I’m a sucker for a good Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad. I love the juicy morsels drenched in dressing and the satisfying crunch of fresh lettuce topped with the candied pecans. As someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, salads are a fun playground for creativity. With so many flavorful combinations, there’s truly no wrong way to make a salad. This salad is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own or to complement a delicious main course. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful salad!
Step 1: Start with the Base
Begin with a fresh bag of spring mix. This mix provides a variety of textures and flavors, making it the perfect foundation for your Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad. You can find spring mix at most grocery stores, and it’s a great way to start your salad with a blend of tender greens.
Step 2: Add Some Sweetness with Dried Cranberries
Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. There’s no right or wrong proportion here, feel free to add as much or as little as you like. Cooking is about experimenting, and as you grow more comfortable with taste combinations, you’ll find yourself adding or subtracting ingredients to suit your taste.
Step 3: Toss in Some Grapes
Next, cut a bunch of grapes lengthwise and toss them into the mix. Why cut them lengthwise instead of horizontally? Honestly, I don’t think it makes much difference. But as a parent, I tend to be extra cautious, I’ve already performed the Heimlich on two of my kids, once for a hotdog and another time for string cheese! So, cut your grapes however you like. The important thing is to enjoy the added sweetness and juiciness they bring to the salad.
Step 4: Add the Irresistible Candied Pecans
Now for the candied pecans, the main star in this Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad! Candied pecans are absolutely irresistible, whether mixed in a salad or enjoyed straight out of the bag. If you have little ones or a spouse with a sweet tooth, you might want to hide these! Pour out half a bag and break them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re struggling to find candied pecans, I usually get mine at Trader Joe’s, but they’re also available online if you don’t have one nearby.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Blue Cheese
Now, it’s time for blue cheese crumbles. I usually use about 2-3 ounces, or half the container. The creamy, tangy flavor of blue cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the dried cranberries and grapes. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to substitute it with feta or goat cheese for a milder taste. This combination really makes the Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad stand out.
Step 6: Drizzle with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Finish off your Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad with a generous drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. I like to sprinkle it on just before tossing everything together. My go-to dressing is Trader Joe’s balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a fantastic balance of tangy and sweet, making it a great choice for this salad. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, start a petition to bring one to town! But any good-quality balsamic vinaigrette will do the trick.
Serve and Enjoy!
And there she is! What a beauty! This Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad pairs wonderfully with a grilled steak, a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup, or even alongside a cranberry orange bread. The combination of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy elements makes each bite an absolute delight.
What will you try it with? Whether you serve it as a side or as the main attraction, this Cranberry Blue Cheese and Candied Pecan Salad is sure to impress you or any guest!
