This Cranberry-Orange Harvest Salad combines mixed greens with dried fruits, nuts, gorgonzola cheese, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for fall!
One of my favorite things about making food is the moment inspiration strikes. Whether it’s something you see online or in a magazine or while flipping through an old cookbook… there’s always something exciting about getting excited to cook!
And every now and then, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. Which is exactly what happened with this Cranberry Orange Harvest Salad, which was inspired by trail mix!
As I sat there enjoying a handful of it, I couldn’t help but think of how delicious it would be on a salad! And so this salad was born… complete with gorgonzola cheese, homemade orange vinaigrette, and the fruit & nut mixture that inspired it.
what you’ll love about this recipe
We love this salad because it’s SO easy to make and seriously satisfying! The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and gorgonzola cheese is hearty without being heavy. This salad is delicious all on its own, and also a perfect base for any of your favorite proteins.
what you’ll need for this recipe
Mixed greens – I used spring mix as the base of this recipe because it’s nice and light and there’s usually some good variety to it. You can feel free to substitute spinach, romaine, or any type of lettuce you prefer.
Dried fruit & nut mix – I used a dried fruit and nut mix for rather than buying individual varieties of dried fruit and nuts. You can feel free to use any combination you’d like, including pecans, cashews, almonds, pistachios, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried apricots and more.
Gorgonzola cheese – Gorgonzola cheese adds big flavor to this salad and balances out the sweetness of the dried fruit. You can also substitute blue, feta, goat, or Parmesan cheese.
Green onions – Sliced green onions add yet another layer of flavor to this delicious combo. Feel free to substitute red onion if you prefer.
Orange vinaigrette – I made a simple orange vinaigrette using olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, orange juice, dried basil, dried ginger, and pepper. You can also substitute balsamic vinaigrette, apple cider vinaigrette, or any of your favorite store bought dressings.
how to make cranberry-orange harvest salad
Layer the ingredients. Assemble the salad by layering the mixed greens, dried fruit and nuts, gorgonzola, and green onions.
Make the dressing. Prepare dressing by combining all ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shaking vigorously until well-mixed.
Combine the salad and dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad as desired.
Recipe Variations
- Use any of your favorite types of lettuce
- Add sliced apples or sliced pears
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon
- Substitute feta or goat cheese for gorgonzola
- Add additional veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts
- Top it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal
Cranberry-Orange Harvest Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup Fruit & Nut Trail Mix
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 2 green onions chopped
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
- juice of 1/2 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare salad by layering mixed greens, trail mix, gorgonzola, and green onions.
- Prepare vinaigrette by adding all ingredients to a small mason jar and shaking vigorously.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over salad as desired.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Use any of your favorite types of lettuce
- Add sliced apples or sliced pears
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon
- Substitute feta or goat cheese for gorgonzola
- Add additional veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts
- Top it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This salad looks absolutely gorgeous, Cathy! I love the cranberry and orange combo. This is definitely my kind of dish for the fall!
Maris (In Good Taste) says
Sounds like a lovely fall dinner!
Maryanne @ the little epicurean says
Delicious looking salad! I’m SO ready for autumn weather. It’s still in the high 80s-90s here in Los Angeles in the middle of September. I can’t wait to wear sweaters! 🙂
Jenny B | Honey and Birch says
I think this would be so delicious for a fall dinner party or Thanksgiving dinner!
Kristyn says
What a beautiful meal idea! Can’t wait to try!
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner says
This salad is perfect Cathy! Love the cran-orange flavors!
Jess says
You know I love your salads! I can’t wait to try this one! I think a lot of people are ready for cooler temperatures! You’re not alone!
Katerina @ Diethood says
Oh how beautiful!! I love the light, I love the setting… I just wanna pull up a seat and join you for dinner!
Maris (In Good Taste) says
Beautiful salad! And delicious meal!
Maria says
This looks just like a salad I had once and have dreamed about ever since. Can’t wait to make it and see if it is the one I’ve been trying to recreate!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I love everything about this salad, Cathy! We don’t really get to enjoy “fall” here in Phoenix, but this salad will more than make up for it!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
I am ready for all things fall as well!! But just moving to IN and hearing about all of the snow that I need to prepare for, I want the warm weather to last just a little bit longer. Even when I am enjoying my PSL!
marcie says
I’m annoyed with the hot weather we’ve been having — it’s been in the 90s and 100s! The cool off is coming today thank goodness, because I’m ready for fall. I love the cranberry orange combination, and this salad is the perfect way to celebrate fall!
Rachael says
This salad! Oh my gosh. And i was laughing because we have the same weather thing. We want the warm, but we don’t want it too long.