How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers a beautiful combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. A quick balsamic vinaigrette ties together the fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans perfectly.
Why this recipe works
This Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup pecan halves
- 0.25 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Step 2: Make the balsamic dressing
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a small drizzle of honey if desired, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 3: Build the salad
Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl and top with the dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and cooled toasted pecans.
Step 4: Dress and serve
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently so the delicate spinach leaves are evenly coated.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dried cranberries → dried cherries or pomegranate seeds for fresh brightness
- pecans → walnuts or slivered almonds
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Dressing the salad too early which causes the spinach to wilt before it reaches the table
- Not toasting the pecans which means missing their deep nutty flavor and crunch
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 5g protein, 22g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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