Need a fast and flavorful salad that actually satisfies? This Cranberry Avocado Blue Cheese Salad comes together in just 20 minutes and is anything but boring. With creamy avocado, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and bold blue cheese, every bite is a party of textures and tastes. Toss it all with a homemade poppy seed vinaigrette, and you’ve got a fresh salad that works just as well as a light lunch or a standout side dish.
This Cranberry Avocado Walnut Blue Cheese Salad has been a favorite of mine for over a decade. With bold flavors and great texture, it’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy.
The candied walnuts are next-level, made with brown sugar, sea salt, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, and cayenne.
The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup with garlic, mustard powder, and poppy seeds for balance and bite.
Toss it all with greens, dried cranberries, blue cheese, and avocado for a salad that’s anything but boring. Great on its own or as a side to Picanha Steak.
Ingredient Notes
Candied Walnuts
- Brown Sugar: If you like, try coconut sugar for a similar depth of sweetness.
- Sea Salt: Table salt can substitute, but use less as it's finer.
- Ground Cumin: No cumin? A bit of curry powder can be a surprising yet delightful substitute.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just enough to give it a kick. Red chili flakes can also do the trick.
- Olive Oil: Any neutral oil, like avocado or grapeseed, is a good substitute.
- Walnuts: Pecans are a great alternative.
Dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for this recipe.
- White Balsamic Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar could also work, offering a slightly fruitier tang.
- Maple Syrup: Honey is a great substitute if you prefer its floral notes.
- Poppy Seeds: They add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Garlic: Adds depth and punch. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh is best.
- Mustard Powder: A squirt of Dijon mustard is a great alternative if that's what you have on hand.
Salad
- Salad Greens: Feel free to mix and match your favorites or whatever's in season.
- Dried Cranberries: Adds a chewy, tart sweetness. Dried cherries could also be used.
- Blue Cheese: Feta cheese can be a milder substitute if blue cheese isn't your cup of tea.
Tips and Tricks
- Avocado Perfection: Here is my favorite way to pick an avocado. Gently flick off the stem at the top of the avocado. If you spy a color underneath that's a nice, creamy green, you've hit the jackpot—that avocado is ripe and ready for the salad. If it's brown underneath, the avocado might be a bit too ripe and better suited for guacamole. And if you can't remove the stem easily, the avocado needs a bit more time to ripen.
- Cheese, Please: Blue cheese can be quite polarizing, I know. If you’re not a fan or you have picky eaters at home, swapping it out for feta or goat cheese still gives that creamy, tangy kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Make It a Meal: While this salad shines as a side, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from being a hearty main dish. Grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even quinoa can turn this salad into a satisfying meal that’ll keep you fueled and happy.
More Salad Recipes to Try
- First up is the Ranch Pasta Salad, a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy ranch dressing with crisp veggies and hearty pasta, making every bite a picnic in your mouth.
- Next on our culinary journey is the Blue Cheese Bacon Steak Salad, a gourmet twist on salad that pairs juicy, grilled steak with the rich tang of blue cheese and crispy bacon — it's a salad that even the staunchest carnivore will love!
- For a taste of the East, the Asian Quinoa Salad is a must-try. This salad brings together fluffy quinoa, vibrant veggies, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing that will make your tastebuds do a happy dance.
- Lastly, don't miss out on the Poppy Seed Chicken Salad. This unique dish marries tender chicken with a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for those warm summer days.
Cranberry Blue Cheese Salad
Need a fast and flavorful salad that actually satisfies? This Cranberry Avocado Blue Cheese Salad comes together in just 20 minutes and is anything but boring. With creamy avocado, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and bold blue cheese, every bite is a party of textures and tastes. Toss it all with a homemade poppy seed vinaigrette, and you’ve got a fresh salad that works just as well as a light lunch or a standout side dish.
Servings: 8
Calories: 347kcal
Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Salad
- 12 ounces salad greens
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup blue cheese
- 2 avocados peeled and diced
Instructions
Walnuts
- Combine brown sugar, sea salt, cumin, cardamom, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet. Add walnuts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and spices and cook until the sugar melts, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Dressing
- Combine white vinegar, maple syrup, poppy seeds, garlic, mustard powder and sea salt in a jar or blender. Shake vigorously or blend until combined. Add olive oil or chia gel and mix until well combined.
Salad
- To make salad, Toss together fgreens, cranberries and cheese in a large bowl. Add avocado and gently toss with desired amount of dressing. Top with walnuts and serve with additional dressing if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 604IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
Nilufer says
Hi,
I was searching your site for your Cranberry Avocado, Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange poppy seed dressing and came across this instead. I have made the other one on numerous occasions and it was always appreciated by my guests. Will certainly try this and let you know how it turned out.
Nilufer De Mel says
Made this for a special dinner and it was a huge hit. Didn't have to change anything.... Beautiful and unusual flavours. Brilliant...
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it! I know it is a bit more work than your average salad, but it is still one of my favorites!