Cranberry Spinach Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for light lunches, side dishes, or healthy gatherings suited for all ages.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. package of salad spinach
- 1/2 cup Ocean Spray Craisins Sweetened Dried Cranberries ⓘ
- Red onion slices
Instructions
- Wash and clean the spinach thoroughly.
- Divide the spinach evenly among 4 salad plates.
- Top each salad with 2 tablespoons of sweetened dried cranberries.
- Add red onion slices on top of each salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added crunch, consider tossing in some toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds. If you're looking for a more savory twist, feta cheese can be a delightful addition. Feel free to substitute the Craisins with other dried fruits like raisins or chopped apricots. For a more substantial salad, you can add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a refreshing side dish, perfect for any meal, especially during the holidays. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside the Low-Fat Honey-Mustard Chicken for a light dinner. Consider adding a warm bread roll for a complete meal or serve it as a starter before a hearty main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach fresh, it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If the salad has been dressed, the spinach may wilt, so consuming it sooner is recommended.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Spinach Salad contains roughly 12 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, and store it in the refrigerator. Keep the Craisins and red onion slices in separate containers until you're ready to assemble the salad to prevent wilting.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A light vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing complements the flavors of the cranberries and spinach beautifully. You could also try a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy contrast. If you prefer a creamier option, a yogurt-based dressing could be delicious.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is entirely suitable for vegan diets as it consists of spinach, dried cranberries, and red onions. Just be sure to choose a vegan dressing if you decide to add one, and you can also include additional veggies or fruits for variety.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).