Best 3 Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dressings can rival the vibrant and refreshing Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette. This versatile condiment, bursting with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the nutty crunch of almonds, elevates any salad to a gourmet experience. Its tangy flavor profile, a harmonious blend of sweetness and acidity, perfectly complements the crisp texture of leafy greens and the savory richness of grilled meats. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking to elevate your culinary repertoire, this article presents a collection of delectable recipes featuring the Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette. From classic salads to innovative marinades, these recipes showcase the versatility of this exceptional dressing, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

**Recipes featured in the article:**

* **Classic Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette:** This foundational recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating the classic Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette, ensuring a perfectly balanced dressing every time.

* **Cranberry Almond Dressing with Spinach Salad:** This recipe combines the tangy vinaigrette with fresh spinach, crisp bacon, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced almonds for a delightful and nutritious salad.

* **Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad:** This flavorful salad features tender chicken tossed in a creamy Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette, complemented by celery, grapes, and toasted almonds.

* **Cranberry Almond Tofu Salad:** This vegan-friendly salad showcases marinated tofu coated in a zesty Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette, served with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and a vibrant array of vegetables.

* **Grilled Salmon with Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette:** This recipe elevates grilled salmon to new heights with a flavorful marinade and a drizzle of Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette, creating a moist and succulent fish dish.

* **Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette Marinade:** This versatile marinade infuses meats, poultry, or vegetables with the tantalizing flavors of the Cranberry Almond Vinaigrette, resulting in tender and juicy grilled or roasted dishes.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

GREEN SALAD WITH CRANBERRY VINAIGRETTE



Green Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette image

Green salad that is especially pretty to serve during the Christmas holidays.

Provided by Nancy W

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons water
½ red onion, thinly sliced
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1 pound mixed salad greens

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in oven for 5 minutes, or until nuts begin to brown.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the vinegar, oil, cranberries, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Process until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, toss the almonds, onion, blue cheese, and greens with the vinegar mixture until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.5 calories, Carbohydrate 6.2 g, Cholesterol 10.6 mg, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 405.1 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

CRANBERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Cranberry Balsamic Vinaigrette image

The cranberries add that perfect sweet-tart flavor to this dressing. You can substitute dried cherries or raspberries for the cranberries.

Provided by Lisa Weston

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped dried cranberries
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
freshly ground black pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Whisk vinegar, cranberries, sugar, mustard, salt, garlic, and pepper together in a bowl until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Stream oil into the mixture while whisking continually; continue whisking until the oil emulsifies into the vinegar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Carbohydrate 3.7 g, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 217.3 mg, Sugar 3 g

CRANBERRY-ALMOND GREEN SALAD WITH HONEY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE



Cranberry-Almond Green Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette image

Crumble blue cheese over the top of this simple salad for a nice complement to the nuts and fruit.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds
1/4 cup dried red cranberries
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Dash of honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
Coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces blue cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, almonds, and cranberries.
  • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cover tightly and shake well to combine and emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste, and shake again before serving.
  • Pour dressing on salad and toss salad to coat. Crumble blue cheese on top, if using.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe cranberries: Fresh cranberries have a brighter flavor and more nutrients than frozen or dried cranberries. If you can't find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries that have been thawed and drained.
  • Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor and makes them more crunchy. You can toast almonds in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
  • Use a good quality olive oil: The olive oil is the base of the vinaigrette, so it's important to use a good quality oil. Look for an olive oil that is extra virgin and has a fruity flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste: The amount of honey and vinegar in the vinaigrette can be adjusted to your taste. If you like a sweeter vinaigrette, add more honey. If you like a more acidic vinaigrette, add more vinegar.
  • Use the vinaigrette on salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken: This vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's especially good on salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.

Conclusion:

This cranberry almond vinaigrette is a delicious and healthy dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's made with fresh cranberries, toasted almonds, olive oil, honey, and vinegar. The vinaigrette is tangy, sweet, and nutty, with a beautiful red color. It's sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

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