This Cranberry Blueberry Salad brings fresh summer flavor to the table with crisp greens, juicy fruit, and a bold homemade dressing. Sweet blueberries, tangy cranberries, and crunchy cucumber balance perfectly with a smooth blueberry balsamic dressing that tastes bright and clean. This salad works as a light lunch or a healthy side dish for grilled meals, picnics, or weeknight dinners. It comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and feels special without extra effort. If you enjoy colorful salads that deliver texture and flavor in every bite, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Story

I first made this Cranberry Blueberry Salad on a hot afternoon when I wanted something refreshing but still filling. I had fresh berries on hand and a bag of spring mix salad, so I leaned into fruit-forward flavors and built the salad from there. The blueberries pull double duty by going into the salad and the dressing, which keeps the flavors connected. Every time I serve this Cranberry Blueberry Salad, people ask about the dressing because it tastes bright, smooth, and lightly sweet. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, which makes this salad easy to work into real-life meals.

Ingredients

This fruit and vegetable salad uses fresh produce and pantry staples for balanced flavor and texture.

1 heaping cup fresh blueberries
1 (4–5 oz) bag spring mix salad greens
½ English cucumber, chopped
½ cup mandarin orange segments
¼ cup dried cranberries
2–4 tablespoons roasted unsalted sunflower seeds

Blueberry Balsamic Dressing

1 cup blueberries
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup avocado oil or olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps keep the salad crisp and the dressing smooth every time.

Preparing the Ingredients

Rinse and dry the spring mix thoroughly so the leaves stay crisp and hold the dressing well. Chop the English cucumber into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Measure the blueberries, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds so everything stays ready for quick assembly.

Cooking Instructions

Add all dressing ingredients except the oil to a blender or food processor, then blend until the blueberries break down completely. Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending to create a smooth, creamy dressing. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, cucumber, and fresh blueberries, then toss lightly with a drizzle of dressing. Finish the salad with mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Small adjustments make this salad taste fresh and balanced every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overdressing the salad because the greens wilt quickly when they hold too much liquid. Do not skip drying the greens since excess water thins the dressing and dulls the flavor. Also, avoid blending the oil too quickly into the dressing because slow blending creates a better texture.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use ripe blueberries because they bring natural sweetness to the dressing without extra honey. Chill the dressing for ten minutes before serving if you want a thicker texture. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to complement the cucumber orange salad flavors.

Serving and Storage

This salad works well for casual meals or special gatherings.

How to Serve

Serve this Cranberry Blueberry Salad immediately after tossing for the best texture. It pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or simple pasta dishes. You can also serve it as a stand-alone lunch with crusty bread on the side.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover salad components separately to keep everything fresh. Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store the greens and toppings without dressing and assemble just before serving.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Blueberry Salad proves that simple ingredients can still deliver bold flavor. The fresh fruit, crisp greens, and smooth blueberry balsamic dressing create a salad that feels light yet satisfying. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite for warm-weather meals and easy entertaining.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients except the dressing and mandarin oranges in advance. Store everything separately and toss just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

Can I use frozen blueberries for the dressing?

You can use frozen blueberries for the dressing if you thaw them first. Fresh blueberries work best for the salad itself because they hold their shape and texture.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

This salad works for short-term meal prep when stored correctly. Keep the dressing separate and assemble portions as needed to maintain freshness.