Baby Greens Salad With Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Impress your guests with this elegant Baby Greens Salad, perfect for holiday brunches or dinner parties! This recipe features a vibrant cranberry balsamic vinaigrette and a delightful mix of textures – crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese (or mild blue cheese!). Inspired by Mary Ann Vitale, owner of La Taverna Restaurant in La Jolla, CA, this salad is easy to make yet tastes incredibly gourmet. Get ready to elevate your next gathering!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 21 mins
Calories 595.4 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 4.7 (3 Reviews)
Baby Greens Salad With Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette 22

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baby Greens Salad With Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 shallot, finely minced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • Baby Greens
  • 4 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese (or mild blue cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries

How to Make Baby Greens Salad With Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup cranberry sauce, and 1 finely minced shallot.
  2. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Spread 1/2 cup walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  5. In a large bowl, gently toss 5 cups baby greens with enough cranberry balsamic vinaigrette to coat.
  6. Arrange the salad on plates.
  7. Top each salad with 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese (or mild blue cheese), 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

76g

Fat

66g

Carbs

7g