What Dressing Goes with Cranberry Walnut Salad? (11 Options)

Looking for the perfect dressing to top your cranberry walnut salad?

Look no further!

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best dressings to pair with this festive, holiday salad.

From balsamic vinaigrette to honey mustard, there’s a dressing for everyone on this list.

And if you’re looking for something a little different, I’ve also included a few unique dressings that are sure to please.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these dressings a try.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Why Consider Using A Dressing with Cranberry Walnut Salad?

Cranberry walnut salad is a classic side dish that can be used to accompany many different main courses.

Adding a dressing to the salad provides a means to enhance the flavors and make it more interesting.

There are many different dressings that can be used with cranberry walnut salad, and the cook should choose one that best suits the ingredients and flavor profile of the salad.

One reason to consider using a dressing with cranberry walnut salad is that it can add moisture and flavor to the dish.

Dressings also provide a way to add variety to the flavors of the salad, which can keep guests happy while they eat.

What Dressing Goes with Cranberry Walnut Salad?

A cranberry walnut salad is a wonderfully festive and healthy dish.

But what dressing should you pair with it?

The most common dressings for cranberry walnut salad are vinaigrettes, which are acidic and pair well with the sweetness of the cranberries. Other popular options include creamy dressings, like ranch or thousand island, which balance out the tartness of the cranberries.

I’ve got a few other ideas:

1. Balsamic Vinegar

Everybody knows that balsamic vinegar dressing goes well with cranberry walnut salad.

But what they may not know is that there are many other ingredients that can be added to make this dish even more delicious and memorable.

For example, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese.

These will add a nice creamy texture and a bit of salty flavor to balance out the sweetness of the cranberries.

You could also add some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for a bit of crunch.

And of course, don’t forget the greens! A few handfuls of spinach or arugula will give the salad a bit of bite and make it more filling.

As for making the salad itself, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

• First, make sure the cranberries are nicely diced so that they’re not too chunky or too mushy.
• Second, don’t be afraid to let the salad sit for a bit before dressing it, as the flavors will meld together and become even more delicious.
• And finally, when it comes to the dressing, go easy on it!

A little bit of balsamic vinegar goes a long way, so you don’t want to overwhelm the salad with too much dressing.

Just a light drizzle should be enough.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create a cranberry walnut salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

2. Mayonnaise

A simple cranberry walnut salad is a great way to show off the fall flavors.

The sweetness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the savory walnuts, and the mayonnaise dressing ties it all together.

You can also add other ingredients to the salad to give it more depth of flavor, such as chopped celery, diced apples, or crumbled blue cheese.

To really make the salad stand out, try using a homemade mayonnaise dressing.

3. Honey Mustard Dressing

If you like something a little sweet and tart, then you’ll love cranberry walnut salad with honey mustard dressing.

The dressing itself is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: honey, mustard, vinegar, and oil.

You can also add in some diced onion or garlic for extra flavor.

As for the salad, you can use any type or mix of greens you like.

I personally prefer something like arugula or baby spinach.

You can also add in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or crumbled cheese.

The key is to balance the flavors so that the dressing isn’t too overpowering.

And, of course, make sure to season to taste!

4. Ranch Dressing

If you’re looking for a dressing that goes well with cranberry walnut salad, you should definitely try ranch dressing.

The ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the cranberry walnut salad, and it also helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

You can also add a variety of other ingredients to the salad, such as crumbled bacon, diced avocado, or shredded cheese.

These ingredients all pair well with the ranch dressing and help to make the salad even more delicious.

5. Italian Dressing

Italians just know how to make anything taste good.

And their dressing is no exception.

Just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and spices can turn a boring salad into a flavor explosion.

And when it comes to flavor, cranberry walnut salad is in a league of its own.

The sweet and tart cranberries, nutty walnuts, and zesty dressing are a perfect combination.

And if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your salad, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or sliced almonds.

Both of these ingredients pair perfectly with the dressing and will take your salad to the next level.

6. Caesar Dressing

Not just for caesar salad anymore, this dressing can make any dish extraordinary.

The key to its success is in its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients that work together in perfect harmony.

Add a little bit of this dressing to your next cranberry walnut salad and you’ll see what we mean.

Other ingredients that pair well with caesar dressing include croutons, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and anchovies.

You can also add a bit of garlic or onion for extra flavor.

If you really want to make your salad stand out, try roasting the cranberries first.

This will give them a sweetness and depth of flavor that complement the dressing perfectly.

7. Blue Cheese Dressing

If you’re feeling bold and want to try a unique flavor combination, then cranberry walnut salad with blue cheese dressing is the perfect option for you.

The sweetness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the savory blue cheese, while the walnuts add a lovely crunch.

You can also add other ingredients to the salad to make it even more delicious, such as crumbled bacon, diced apple, or shredded chicken.

To really make the salad stand out, try using a quality blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort.

8. Honey

Simple honey can add a delicious and sweet touch to cranberry walnut salad.

Try pairing it with other complementary flavors like orange juice, lemon, or thyme.

You can also add other ingredients to the salad to make it more filling or satisfying, like chopped chicken or bacon.

To make the salad more visually appealing, try adding some shredded carrots or chopped celery.

Whatever ingredients you choose, be sure to drizzle the salad with the honey dressing just before serving.

9. Lemon Juice

Nothing special here, just lemon juice can also go well with cranberry walnut salad.

You can also add some other ingredients to make it more interesting, such as balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, or honey.

If you want to make the dressing stand out, you can use a flavored lemon juice, such as Meyer lemon juice.

10. Oil and Vinegar

These two simple ingredients can take your salad from bland to delightful with just a few drops.

The sweet and tart flavors of cranberries are perfectly balanced by the earthy walnuts, making for a dressing that is sure to please.

Add a few other simple ingredients to your salad and you’ve got a dish that is fit for a holiday feast.

Try adding some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese, along with a few sliced pears or apples.

The result is a salad that is both flavorful and elegant.

11. Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing

This dressing packs a punch with its zesty Parmesan and peppercorn flavors.

Other ingredients that pair well with this dressing include chicken, bacon, and croutons.

To make this salad stand out, top it with some chopped fresh parsley or chives.

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