Irresistible Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese in 10 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese in 10 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese; 2 tbsp chopped walnuts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 tsp honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Author: lia

Published: November 3, 2025

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Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat! This mixed greens with cranberries and goat cheese salad has been my go-to lunch for years – ever since I first threw it together during a crazy busy workweek and realized I’d accidentally created magic. The sweet-tart pop of cranberries against that creamy goat cheese? Absolute perfection. And those crunchy walnuts? Don’t even get me started!

What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is – we’re talking 10 minutes from fridge to table – yet it feels fancy enough for dinner parties. My friends always ask for the recipe, and now I’m sharing all my little secrets with you. Trust me, once you taste that perfect balance of flavors and textures, you’ll be making this salad on repeat just like I do!

Mixed greens with cranberries and goat cheese - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese Salad

This isn’t just another salad – it’s a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance! Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

Perfect balance: Sweet cranberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts create the most addictive contrast in every bite
Effortless elegance: Looks fancy enough for guests but comes together faster than you can say “takeout”
Endlessly adaptable: Swap nuts, add protein, or change up the dressing – it’s foolproof no matter how you tweak it

Ingredients for Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this showstopper salad – and yes, every single ingredient matters! I’ve learned through trial and error that quality makes all the difference here.

4 cups mixed greens (I like spring mix, but any pre-washed blend works – just give them a good spin if they’re wet!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (not packed – you want them loose for even distribution)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (buy the log and crumble it yourself for best texture)
2 tbsp chopped walnuts (toasted takes it to another level – trust me!)
2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff – this is your dressing base)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (aged is my secret weapon for depth of flavor)
1/2 tsp honey (just a kiss of sweetness to balance the tang)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip – it makes all the flavors pop!)

How to Make Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese

Okay, let me walk you through my foolproof method – I’ve made this salad so many times I could do it blindfolded, but I promise to keep my eyes open for safety!

Prep those greens: Give your mixed greens a good rinse (unless they’re pre-washed) and spin them dry like your life depends on it. Wet greens = sad, soggy salad. This takes about 2 minutes in a salad spinner.
Build your base: In a big bowl (I mean BIG – you need tossing room), combine the greens, cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. Go easy on the mixing here – we’ll toss properly in a sec.
Whisk that dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for about 1 minute until it’s beautifully emulsified. Taste it! Need more tang? Add vinegar. Too sharp? More honey.
The magic toss: Drizzle dressing over your salad and use tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together. Think of it as giving your ingredients a loving hug – not a wrestling match!
Serve immediately: This salad waits for no one! Plate it up right away while the greens are still crisp and the cheese hasn’t melted into oblivion.

Mixed greens with cranberries and goat cheese - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Salad

Here are my hard-earned secrets for salad perfection:

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal
Nut swaps: Pecans or almonds work great if you’re out of walnuts
Vinegar variations: No balsamic? Apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute
Cheese alert: For stronger flavor, try blue cheese instead of goat cheese

Serving Suggestions for Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese

This salad shines brightest when served fresh alongside warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last crumb of goat cheese. For heartier meals, I love pairing it with a bowl of tomato basil soup – the flavors complement each other perfectly. The recipe makes two generous lunch portions or four smaller side servings if you’re being polite (but honestly, who wants to share?).

Storage and Reheating

Let’s be real – this salad is best eaten fresh! If you must store leftovers (why would you have any?), keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving. The greens will stay crisp for about a day this way. And reheating? Don’t even think about it – nobody wants warm, wilted greens!

Nutritional Information for Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating – remember these are estimates since ingredients vary by brand (my organic goat cheese might differ from yours!). Per serving: 280 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated), 6g protein, and 25g carbs with 4g fiber. Not too shabby for something this delicious!

FAQs About Mixed Greens with Cranberries and Goat Cheese

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t! Fresh cranberries are way too tart and firm for this salad. The dried ones give that perfect sweet-tart pop we love. If you’re desperate, try soaking fresh cranberries in simple syrup overnight – but trust me, dried is easier!

What’s the best goat cheese substitute?
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta makes a great tangy alternative. For milder flavor, try ricotta salata or even cubed mozzarella. My aunt swears by blue cheese when she wants something bolder – just use half the amount!

How can I make this salad vegan?
Easy peasy! Swap the goat cheese for avocado (creamy texture!) or vegan feta. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. And double-check those cranberries – some brands use honey as a sweetener. Now you’ve got a plant-based version that’s just as delicious!

Share Your Creation

Made this salad? I’d love to see it! Tag me @YourKitchenBestie or leave a rating – your feedback makes my day! You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.