Refreshing mandarin oranges and pineapple, with fresh spinach and romaine, crunchy sliced almonds, tart cranberries comes together for big flavor! Paired with a tangy poppy seed dressing, this Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad can’t be beat.
Full of texture and flavor it is delicious. This salad is great for an easy lunch, quick week night dinner or bright and tasty side dish.
In fact, pair it with a cold drink and you've got a killer lunch ready in minutes. Our Watermelon Chia Smoothie or Orange Julius drinks would make for a great match.
🍯 Ingredients
Most of the items you need you'll be able to find in your pantry year round! Which is exactly why Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad is one of my favorite secret weapons to pull out in the winter to lighten and freshen up any menu.
- Romaine lettuce
- Baby Spinach
- Dried Cranberries
- Pineapple Tidbits
- Mandarin Oranges
- Swiss Cheese
- Slivered Almonds
- Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
(However, scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and full instructions.)
🥣 Step by Step Instructions
Firstly, make sure all your produce is good and washed. Afterwards cut the romaine lettuce into bite size pieces and add to a medium mixing bowl. Then add your spinach, dried cranberries, and almonds to the bowl.
When done strain your pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges well. Adding both to the bowl when finished. Secondly, give everything in the bowl a good toss.
Then after tossing your Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad go ahead and drizzle your Poppy Seed Dressing over the top. Afterwards give your whole salad another good and finish off with a sprinkle of Swiss cheese.
Lastly serve as a side dish or with grilled chicken and enjoy! Pair your Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad with our savory Chicken Crescent Roll-Ups or our Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Wings and dinner is ready!
💬 Top Tips
Have you ever bought a salad kit just for the yummy dressing? Well, no longer! Make that dressing at home with our easy Poppy Seed Dressing recipe.
One of my favorite things to make when wanting to go the extra mile is fresh dressing. You won't believe the difference it makes! Mhhhmmm ... there is just something about it that can't be beat.
In fact, sweet and slightly tangy, Poppy Seed Dressing goes with just about anything. And not that the Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad isn't a beautiful medium for your new dressing, but you are going to love it so much - you'll be searching for any excuse to pull it out of the fridge.
Fresh dressing stored in a sealed container in the fridge is good for up to 2 weeks. Then when ready to enjoy again later just be sure to give it a good shake before each use.
📖 Recipe
Citrus and Cranberry Winter Salad
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.2 heads romaine lettuce
- Add spinach, cranberries, strained pineaple, mandarin oranges, and almonds.1 bag baby spinach, 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, 1 cup pineapple tidbits, 1 can mandarin oranges, 1 cup slivered almonds
- Toss in bowl till mixed.
- Drizzle Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing over top and toss together gently.
- Sprinkle with Swiss cheese and serve.1 cup shredded Swiss Cheese