What makes this recipe really special is the way that a tangy poppy seed dressing pairs beautifully with a crunchy, sweet, yet tart salad. This Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad can’t be beat with so many different textures and such killer flavor.
Refreshing mandarin oranges and pineapple, with fresh spinach and romaine, crunchy sliced almonds, tart cranberries, combined together makes for a perfectly balanced and delicious meal after a busy day running errands or to take to work for lunch the next day. In fact, pair with one of our favorite summer time smoothies like Watermelon Chia Smoothie or Orange Julius, and you have a killer lunch ready to go in minutes!
THE MANY WAYS TO ENJOY A SALAD
One of the things I love most about a good salad is that they make for a perfect side dish, fresh lunch, or light dinner. There are just so many options and ways to enjoy it. But one of the best parts has to be just how insanely simple it is to make.
In fact a delicious salad was my perfect excuse this week for not having to stand in the kitchen longer than I needed to and heat up the whole house, because, man was it HOT this week.
But not only is this salad perfect for enjoying all the summer time vibes but it is one of my favorite secret weapons to pull out in the winter to lighten up and freshen our menu, as most of the items you need are right there in your pantry year-round! And EVERYONE can use a little more summer lovin' to brighten those cold, dreary months.
Poppy Seed Dressing Perfection
Or have you ever purchased a pre-packaged salad kit just for the yummy dressing? No longer! Make that dressing better and more budget friendly right at home using our Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing.
One of my favorite things to make when I feel I want to go the extra mile is a homemade dressing. Mhhhmmm ... there is just something about it that can't be beat.
What to do with the extra dressing?
Not that the Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad isn't a beautiful medium for your new dressing, but we assure you that you are going to fall in love with it so much that it will have you seeking out every excuse to pull it out of the fridge.
Have no fear. This easy Poppy Seed Dressing is sweet, slightly tangy and makes for the perfect complement to so many things. Dressing for a broccoli salad or coleslaw, over a Grilled Chicken Salad, or paired with a bright fruit salad or savory pasta salad are just a few of our personal suggestions. But don't be afraid to get adventurous! And if you find a delicious pairing, share the love and let us in on it!
Homemade dressing will last in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. When you are ready to enjoy, you will want to give the dressing a good shake before each use.
SERVE IT UP
Pair this delicious salad with easy yet mind blowing, creamy Chicken Crescent Roll-Ups and get ready for some good eatin'. Or serve alongside our favorite Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Wings. Mhhhmm ... dinner is ready!
📖 Recipe
Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad
This crunchy, sweet, yet tart Citrus and Cranberry Salad is pure perfection. Plus it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Quick and fresh lunch or simple dinner accompaniment.
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 1 bag baby spinach
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits
- 1 can mandarin oranges
- 1 cup shredded Swiss Cheese
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Cut romaine lettuce into bite size pieces and add to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add spinach, cranberries, strained pineaple, mandarin oranges, and almonds.
- Toss in bowl till mixed.
- Drizzle Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing over top and toss together gently.
- Sprinkle with Swiss cheese and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 158Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 18mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 6g