterie board or anything smoky and earthy—get creative!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in clear bowls to showcase every vibrant layer, or plate it individually for guests with extra dressing on the side. For parties, arrange the salad components in rows (like a berry Cobb salad) and let diners dress their own plates. A little edible flower garnish never hurts if you want to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad keeps well for a day, though the greens will lose some crispness once dressed. Keep the dressing for up to 3 days—just give it a good shake before using!
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze the finished Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing, as the fresh fruits and greens lose their beautiful texture. The dressing, however, can be frozen for up to a month in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge and whisk vigorously before serving.
Reheating
No reheating required! This salad is all about fresh flavors and cooling textures. If you’re adding leftover grilled chicken or salmon, you can warm those up and serve alongside the chilled salad for delicious contrast.
FAQs
Can I swap out the feta for another cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese brings a similar creamy tang and works beautifully. Or try shaved Parmesan for subtle saltiness—just keep in mind you want a cheese with a bit of bold flavor to shine against the berries.
Is the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary needs. Just double-check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free if you’re very sensitive!
What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even tofu make wonderful additions for extra staying power. Each protein soaks up the fruity dressing for a seriously satisfying meal.
Can I use frozen blueberries in the dressing?
Frozen blueberries work well in the dressing—just let them thaw first for easy blending. The flavor will be just as vibrant and the color even more intense!
How far ahead can I make Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing?
You can blend the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep those greens perky and the textures spot-on.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with flavor, color, and texture, the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make all year. Give it a try at your next gathering or for a vibrant lunch—your friends and family will thank you!
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Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and flavorful Cranberry Blueberry Salad with a delightful Blueberry Balsamic Dressing. This colorful salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, topped with crunchy pecans and creamy feta cheese.
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens:
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
Fresh Blueberries:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Dried Cranberries:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Crumbled Feta Cheese:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Chopped Pecans, toasted:
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix salad greens, blueberries, cranberries, feta, and pecans. Add dressing and toss gently.
- Serve: Enjoy your Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing!
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or salmon.
- You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups salad with dressing
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
