Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

Perfect for gatherings, this Cranberry Orange Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a stunning addition to any table.

getting post-holiday ready - a little drizzle on top! A Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

This refreshing Cranberry Orange Salad is the perfect way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. The sweet and tangy combination of cranberries and oranges is complemented by a creamy citrus vinaigrette. 

The best part about this recipe that I, Rebecca love is that it’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need a food processor. Just throw all of the dressing ingredients in a blender! Blitz for a few seconds, and you have a creamy, citrus dressing! Then, simply toss the salad ingredients together and enjoy.

cranberries and walnuts oh my! A Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

Ingredients Needed

  • Mixed greens You can use any type of mixed greens you prefer. Spinach, romaine, or arugula are all good options.
  • Navel oranges Peeled and sliced thin. Fresh is best, but oranges like canned mandarins work also.
  • Dried cranberries
  • Sliced almonds — Chopped pecans are another option if you’re not a fan of almonds.
  • Plain yogurt — Adding the yogurt gives the perfect amount of creaminess. It’s not thick but has a bit more substance than your standard vinaigrette. You can also sub in a dairy-free yogurt to make it allergen friendly!
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Lemon juice
  • Zest of a medium orange
  • Orange juice
  • Cider vinegar
fresh A Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

How to Make the Cranberry Orange Salad

All you need to do is simply toss the salad together. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, orange slices, and almonds. Then, drizzle with vinaigrette and toss again to coat evenly.

How to make the dressing:

In a blender, combine the oil, vinegar, juices, orange zest, Dijon, and seasoning. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, until smooth.

A Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Dairy-free: Use dairy free yogurt for a dairy free and vegan option.
  • Vinaigrette variations: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add more honey. For a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or cider vinegar.
  • Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Make-ahead: You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cover and refrigerate any remaining dressing in a jar. It will keep for at least a week.
  • Serving suggestions: This salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken (or even baked lemon rosemary chicken), fish, or pork (like pork loin roast). f you are looking for a vegetarian option, try pairing the salad with roasted vegetables such as brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. To complete your meal, add a side of buttered quinoa or wild rice. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner.
Cranberry Orange Salad Recipe with mixed greens

More Easy Salads to Try

Cranberry Orange Salad Recipe
A Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes
A little bit sweet with just the right amount of tang to set off the fruitiness.
Total Time10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Salad

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 cup mixed greens
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 medium navel orange peeled and sliced thin
  • Sliced almonds for garnish

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest half of a medium orange
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 649IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 4
Calories: 258kcal

Notes

Any leftover salad dressing can be store in a jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Instructions

To make the dressing:

  • In a blender, combine the olive oil, yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, orange zest, orange juice, cider vinegar,garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Blend for high for about 30 seconds or until smooth.

To make the salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, and orange slices.
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  • Sprinkle with sliced almonds and serve immediately.
KEYWORD: cranberry orange salad

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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