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This vibrant Cranberry Blueberry Salad layers sweet juicy berries with crisp walnuts and salty feta, all brought together with a homemade blueberry balsamic dressing. It strikes a perfect balance between freshness and decadence, making it a favorite at my family gatherings each spring and summer. The mix of colors and flavors always earns compliments and empty plates.
The first time I made this salad, I brought it for a holiday picnic and it disappeared in minutes everyone asked for the recipe and my kids even asked for seconds which never happens with salads
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring tartness and are best when plump with glossy skin sift through for any blemished fruit
- Fresh blueberries: Blueberries provide sweetness and juice choose firm berries with a deep blue hue
- Chopped red onion: Adds sharpness and a crisp bite select onions with tight heavy bulbs
- Chopped walnuts: Gives crunchy texture make sure they smell nutty not rancid you can toast for extra flavor
- Crumbled feta cheese: Offers creamy salty balance opt for feta packed in brine for best flavor and texture
- Honey: Natural sweetness that tames the tartness raw honey has a more complex flavor
- Olive oil: Smooth base for the dressing go for extra virgin with a fruity aroma
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds richness and tang aged vinegar adds depth
- Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and punches up the flavor use a smooth spicy Dijon for best results
- Salt: Enhances overall taste use fine sea salt so it dissolves easily
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat freshly cracked gives the brightest flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the Cranberries:
- Place fresh cranberries in a colander wash under cold running water swirl gently and let them drain completely
- Rinse the Blueberries:
- Put the blueberries in another colander rinse with cold water and carefully shake off any excess water to prevent bruising
- Prepare Onion and Walnuts:
- Chop red onion into bite-sized pieces set aside chop walnuts if not pre-chopped ensuring they are evenly sized
- Crumble the Feta:
- Take a block of feta and use a fork or your fingers to crumble into uneven rustic chunks for the best texture
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl add cranberries blueberries chopped onion walnuts and crumbled feta toss gently to distribute everything evenly
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together honey olive oil balsamic vinegar Dijon mustard salt and black pepper whisk until creamy and well blended
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the berry mixture toss gently with large spoons to coat every ingredient without smashing the berries
- Taste and Adjust:
- Sample the salad and add more salt or pepper if you like check that the flavors are balanced
- Serve Fresh or Chill:
- Either serve the salad right away for peak freshness or cover and refrigerate for up to one hour to let the flavors meld
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I love how the feta brings everything together the creaminess takes the edge off the tart cranberries and makes every bite addictive Sometimes my youngest helps crumble the feta and always sneaks a few bites while we prep
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days The dressing will soften the berries and greens over time so for make-ahead prep keep the dressing separate until ready to serve
Ingredient Substitutions
No cranberries Swap with pomegranate arils or sliced strawberries for similar tang out of walnuts Pecans or almonds work beautifully If you need dairy free leave out the feta or use a crumbly vegan cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or salmon at summer gatherings I also like to pile it onto toasted sourdough bread or bring as a colorful holiday side dish It brightens up any table and pairs well with simple main dishes
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Cultural Context
Fruit and cheese salads have roots in many Mediterranean cuisines where sweet and savory often mingle This recipe draws inspiration from those traditions but with a modern twist using North American berries
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries provide tartness and texture, but dried cranberries can be used for a sweeter bite. Adjust dressing sweetness as needed.
- → Is it possible to make the blueberry balsamic dressing ahead?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate. Mix well before pouring over the salad to recombine ingredients.
- → What greens pair well with this fruit mixture?
Mixed baby greens, spinach, or arugula complement the sweet-tart fruits and offer a refreshing base with varying textures.
- → Are there alternatives to feta cheese?
Goat cheese or blue cheese both offer a creamy, tangy contrast. For a milder flavor, try shredded mozzarella or omit for a vegan version.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers promptly. For optimal texture, store salad and dressing separately if possible, as greens may wilt if dressed well in advance.