There’s something about the crunch of pecans, the zing of citrus, and the jewel-like sparkle of pomegranate arils that just screams celebration to me. This Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe brings all that holiday joy to your plate with a simple, fresh, and vibrant combo you’ll want to make every year.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad shows deep green spinach leaves as the base layer. On top, there are bright orange tangerine slices spread evenly, mixed with red pomegranate seeds adding pops of color. Toasted brown pecan nuts lie scattered around for texture. Small white crumbles of cheese are sprinkled all over, contrasting with the colorful fruits and nuts. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some pecans and pomegranate seeds around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I served this Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe at a holiday gathering—it was an instant hit! There’s something about the bright flavors mingling together that lifts any table. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up and looks stunning.

Bright, fresh flavors: The balance of tangy citrus and sweet dried cranberries makes your taste buds dance.
Simple but stunning: It’s one of those salads that looks fancy but only takes about 20 minutes to throw together.
Texture galore: Crunchy pecans, juicy mandarins, creamy goat cheese—every bite is delightful.
Versatility: You can easily dress it up or down depending on your occasion or dietary needs.

The image shows a close-up of a fresh salad with three main layers: the base layer is fresh green spinach leaves with a smooth texture; the middle layer includes bright orange mandarin slices and glossy, dark red pomegranate seeds scattered evenly; the top layer features crunchy brown pecans, small bits of white cheese, and some dark dried fruit pieces all mixed throughout. The salad looks lightly coated with a shiny dressing, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe plays a role, creating a symphony of taste and texture that makes the salad truly festive. Plus, they’re easy to find in most grocery stores around the holidays!

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves, toasted pecan halves with a few chopped pieces, dried cranberries scattered naturally, three peeled and segmented mandarin oranges, crumbled goat cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, bright red pomegranate arils in another small white bowl, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of shiny honey, and a whole fresh lime cut in half showing juicy flesh placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Baby spinach: Fresh and tender, it’s the perfect green base that’s mild enough to let other flavors shine.
Pecan halves: Toasted pecans add that irresistible crunch and a toasty warmth that feels like a holiday hug.
Dried cranberries: A classic seasonal touch that brings chewy sweetness and vibrant color.
Mandarin oranges: Their juicy segments add pops of citrusy brightness, balancing the rich pecans and cheese.
Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it adds depth without overwhelming the salad.
Pomegranate arils: These ruby-like seeds look festive and add juicy bursts of tart flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: The base for the dressing, giving richness and holding everything together.
Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the tartness.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the dressing and ties all the flavors together with refreshing acidity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. I often switch up nuts and cheese, depending on the mood.

Nut swap: Sometimes I use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly earthier flavor, and my family loves it just as much.
Cheese alternatives: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta or blue cheese crumble work beautifully, adding a different tang.
Make it vegan: Skip the cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup for a fully plant-based treat.
Seasonal tweaks: In winter, I occasionally add thinly sliced red onions or shaved fennel for extra crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the bright dressing

I always start by shaking up the dressing because it lets the flavors meld while I prep the salad. Combine extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a mason jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies—a smooth, slightly thick texture. Taste and adjust lime juice or honey for balance. This zingy dressing is the secret that brings the whole salad alive.

Step 2: Toast the pecans for extra crunch

Toasting pecans is so worth the extra minute. Spread them evenly in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until they smell nutty and start browning lightly—about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! This step releases oils and deepens flavor, making every bite more satisfying.

Step 3: Assemble the salad bowls with care

I like assembling this salad in individual bowls—it makes each serving feel special and keeps the greens crisp. Start with a bed of baby spinach, then scatter dried cranberries, mandarin orange segments, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans (breaking some up for texture), and top with those shimmering pomegranate arils. Drizzle the dressing over just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Step 4: Alternative tossing method

If you want a more casual approach, toss the spinach, mandarins, cranberries, and goat cheese in a large bowl with the dressing. Then sprinkle the toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds on top—this keeps the nuts crunchy and the pomegranate seeds popping at the end.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tweaks can really elevate your Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe from great to unforgettable. Here are some tips that have saved the day more than once.

Dress last minute: To keep spinach crisp and prevent sogginess, always add dressing just before serving.
Toast pecans gently: Don’t walk away from the skillet—the nuts can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Balance the sweetness: Adjust honey and lime juice in the dressing to suit your taste; I like mine just a touch tangier to cut through richness.
Prep ingredients early: Segment mandarins and toast pecans a day ahead for faster assembly when guests arrive.

How to Serve Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe

Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a little extra flair with some fresh herbs like chopped mint or basil, which add unexpected freshness. Sometimes a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes makes it even more festive and fun—especially if I’m aiming for a tropical twist.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken for a holiday meal. It’s also a perfect light side alongside grain bowls or cozy soups on chilly nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present this salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars layered beautifully. You could also serve it atop toasted baguette slices as a fancy appetizer or even in hollowed-out citrus peels for that wow factor at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and trust me, it’s hard to resist—store the salad components separately. Keep the dressing in an airtight container, pecans in a small jar to retain crunch, and spinach in a salad spinner or paper towel-lined container to prevent wilting. Assemble just before eating again for best texture.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the delicate spinach and juicy fruits lose texture. You’ll want to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for no more than a day or two.

Reheating

No reheating necessary here! The beauty of this salad is in its fresh, cool, crisp ingredients. Simply give any leftover spinach a light toss with fresh dressing if needed and enjoy it as is.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients a day ahead, like toasting pecans, segmenting mandarins, and making the dressing. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and avoid sogginess.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta cheese or blue cheese are excellent substitutes and provide a nice tangy contrast. For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese entirely or try a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so they might not blend as harmoniously in the salad. If you prefer fresh, consider lightly cooking them with a bit of honey to soften and sweeten before adding.

How can I store leftover salad?

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers: keep spinach wrapped in paper towels inside a container, nuts in a dry jar, and dressing in its own container. Combine just before eating to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Spinach Cranberry Salad Recipe holds a special place in my holiday cooking arsenal. It’s these fresh, bright flavors and textures that cut through heavier dishes and bring a refreshing note to the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—whether it’s for Christmas dinner or just a special treat—and it becomes a go-to salad for your celebrations, too.