Bright, fresh, and packed with texture, this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is exactly the kind of salad I crave when the days turn crisp. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy that makes winter feel a little warmer and more festive.

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

I still remember the first time I made this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe for a holiday brunch—it was such a hit that it instantly became a staple in my winter meal rotation. What makes it so special is how effortlessly the bright citrus cuts through the richness of the avocado and feta, while the cranberry dressing adds a festive punch that's both sweet and tangy.

Seasonal freshness: Using winter citrus like oranges gives the salad a vibrant zing that feels like a burst of sunshine in the cold months.
Flavor balance: The combo of salty feta, sweet candied nuts, and tart cranberry dressing keeps every bite interesting and well-rounded.
Easy preparation: This salad comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an excellent go-to when you want something fresh but fuss-free.
Impressively versatile: Whether for a simple family dinner or a festive holiday table, it fits right in without any stress.

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 Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe shines because every ingredient plays a role in flavor harmony and texture contrast. Here’s a quick scoop on the key components before you shop:

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: Fresh segments add juicy sweetness and bright acidity, vital for cutting through richer elements like feta and avocado.
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, it softens the sharp citrus and lends a luscious mouthfeel.
Pomegranate seeds: These little jewels bring tart pops and a lovely jewel-like garnish that’s visually stunning.
Mixed baby greens: Tender greens provide the salad’s base and keep everything light and healthy.
Feta cheese: Its salty tang creates depth and elevates the salad’s overall flavor.
Candied spiced nuts: Crunchy with a hint of warm spice, these nuts add a festive touch and satisfying texture.
Cranberry balsamic dressing: The star dressing here, perfectly balanced with sweet-tart cranberries and rich balsamic vinegar.
Olive oil: For smoothness and to bring all the dressing flavors together beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to make each component shine.

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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

One of the best parts of this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Personally, I love swapping out nuts depending on what I have on hand and sometimes adding fresh herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing twist. You’ll find you can really make it your own!

Variation: I’ve tried using walnuts in place of candied pecans, which delivers a lovely rustic crunch with less sweetness. If you prefer a vegan option, simply use a plant-based cheese or omit the feta, and the salad still shines wonderfully.

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

Step 1: Prep those vibrant fruits

Start by peeling the oranges and segmenting them carefully to avoid the bitter pith—that takes a tiny bit of patience but totally worth it for a clean, fresh taste. Next, slice the avocado just before assembly to keep it from browning, and gently remove those pomegranate seeds—watch out for the juice since it can stain!

Step 2: Build the salad base

Place your mixed baby greens in a large bowl or divide them between serving plates. This lets you evenly distribute all the toppings later without the salad looking too crowded or soggy.

Step 3: Layer your toppings thoughtfully

Arrange the orange segments, avocado slices, and pomegranate seeds on top. Then sprinkle the feta cheese and candied nuts over everything. This layering keeps textures and flavors pleasant in every bite.

Step 4: Drizzle and toss gently

Drizzle the cranberry balsamic dressing over the salad last. I usually toss gently right before serving, so the greens stay crisp and the dressing distributes just enough to bring all the flavors together. Taste as you go and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Top Tip

Having made this salad multiple times, a few simple tips have made all the difference between a good bowl and a truly memorable one.

Perfect orange segments: Use a sharp paring knife and cut away the membrane carefully to keep your citrus bright and juicy without bitterness.
Fresh cranberry dressing: If you have the time, blend cranberry sauce with balsamic, olive oil, salt, and pepper yourself—it makes a fresher, livelier dressing than store-bought versions.
Nut crunch: Toast your nuts lightly if you can’t find candied ones; then toss with a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar for that cozy spice note.
Avo prep: Slice avocado shortly before serving to avoid browning; if prepping early, toss slices with a little lemon juice.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

winter citrus salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra pomegranate seeds on top right before serving—they add such a jewel-like sparkle. Sometimes I toss in a few fresh thyme or rosemary leaves to tie into the wintery theme. Cracked black pepper just before plating adds a final little kick.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a wholesome meal, but it’s also great alongside warm crusty bread or quinoa for a vegetarian-friendly dinner that feels complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like arranging the salad on a large platter, layering the ingredients with some fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive touch. Serving it in individual glass bowls lets everyone enjoy the colors through the sides, which always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by chance there’s any leftover salad, I store the greens separately from the avocado and dressing in airtight containers. Mixing just before eating helps keep everything fresh and crisp. The salad is best eaten within 24 hours.

Freezing

Since this salad has fresh greens and delicate fruit, I don’t recommend freezing it. The textures don’t hold up well to thawing, especially the avocado and dressing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. Just give it a gentle toss and maybe add a splash of fresh dressing to revive flavors if it’s been stored for a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other citrus fruits in this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! While oranges bring a classic sweetness, grapefruit or blood oranges work wonderfully too, offering varied tartness and color. Just peel and segment carefully to avoid the bitter pith.

How do I make the cranberry dressing from scratch?

To make the cranberry dressing, blend cranberry sauce with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tang by adding a little honey or more vinegar, according to your taste.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, choose nuts without honey if you want to keep the candied nuts vegan or make spiced roasted nuts yourself without sweeteners.

How long does the salad keep after assembling?

For best texture and freshness, eat the salad within 24 hours of assembly. Store components separately if you want to prepare ahead, especially the avocado and dressing, to prevent sogginess and browning.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe really feels like a joyful, bright spot on chilly days for me. It’s simple but elegant, easy but impressive, and always gets compliments when I share it with friends. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—give it a try and let those fresh winter flavors brighten your table!