We all know that we can’t live on cookies alone, so this Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette will be just what you’ve been looking for!

‘Tis the season for bouncing back from the crazy holiday binging! My sweet tooth is pretty serious.

So the holiday season makes me, Rebecca really wish that I could eat dessert for dinner.

But we all know that we can’t live on cookies alone.

And this Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette will be just what you’ve been looking for!

Throw on some fruit (in this case, oranges and cranberries) to make that spinach as merry as the holidays were.

Add a delicious, healthy, homemade vinaigrette to really make those mixed greens bright.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients to Make Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette

Olive oil

Dried cranberries

Navel orange peeled and sliced thin

Mixed greens

Garlic powder

Pepper

Salt

Plain yogurt

Dijon mustard

Honey

Lemon juice

Zest half of a medium orange

Orange juice

Cider vinegar

Sliced almonds

How To Make The Cranberry Orange Salad

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!

Keep a big box of mixed greens in your fridge. Then, peel an orange (or you could totally go with canned mandarin oranges).

Also, have a few sliced almonds and dried cranberries handy, and you are set with healthy lunches and sides for days!

Simple enough to whip up any day but pretty enough to plan for a dinner party.

How to Make the Dressing

Step 1 — Combine the oil, vinegar, juices, orange zest, Dijon, and seasoning in a blender jar.

Step 2 — Blend on high for about 30 seconds.

The Vinaigrette Dressing & Substitutes

I’m not even kidding when I say that this dressing is ridiculously good. It’s a little bit sweet with just the right amount of tang to set off the fruitiness.

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! Chopped pecans are another option if you’re not a fan of almonds.

How To Store The Dressing

Cover and refrigerate any remaining dressing in a jar. It will keep for at least a week.

What to Pair with Cranberry Orange Salad

This salad makes a great starter for any meal, but it can also be a light and flavorful main course.

For a heartier meal, pair this dish with this Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken or this Pork Loin Roast recipe.

If 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.

So tell me, what are your healthy holiday go-to recipes?

I really hope this Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette makes it to your menu this year!

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