There’s something about bright, fresh flavors on a chilly day that just lifts your spirits, and my Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe does exactly that. It’s a perfect balance of tangy citrus, creamy avocado, and sweet cranberries that feels both refreshing and festive—just right for those cozy winter meals.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad arranged in separate layers: bright green leafy greens form the base, topped with juicy translucent orange citrus slices on the left, a cluster of crumbled white cheese drizzled with brown dressing next to it, avocado slices fanned out in the center with a shiny brown dressing drizzle, a pile of deep red pomegranate seeds below the avocado, and a heap of dark roasted pecans on the right side. In the background, there are stacked wooden bowls with spoons inside and a small jar filled with brown dressing sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad quickly became a go-to in my kitchen during winter months because it’s not just tasty but also easy and stunning to serve. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor — a bright citrus pop, creamy feta, and a luscious cranberry dressing that brings it all together.

Seasonal Vibrancy: The fresh baby greens with juicy citrus segments brighten up any meal and your mood.
Perfect Balance: The creamy avocado and salty feta contrast beautifully with sweet-tart cranberries and nuts.
Simple and Quick: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Festive and Eye-Catching: Great for holiday dinners or any winter gathering where you want something light yet special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a part in delivering texture, flavor, and that winter magic. Plus, most are easy to find in stores during the colder months. Here’s a quick look at why I love what’s in this Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe.

Flat lay of fresh mixed baby greens in a simple white ceramic bowl, two peeled orange segments arranged neatly next to a ripe avocado sliced into smooth crescent shapes, a small pile of shiny ruby red pomegranate seeds on a white ceramic plate, a mound of crumbly white feta cheese on another white dish, a handful of glossy candied pecans grouped on a plain white bowl, and three small white ceramic bowls containing vibrant cranberry sauce, deep brown balsamic vinegar, and golden olive oil arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mixed baby greens: Tender and mild, these provide a fresh, leafy base and soak up the dressing beautifully.
Oranges: Their juiciness and slight sweetness brighten the salad and add a lovely citrus zing.
Avocado: Adds richness and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with tart flavors.
Pomegranate seeds: Those jewel-like pops add both sweetness and a delightful crunch.
Feta cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese cuts through the sweetness and adds a savory depth.
Candied spiced nuts: The sweet and spicy crunch makes the texture exciting and festive—pecans or walnuts work great too!
Cranberry Balsamic Dressing: Combines tart cranberry sauce with tangy balsamic and olive oil for a luscious finish.
Cranberry sauce: The backbone of the dressing, bringing classic winter flavor.
Balsamic vinegar and olive oil: These balance out the dressing with acidity and smoothness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, as usual, sharpening all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m a big fan of tweaking this salad based on what’s in season or what I’m craving. The beauty of the Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap oranges for grapefruit or blood oranges when I want a bit more tartness—it adds a pretty color too!
Nut options: If you don’t do candied nuts, toasted pecans or walnuts add great crunch without extra sweetness.
Dressing swaps: You can easily try a honey-mustard vinaigrette if you want a warmer flavor profile, which also works well.
For extra protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base Greens

I always start by washing and drying the mixed baby greens thoroughly—wet leaves can make your salad soggy fast. Then I place them into a large salad bowl where everything will come together.

Step 2: Segment the Oranges

Removing the orange rind and membrane from each segment makes a big difference in texture. I use a small paring knife to carefully cut between the membranes so only the juicy flesh remains. This keeps each bite perfectly tender without any bitter pith.

Step 3: Add Avocado and Pomegranate

Next, I slice or chop the avocado and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds right on top. These juicy gems add a burst of color and crunch that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Sprinkle on Feta and Nuts

Crumbled feta adds that salty contrast, while candied spiced nuts bring a sweet, crunchy texture. If you like, you can toast your own nuts at home and toss them with a little cinnamon and brown sugar before adding.

Step 5: Drizzle the Cranberry Balsamic Dressing and Toss

I drizzle the homemade dressing evenly over the salad, then gently toss everything together so each leaf is kissed with the beautiful cranberry flavor. You can also serve it as-is for a pizzazz of colors on the plate.

Top Tip

When I first made this Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe, I realized some simple tweaks made all the difference. Here are my best tips to get it just right.

Perfect Orange Segments: Make sure to remove all the white pith and membranes for a smoother bite and less bitterness.
Dry Greens Thoroughly: Using damp or wet greens can dilute the dressing and sog up the salad quickly.
Dress Just Before Serving: Tossing the salad immediately before eating keeps everything crisp and fresh.
Use Fresh Dressing: If you buy bottled dressing, opt for one with real cranberry and balsamic or better yet, make your own for the best flavor.

How to Serve Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe

winter cranberry salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with some fresh herb sprigs like mint or cilantro—they add a subtle brightness that lifts everything. Sometimes I add an extra sprinkle of pomegranate seeds on top for a festive sparkle.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted winter veggies or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. It’s also great as part of a holiday buffet to lighten up heavier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in clear glass bowls or individual cups so the colors really shine through. Layering the salad components neatly before tossing makes for a beautiful presentation that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately—keep the greens, citrus, and avocado chilled in airtight containers, and the dressing in its own jar. Then you can toss fresh before serving again, avoiding sogginess.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh ingredients, but you can prepare and freeze the cranberry dressing separately if you like to have it on hand for other recipes.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cranberry dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The cranberry balsamic dressing can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before dressing your salad to mix everything back together.

What can I substitute for candied spiced nuts?

If you don’t have candied spiced nuts on hand, toasted pecans, walnuts, or even almonds work beautifully. You can also lightly toast them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for that warm, festive flavor.

How long will this salad keep once dressed?

I recommend dressing the salad just before serving since the greens can wilt quickly. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed within a couple of hours for optimal texture and freshness.

Can I add protein to this Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe?

Absolutely! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn it into a hearty main dish. Just add your cooked protein on top before serving.

Final Thoughts

I have a soft spot for this Winter Cranberry Salad with Citrus and Feta Recipe because it always brings a bright, happy note to my meals during the darker months. It’s effortless to make yet looks and tastes like you put in so much love and care. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself going back to this fresh, vibrant salad again and again — whether for a casual weeknight or your special holiday spread.