Cranberry, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing

Introduction

This bright salad is a celebration of seasonal color and texture, perfect for a cozy lunch or a festive side. Fresh cranberries add a lively tart pop while toasted walnuts bring buttery crunch. Creamy goat cheese melts into the greens and ties everything together with a silky tang. If you love bold contrasts in a simple bowl, this is a quick recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation. For a full printable version and tips, check this version on Cookaza for more ideas: cranberry walnut salad.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This salad shines because it balances sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy in every forkful. It takes only a few ingredients and minimal prep yet looks elegant on the table for guests. The fig balsamic dressing adds a fruit forward depth that complements rather than overpowers the greens. Using toasted walnuts warms the flavor and gives the salad a pleasant snap with every bite. It’s flexible enough to be a light main when you add a crusty slice of bread or a simple protein, and it works beautifully alongside roasted winter vegetables for a holiday spread.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a bright tartness from the cranberries that cuts through the richness of goat cheese. The fig balsamic dressing adds a mellow jam like sweetness with a tangy finish. Toasted walnuts provide an earthy, nutty backbone that contrasts the soft greens and creamy cheese. Mixed greens such as spinach and arugula provide a peppery or tender base, making each bite layered and satisfying. If you enjoy contrasts in a bowl this salad rewards you with a complex flavour profile despite its simplicity, and it looks stunning on a serving platter.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup fig balsamic dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts.
2. Add crumbled goat cheese on top.
3. Drizzle with fig balsamic dressing and toss lightly to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately as a side or light meal.

Tips for Best Results

Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then cool before adding so they retain crunch. If fresh cranberries feel too tart, toss them briefly in a spoonful of honey to mellow the bite without losing brightness. Choose a soft fresh goat cheese for creaminess; aged goat cheese will bring a sharper note. For a prettier presentation, scatter a few extra cranberries and walnut halves on top and reserve a little goat cheese to dot the finished salad.

Storage and Make Ahead

You can prepare components ahead to save time. Keep mixed greens dry in a sealed container lined with a paper towel and store the toasted walnuts in an airtight jar. Crumble goat cheese and measure the dressing into a small jar in the refrigerator. Assemble only when ready to serve to preserve texture. Leftovers will keep for a day if undressed; tossed salad should be eaten the same day for best quality.

Final Thought

This salad is an effortless way to make an ordinary meal feel special with little fuss. It’s adaptable, quick to assemble, and visually stunning for a simple weeknight or a holiday table. The balance of flavors makes it a repeat favorite.

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