Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers several reasons to fall in love with it:

Perfect Balance of Flavors – The tart cranberries and sweet blueberries complement each other beautifully, while the dressing adds depth and richness.
Quick and Easy – With only 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for a quick yet flavorful addition to any meal.
Healthy and Light – This salad is packed with fresh fruits, healthy fats from walnuts, and the creamy addition of feta cheese, making it a nutritious option.
Customizable – You can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing, or even swap ingredients like nuts or cheese to suit your tastes.
Visually Stunning – The bright colors of cranberries, blueberries, and greens make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

To make the Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your refreshing Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing:

Salad Preparation:

Rinse the Berries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and set them aside in a colander to drain. Do the same with the blueberries, rinsing them gently to avoid bruising.
Prepare the Onion: Peel and chop the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
Chop the Walnuts: If the walnuts are not pre-chopped, chop them into smaller pieces.
Crumble the Feta: Use a fork or your fingers to crumble the feta cheese into small chunks.

Making the Dressing:

Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Salad:

Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, blueberries, chopped red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Dress the Salad: Pour the blueberry balsamic dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

Serving:

Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Variations

Add Extra Crunch: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for extra flavor and crunch before adding them to the salad.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, try adding goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles instead of feta.
Swap the Nuts: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts if you prefer.
Sweeten the Dressing: Adjust the honey to your taste for a sweeter or more tart dressing, depending on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Reheating: The salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just toss it lightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries or blueberries?

Fresh cranberries and blueberries are recommended for the best texture, but if frozen berries are all you have, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using them in the salad.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a creamy cheese like burrata for a unique twist.

4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

Yes, you can add more honey for a sweeter dressing or less if you prefer a more tangy flavor. Adjust it to your taste preferences.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this salad vegan.

6. How do I prevent the berries from getting mushy?

Rinse the berries gently and don’t over-mix the salad after adding the dressing. This will help keep the berries intact and fresh.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?

While balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor, you can try other types like apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.

9. Can I make the dressing without Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can omit the mustard, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have Dijon, try substituting with another mild mustard or a bit of lemon juice.

10. Can I serve this salad as a main course?

Yes, you can enjoy this salad as a light main course by adding more protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tart combination of berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all coated in a tangy blueberry balsamic dressing, makes this salad a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served as a side or a light main course, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and guests!