Cranberry and Pecan Salad with Spinach Recipe 

Last updated on July 20th, 2025

I discovered this recipe years ago when I was searching for a holiday salad that wouldn’t get lost among the heavier dishes on my table. What I love about this Cranberry and Pecan Salad is how it brings together everything I want in a festive dish – it’s elegant yet so simple to prepare. Every time I serve it, guests ask for the recipe! Whether I’m hosting a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering, this salad never fails to impress.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

For the Maple-Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps

1. Begin by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch carefully – this should take about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. While the pecans are cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a large serving bowl, arrange the fresh baby spinach leaves.
4. Sprinkle the cooled toasted pecans over the spinach.
5. Add the dried cranberries evenly across the salad.
6. Crumble the goat cheese over the top.
7. Just before serving, drizzle with the maple-balsamic dressing and toss gently to combine.

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose Your Greens Wisely
   • Baby spinach is ideal because it holds up well under warm toppings
   • Look for fresh, crisp leaves without any yellowing
   • If needed, you can substitute with mixed greens or arugula
2. Perfect Your Timing
   • Toast the pecans ahead of time, but let them cool completely
   • Make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance
   • Wait to dress the salad until just before serving to prevent wilting
3. Customize Your Creation
   • Add thinly sliced pear or apple for extra sweetness and crunch
   • Try different cheese options like feta or blue cheese
   • Experiment with honey instead of maple syrup in the dressing
   • Make extra toasted pecans for snacking or other recipes
4. Storage Solutions
   • Store prepared dressing at room temperature for up to 24 hours
   • Keep toasted pecans in an airtight container
   • Wash and dry spinach thoroughly in advance

How to Serve

This versatile salad works beautifully in various settings. For casual family dinners, serve it in a large bowl and let everyone help themselves. For more formal occasions, consider plating individual portions, arranging the components artfully on each plate, and drizzling the dressing in an attractive pattern.

The salad pairs excellently with:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Grilled salmon
• Holiday ham
• Vegetarian main courses
• Warm crusty bread

A Holiday Salad That Everyone Will Love

Anyone can make it, whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or you’ve been cooking forever. I love how everything works together – you’ve got fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and that creamy goat cheese that makes everything better. Add my favorite maple-balsamic dressing, and you’re golden! Just grab some fresh ingredients, follow the timing (trust me on this one), and you’ll have a delicious and healthy salad that’ll make your holiday table shine. Bonus: your guests will ask for seconds!

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