There’s something about the bright, zesty flavors of a good winter salad that just lifts the whole meal. This Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is like a burst of sunshine on a chilly day — fresh oranges, creamy avocado, and a tangy cranberry dressing that keeps you coming back for more.

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 first tried this winter citrus salad last holiday season and was hooked instantly. It perfectly balances sweetness, tartness, creaminess, and crunch — making it far from your typical greens. It’s just the kind of dish that can brighten a holiday table or jazz up an everyday meal.

Burst of Freshness: The combination of citrus segments and avocado brings a refreshing, creamy contrast that melts in your mouth.
Crunchy & Sweet Textures: Candied spiced nuts add a playful crunch with just enough sweetness to complement the tangy dressing.
Easy to Assemble: With minimal prep and no complicated steps, you can have this salad ready in under 15 minutes.
Versatile & Vibrant: It works as a festive holiday side or a light lunch, and it looks gorgeous on any plate.

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

The ingredients in this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe complement each other like old friends. The juicy citrus contrasts savory feta, while the sweet-tart dressing ties everything together—plus, the salad has a beautiful mix of colors and textures.

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 navel or blood oranges if you can find them for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness that balances the citrus acidity.
Pomegranate seeds: They give little bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely jewel-like appearance.
Mixed baby greens: Choose tender greens like baby spinach or arugula for freshness without bitterness.
Feta cheese: Salty and crumbly, feta brings a savory depth that contrasts the fruit.
Candied spiced nuts: Adds crunch and a hint of warm spice; pecans or walnuts work beautifully.
Cranberry balsamic dressing: The star dressing combining the tartness of cranberry and sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Cranberry sauce: Boosts the fruitiness and ties into the dressing nicely.
Balsamic vinegar & olive oil: Provide the classic vinaigrette base with smooth richness.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste — they bring everything together without overpowering the fresh flavors.

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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 things I love about this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have and your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the nuts or swap the greens for kale if you want something heartier.

Variation: I’ve tried adding roasted beets for an earthy sweetness, and it was a delightful twist that pairs well with the tart dressing.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free option, skip the feta or use a tangy vegan cheese alternative—it still tastes fantastic!
Seasonal Change: In the fall, I swap oranges for grapefruit or add pear slices for a slightly different flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

I always start by peeling the oranges carefully, making sure to remove all the bitter white pith so you get only sweet juicy segments. Slice the avocado gently — you want those beautiful creamy slices intact, not mushy. Don’t forget to remove the pomegranate seeds over a bowl to catch any juice; I find doing this first keeps my workspace neat.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Next, arrange your mixed baby greens in a large bowl or divide among individual plates if you’re serving company. Scatter the orange segments, avocado slices, and pomegranate seeds on top. Then, crumble the feta evenly over everything — I love how it adds those salty pops in every bite.

Step 3: Add Nuts and Dress It Up

Sprinkle the candied spiced nuts evenly for crunch and spice. Drizzle your cranberry balsamic dressing generously over the salad. I like to toss gently to coat everything just right without bruising the delicate fruit.

Top Tip

Through many salads like this, here’s what I’ve learned to make this Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe truly shine:

Perfect Orange Segments: Removing the pith completely avoids bitterness, so take your time peeling those oranges.
Use Ripe Avocados: Slightly soft but not mushy makes all the difference for creamy texture.
Balance Dressings: Cranberry balsamic dressing can be strong, so start with less and adjust to taste.
Fresh Nuts: Toast or candy your nuts just before assembling to keep the crunch fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe

winter citrus salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing off this salad with a few extra pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Sometimes I add a few mint leaves for a pop of freshness — it pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberry flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey — perfect for holiday dinners. I also enjoy it alongside a warm grain dish like quinoa or wild rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like serving the salad in individual glass jars layered with the greens and toppings. It looks festive and guests love the personal touch. You can also arrange the citrus segments in a pretty circle on top to make the colors pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover salad components separately — keep the greens in one container, citrus and avocado sliced in another, and the nuts and dressing sealed airtight. Once combined, the salad doesn’t keep as well because the citrus juice can make greens soggy.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh citrus and avocado, which change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t recommended. If you have leftovers, just enjoy them cold or at room temperature shortly after assembling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chopped ingredients ahead but it’s best to store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for candied spiced nuts?

If you don’t have candied nuts, toasted pecans or walnuts work great. You can also quickly make your own by toasting nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar in a pan.

Is the cranberry dressing sweet or tart?

The cranberry balsamic dressing strikes a balance between sweet and tart, thanks to the cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar. You can always adjust the proportions to suit your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese or tofu. Make sure your candied nuts don’t contain honey or other animal products to keep it vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Citrus Salad with Cranberry Dressing Recipe always reminds me that even the simplest meals can feel special when fresh, seasonal ingredients come together beautifully. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Whether you’re serving it at a festive dinner or as a weekday treat, it’s sure to brighten your table and your day.