Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
Description
This salad features a base of fresh baby spinach leaves tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries. The dressing blends white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar with sugar dissolved before adding olive oil, honey, minced shallot, toasted sesame seeds, and optional poppy seeds.
The vinaigrette is sweetened and richly textured with honey and sugar, while the vinegars provide acidity to brighten the salad. The toasted almonds contribute crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts with the chewy dried cranberries. Tossing the salad immediately before serving ensures the greens remain crisp and the components evenly coated.
This salad is suited as a light side dish complementing a variety of meals or could be enjoyed as a simple lunch. The combination of ingredients offers a mix of sweet, tangy, nutty, and fresh leafy flavors in each bite.
The recipe notes that it was adapted from Allrecipes, indicating a tested blend of ingredients and techniques for optimal flavor and texture balance.
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 oz baby spinach
- 1 cup almonds toasted, sliced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Sesame Seed Dressing
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp shallot finely minced
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds , toasted
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- For the dressing: In a bowl or jar whisk together white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in olive oil, honey, shallot, sesame seeds and optional poppy seeds until mixture is well blended.
- For the salad: Add spinach, almonds and cranberries to a salad bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss. Serve immediately after adding dressing.
Notes
- Toasting almonds and sesame seeds enhances their flavor and adds a crispy texture to the salad.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep spinach leaves fresh and prevent wilting.
- Optional poppy seeds can be used to add mild crunch and visual appeal.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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