Walnut and Cranberry Lettuce Salad

This Walnut and Cranberry Lettuce Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Crisp lettuce serves as the fresh base, while toasted walnuts and chewy dried cranberries add texture and natural sweetness.

The zesty orange vinaigrette brings all the flavors together, making this salad refreshing, light, and perfect for any occasion.

Great for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or a quick lunch, this salad pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or a warm bowl of soup. Whether served as a side or topped with extra protein for a main dish, it’s simple, nutritious, and full of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh & Crunchy: The perfect mix of crisp lettuce, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries.
2. Bright & Flavorful: The citrus vinaigrette enhances the natural sweetness of the cranberries.
3. Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with minimal prep.
4. Versatile: Works as a light side dish or a base for a hearty meal.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and dress before serving.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Salad:

1. Lettuce: Romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens provide a crisp, fresh base.
2. Dried Cranberries: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture.
3. Walnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
4. Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and color contrast.
5. Goat Cheese or Feta (Optional): Adds a creamy, tangy touch.

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

1. Fresh Orange Juice: The base of the dressing for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Olive Oil: Adds richness and balances the acidity.
3. Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth.
4. Maple Syrup or Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness.
5. Salt & Black Pepper: Brings out all the flavors.

Yield: Serves 2-4

Walnut and Cranberry Lettuce Salad

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A crisp lettuce salad with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a bright orange vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chopped lettuce (romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)

For the Orange Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the lettuce, slice the red onion, and toast walnuts if desired.
2. Make the dressing: Whisk together orange juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the salad: Toss lettuce with cranberries, walnuts, red onion, and cheese (if using).
4. Drizzle & Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
   

Notes

1. Make It Nut-Free: Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
2. Make It Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
3. More Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a heartier meal.
4. Make It Extra Crunchy: Add sliced apples or pears for a fresh, juicy contrast.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

2-4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200Total Fat: 12gCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gProtein: 4g

Best Ways to Serve This Salad

1. As a Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled proteins or roasted vegetables.
2. With Soup: Serve alongside a butternut squash or tomato soup.
3. As a Holiday Salad: A festive addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
4. With Whole Grains: Add cooked quinoa or wild rice for extra fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping it up

This Walnut and Cranberry Lettuce Salad is a light, flavorful, and festive dish that’s perfect for any meal. The crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and zesty orange vinaigrette create a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Try it today and enjoy a simple yet elegant salad that’s great for any occasion!