Spinach, cranberry, walnut and blue cheese salad

This Spinach, Cranberry, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad features a delightful mix of fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, dressed with lemon juice for added zing. It's light, nutritious, and perfect as a side or main dish.

07 Feb 2026
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 8 min

Ingredients:

2 cups spinach
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tbsp walnuts
1/2 oz blue cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
Spinach, cranberry, walnut and blue cheese salad

This Spinach, Cranberry, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The fresh, vibrant spinach pairs perfectly with the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of walnuts, and the bold flavor of blue cheese. A hint of lemon juice ties it all together for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:
- Rinse and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves. If the leaves are large, you may want to tear them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, add the spinach.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the spinach.
- Add the chopped walnuts.
- Crumble the blue cheese over the salad.
3. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top of the salad. The lemon juice will add a bright and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
4. Toss the Salad:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and the best texture.

Finished with a bright touch of lemon juice, this salad is a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy the balance of flavors and the nutritional benefits that come with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Spinach, cranberry, walnut and blue cheese salad FAQ:

How long can I store leftovers from this salad?

Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the texture may degrade, so it's best to consume it fresh.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries, but they are much more tart. You might want to add a bit of additional sweetener to balance the flavors.

What type of walnuts should I use for this salad?

You can use either raw or toasted walnuts. Toasted walnuts add a richer flavor, but raw walnuts will also work well.

Is there a substitute for blue cheese in this salad?

If you're looking for a substitute, try using feta cheese or goat cheese for a different but complementary flavor.

What is the best way to prepare the spinach for this salad?

Rinse the spinach thoroughly and dry it with a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. If the leaves are large, tear them into smaller, bite-sized pieces before assembling the salad.

Tips:

- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.

- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Consider using a variety of spinach like baby spinach for a more tender salad.

- For a different flavor profile, you could also try substituting the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese.

- Add extra texture and nutrition by incorporating some thinly sliced red onions or apples.

Nutrition per serving

1 Servings
Calories 170kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 2.30g
Sugar 12g
Fat 10g

More recipes

Broccoli soup with olive oil and black pepper

Quick and creamy broccoli soup with olive oil and black pepper.

08 Dec 2025

Baked parmesan chicken nuggets

Delicious baked parmesan chicken nuggets, easy and healthier.

01 Jan 2026

Sweet potato, walnut & chargrilled red onion salad

A vibrant salad with sweet potatoes, walnuts, and grilled onions.

08 Jan 2026

Holiday spiced yams

A festive side dish of sweet potatoes with spiced butter sauce.

05 Feb 2026

Strawberry banana protein shake

A creamy Strawberry Banana Protein Shake that's perfect post-workout.

19 Dec 2025

Cinnamon sugar toast

Enjoy warm cinnamon sugar toast with whole-wheat bread.

11 Jan 2026

Roasted vegetable & quinoa harvest bowls

A comforting roasted vegetable and quinoa bowl with sesame dressing.

29 Jan 2026

Raisin, nut and chocolate brownie

Delicious brownies with dark chocolate, nuts, and raisins.

02 Dec 2025

Posts