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Winter Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad with Easy Pomegranate Dressing

winter cranberry pecan spinach salad - featured image
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A bright, crunchy, and tangy winter salad featuring fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, pomegranate arils, and a homemade pomegranate vinaigrette. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • ¼ cup 100% pure pomegranate juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Make the pomegranate vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine minced shallot, pomegranate juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Prepare the salad ingredients: Rinse baby spinach and dry thoroughly. Slice red onion thinly; if desired, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine dried spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, pomegranate arils, and sliced red onion. Drizzle about half the dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed.
  5. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using. Give a final gentle toss or leave feta on top for presentation. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not dress the salad until ready to serve, as spinach will become soggy. Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week. For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit feta cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter salad, cranberry pecan spinach salad, pomegranate dressing, holiday salad, spinach salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/winter-cranberry-pecan-spinach-salad-with-easy-pomegranate-dressing/