Bright, fresh, and packed full of winter flavors, this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is a game-changer for your holiday table or any chilly day you want a burst of sunshine. The juicy oranges and tart pomegranate paired with a luscious cranberry dressing make every bite a celebration of the season.

A white bowl filled with mixed green leafy vegetables forms the base layer, topped with sections of bright red pomegranate seeds, sliced yellow grapefruit segments, creamy white crumbled cheese, sliced green avocado fanned out, and a pile of dark brown pecans. A dark brown dressing is drizzled in thin lines over the cheese and avocado. The bowl sits on a wooden table next to a small glass jar holding more dressing with a spoon inside, and a stack of similar wooden bowls with metal forks resting inside them. The setting is on a white marbled textured 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 Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this salad stole my heart the moment I tossed all those vibrant ingredients together. It’s more than just a salad—it’s a flavor party that’s easy to make and impressively versatile. You’ll want to have this in your rotation all winter long.

Seasonal Freshness: Using winter citrus and pomegranate brings the freshest flavors when you need them most.
Flavor Balance: The sweet, tangy cranberry dressing perfectly complements salty feta and crunchy nuts.
Quick & Easy: It takes about 10 minutes tops, so it’s perfect for weekday dinners or holiday sides.
Customizable: You can swap nuts, greens, or even add protein to make it your own.

A large wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad that has multiple layers of ingredients. The base layer is a mix of green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach with a rough texture. On top of this are bright yellow slices of citrus fruit and chunks of avocado with smooth, creamy textures. Scattered throughout are small red pomegranate seeds adding pops of color and tiny white crumbled cheese pieces that give a soft contrast. There are also whole pecans and almonds spread across, giving a crunchy feel. A pair of large wooden salad tongs rest on the bowl. In the background, there is another salad with similar colors on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors that make winter produce sparkle. Each ingredient plays a unique role—whether it’s the creamy avocado, the juicy citrus segments, or that zingy cranberry dressing.

Flat lay of two peeled orange segments arranged neatly, one sliced avocado with vibrant green flesh, glistening ruby red pomegranate seeds scattered, a generous handful of fresh mixed baby greens in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with crumbly white feta cheese, another small white bowl containing candied spiced nuts with a glossy finish, three small white bowls holding smooth cranberry sauce, dark balsamic vinegar, and golden olive oil side by side, salt crystals and fresh cracked black peppercorns in minimal amounts beside them, 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

Oranges: Use large, juicy oranges peeled and segmented for bursts of sweetness and citrus aroma.
Avocado: Adds a creamy, buttery texture that mellows the salad and pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Pomegranate Seeds: Little jewels of tart, refreshing crunch that brighten every forkful.
Mixed Baby Greens: Choose a mix that’s fresh and tender—arugula, spinach, or mesclun work wonderfully here.
Feta Cheese: Its salty tang cuts through the sweet elements and ties the salad together.
Candied Spiced Nuts: Adds indulgent crunch and warmth with spices that remind me of cozy winter nights.
Cranberry Balsamic Dressing: The star of the show—sweet, tart, and slightly acidic, it lifts the whole salad.
Cranberry Sauce: Blended into the dressing, it adds natural sweetness and depth, so keep it handy.
Balsamic Vinegar: Offers acidity with a mellow sweetness, perfect for balancing flavors.
Olive Oil: The dressing's base that brings everything together with richness.
Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning—don’t skip it, as it brightens every ingredient.

📝

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

What I love most about this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Feel free to swap out the nuts for whatever you have on hand, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Nut Swap: I once used toasted walnuts instead of spiced nuts for a softer crunch; it was delicious and less sweet.
Green Variety: Try baby kale for a sturdier texture if you plan to pack this for lunch.
Protein Boost: Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a satisfying main dish.
Dressing Twist: Swap cranberry balsamic with a lemon-honey vinaigrette for a lighter, zingier salad.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Greens

Start by peeling and segmenting your oranges carefully to avoid any pith bitterness—I find a sharp paring knife makes this smooth. Slice the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh and green. Don’t forget to remove the pomegranate seeds by gently tapping the back of a half over a bowl to avoid messy juice spills.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Place your mixed baby greens in a large bowl or plates if serving individually. Distribute the orange segments, avocado slices, and pomegranate seeds evenly over the greens to make a pretty, colorful base.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously—it adds that wonderful salty tang. Then, toss on your candied spiced nuts or toasted nuts of choice for crunch and warm spice notes that never fail to impress.

Step 4: Drizzle with Dressing and Toss

Drizzle the cranberry balsamic dressing over the top. I usually toss gently right before serving, so the avocado doesn’t bruise and the nuts stay crunchy. You can also serve the dressing on the side for folks who prefer lighter coatings.

Top Tip

I’ve made this salad dozens of times, and a few insider tips always help! These will save you time and guarantee a perfect salad every time.

Segment Oranges Properly: Take your time peeling and slicing to remove all the white pith; it can make your salad taste bitter otherwise.
Prep Avocado Last: Slice it right before serving to prevent browning.
Dressing First, Toss Later: Drizzle dressing then toss gently just before eating to keep textures fresh.
Use Fresh Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or a good-quality store-bought sauce makes a huge flavor difference.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

Winter Citrus Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra pomegranate seeds on top — they’re so pretty and add that last pop of tartness I love. Sometimes I add a few mint leaves for a refreshing lift.

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham during holiday feasts. For a lighter meal, it pairs beautifully with a warm grain bowl or some crusty bread slathered in herb butter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the ingredients in layers inside a large clear glass bowl to show off all the colors. You can also serve it in individual mason jars for a cute, portable presentation at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers. The salad greens can get soggy quickly with dressing, so it’s best to dress just before eating. Store the prepared but undressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Because of fresh fruits and greens, I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The textures won’t hold up well. However, you can freeze leftover cranberry sauce or dressing components separately for future use.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served fresh and cold, so no reheating. If adding warm sides or proteins, just reheat those separately before serving alongside your fresh salad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To veganize the salad, simply swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it, and make sure your candied nuts don’t contain honey or other animal products.

What type of oranges work best in this salad?

Navel oranges are a great choice because they’re seedless and juicy, but blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges add beautiful color and a slightly different flavor that’s delightful.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The cranberry balsamic dressing can easily be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over your salad.

What if I can’t find candied spiced nuts?

No worries! You can either toast your favorite nuts with a little cinnamon and sugar at home or simply use toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch without the sweet coating.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe always feels like a little gift to myself and anyone I share it with. It’s that perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, sweet, and tangy that lifts your spirits on the coldest days. I’m excited for you to try it, adapt it to your tastes, and hopefully love it as much as I do—cheers to celebrating winter’s best flavors, one colorful forkful at a time!