There’s something truly magical about the crunch and vibrant colors of a salad that screams holiday spirit. The Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens the table and delights your taste buds with its perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Trust me, this salad isn’t just a side—it’s a conversation starter.

A white bowl filled with a fresh green salad made of large leafy greens as the bottom layer, topped with small cubes of pale yellow and light red apple pieces spread evenly across the salad. Scattered on top are brown roasted almonds and dark red dried cranberries, with small crumbles of blue cheese adding white with blue veins spots. In the background, a white plate with a wedge of blue cheese and two silver spoons can be seen on a white marbled surface along with a small jar of dressing. A white cloth with black stripes is partially visible at the bottom edge. 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 Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still smile thinking about the first time I tossed together this Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe for a Christmas dinner. It’s simple to whip up yet feels luxurious and festive—exactly what you want when juggling holiday preparations. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become my go-to celebratory salad!

Bright, balanced flavors: The tartness of cranberries and sweetness of honey paired with bold blue cheese create a flavor harmony that’s anything but boring.
Crunch factor: Candied almonds add that satisfying snap which makes every bite interesting.
Easy and quick assembly: You’ll have this ready in about 15 minutes, freeing up time for other festive tasks.
Looks gorgeous on the table: With vibrant greens, ruby red cranberries, and creamy cheese, it’s a feast for the eyes as well.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with fresh green lettuce leaves as the base layer, topped with small red and white apple cubes scattered all over. On top of that is a layer of roasted brown almonds and dark red dried cranberries evenly spread. The final layer includes small chunks of blue cheese dotted across, creating a mix of green, red, brown, and creamy white colors with different textures. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby and two silver spoons to the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of the Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe lies in the combination of fresh greens, sweet and tart fruits, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts. Each ingredient brings something special, and finding the freshest versions makes all the difference here.

Flat lay of fresh large Romaine lettuce leaves, a small pile of vibrant baby rocket leaves, a handful of plump dried cranberries, crunchy candied almonds, a wedge of creamy blue cheese, neatly cubed fresh apple pieces, small white ceramic bowls holding smooth Dijon mustard, golden honey, deep red wine vinegar, bright lemon juice, coarse salt and black pepper, and a small white bowl filled with rich olive oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, it holds up well under dressing and adds a fresh crunch without wilting too fast.
Baby rocket (arugula): A peppery punch that contrasts beautifully with sweet and creamy components.
Dried cranberries: They bring in that signature tart sweetness we expect in holiday dishes.
Candied almonds: The caramelized coating adds crunch and a little extra sweetness, a delightful surprise in every forkful.
Blue cheese: If you find the flavor too strong, mild blue varieties or crumbled feta are great switches.
Apple (cubed): Crisp apple cubes add juicy freshness and a subtle sweet note that lifts the whole salad.
Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang and depth to the dressing, balancing the sweetness.
Honey: Sweetener that makes the dressing smooth and luscious.
Red wine vinegar & lemon juice: Tangy acids that brighten the dressing and keep everything lively on your palate.
Olive oil: The rich base that emulsifies the dressing and adds a fruity background.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to pull all the flavors together.

📝

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

While I adore the classic combo in this Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe, I also enjoy tweaking it depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. You’ll find that it’s pretty forgiving and easy to personalize.

Variation: One year I swapped the blue cheese for goat cheese to make it a bit creamier and less pungent—loved how it mellowed out the salad for guests who aren’t huge blue cheese fans.
Nut-free version: If you or guests need to skip nuts, toasted pumpkin seeds work beautifully instead and add a subtle nuttiness without allergy concerns.
Seasonal twist: I’ve added pomegranate seeds in place of cranberries during peak season for an even juicier pop of color and flavor.
Vegan option: Use a dairy-free blue cheese alternative or omit cheese entirely, then toss in extra nuts or avocados for creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up That Dressing

I start by mixing the more “intense” dressing flavors first. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a sift of salt and pepper. This base tastes a little sharp on its own, but once you slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously, the dressing becomes smooth, tangy, and beautifully emulsified. This step’s key because a well-emulsified dressing coats the salad nicely without having oil pool at the bottom.

Step 2: Prep Your Greens and Mix-ins

Lay out the Romaine leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to eat. Then add your baby rocket for that peppery kick. Cube the apple just before assembling so it stays crisp and doesn’t brown. I usually reserve some candied almonds and cranberries to sprinkle on top for a pretty finish.

Step 3: Toss & Finish

Combine the lettuce, rocket, apple cubes, most of the cranberries and almonds, and half of your dressing in a large salad bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly so everything’s coated—not drenched! Then top the salad with the reserved almonds, cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese to keep those textures distinct and visually appealing. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top for added flavor. If you want, give it one more light toss before serving.

Top Tip

From my holiday salad experiments, I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference when putting together this Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe—little details that help keep textures fresh and flavors balanced.

Emulsify the Dressing Properly: Don’t just dump olive oil in; whisk it slowly — this keeps the dressing creamy and well-blended so it clings to every leaf.
Keep Fresh Ingredients Last-Minute: Add apples and candied almonds just before serving to avoid sogginess or loss of crunch.
Blue Cheese Pinches Matter: Crumble blue cheese on top rather than mixing all in; this way, you get bursts of flavor instead of it overwhelming the whole salad.
Reserve Some Ingredients: Holding back some cranberries and nuts for garnishing makes the salad visually festive and more inviting.

How to Serve Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

cranberry and blue cheese salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of sprinkling a few whole candied almonds and dried cranberries on top for color and crunch. Sometimes, I add a few fresh thyme leaves or rosemary sprigs around the plate — they add aroma and a rustic holiday vibe without overpowering the salad’s flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a festive companion during holiday dinners. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside buttered dinner rolls or a warm quiche to balance richness with fresh, fruity brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I like to serve this salad in individual glass bowls or jars, layering the greens and toppings for a pretty visual effect. Another fun idea is using large endive leaves as little “boats” and spooning portions onto each—it’s a great starter or appetizer presentation that feels a little fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover salad ingredients separate if I plan to save some for later. Mixed together and dressed, the greens wilt quickly. I store the salad components in airtight containers in the fridge, then toss them freshly when needed.

Freezing

This Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing it. The delicate greens and cheese texture wouldn’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If leftovers are dressed, I find it best to eat them cold or at room temperature for the crispest textures and freshest flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the dressing and chop the ingredients a few hours before serving, but I recommend assembling the salad and dressing it just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for blue cheese in this salad?

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, creamy goat cheese or feta can work really well as milder alternatives, providing that creamy texture without the strong pungency.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and firm, so if you want to use them, it’s best to lightly cook or macerate them with a bit of sugar beforehand to mellow out the sharpness and soften their texture.

How do I keep candied almonds crunchy in the salad?

Add candied almonds just before serving and avoid tossing the salad too vigorously to keep their crunchy texture intact.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Cranberry and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe holds a special place on my holiday menu because it’s both approachable and impressive. It’s like that friend who shows up dressed for the occasion but still makes you feel right at home. I encourage you to give it a go—once you do, I bet it’ll become your festive salad staple, too. Enjoy the crunch, the tang, and the sweet little bursts of holiday cheer in every bite!