I call this go-to recipe a celebration salad because I always seem to make it for parties. It's delicious but very simple--it calls for spring mix and/or spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, walnuts, and champagne salad dressing. That's it. Five ingredients available at most any grocery store. I always like to have a fresh salad on hand no matter what kind of gathering I'm throwing and usually have these ingredients in my fridge and pantry so this salad is a staple for me.
I'm not even sure when I first made this salad but it was probably four or five years ago (eek!) during grad school. I was surprised to get a flurry of questions about the recipe when we served this a little while back at my cousin's bridal shower! Some people assumed it was already on the blog so I figured I had better make that the case pretty quickly. 🙂 I also served it recently at my birthday/watch party and it was gobbled up with a quickness. For those wondering, I was not hiding this celebration salad recipe from the world. I was hiding the world from this salad recipe.
Cocktails and desserts tend to spark people's interest at parties for obvious reasons but salads...not so much. So, when multiple people inquired about my celebration salad, I knew I had fire on my hands. Not only are the ingredients simple but the process couldn't be easier. You just throw all the ingredients in a bowl, mix, and serve. For the shower, I didn't even make the salad or provide instructions to the person who did. I placed a grocery order for one of the other bridesmaids to pick up and put the salad together. She showed up with it looking perfect. It's one of those no-fail recipes, which is another reason I turn to it again and again. This celebration salad recipe makes enough for a crowd so feel free to half it for fewer servings.
The flavors in my celebration salad are somewhat similar to my addictive massaged kale salad recipe but this one is even easier to make and there's no waiting time or really any measuring involved. I use this champagne salad dressing, which greatly cuts down on prep time, making this a five minute recipe! The dressing is available at most grocery stores and on Amazon and I've linked a bunch of other types of champagne dressings below to give y'all ideas.
This salad is great for any kind of spread--brunch, wine down, dinner, etc.--and pretty much plays by the rules I laid out in this secrets to building better salads post. There's a variety of colors, textures (from crunchy to creamy), and flavors to keep things interesting and everything works together well. Thanks for reading!
Go-To Celebration Salad
Ingredients
- 9 ounces spring mix salad greens
- 9 ounces baby spinach greens
- 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 4 ounces dried cranberries
- 3 ounces walnut pieces
- 6 ounces champagne salad dressing
Instructions
- Combine greens, feta, dried cranberries, and walnuts in a large bowl and mix.
- Add champagne salad dressing over top of ingredients and toss to coat the greens. Chill if not serving immediately.
Notes
Mila Clarke Buckley says
I love all of the textures in this salad! I bet it's a total crowd pleaser!
Jazz says
It really is! A variety of textures is a must for me in any salad.
Marwin Brown says
The Celebration Salad lokks worthy of any occasion. I can see why its a go to!
Immaculate says
This looks so good! I love the addition of nuts and currants, yum!
Jazz says
Thank you--gotta have crunch and a touch of sweetness!
Shanika says
Yum! There's nothing like a good salad, especially during summer months. I love the addition of cranberries!
Charla says
Sounds delicious and I can see why it's your go to salad for hosting at events.
Bella says
Yummy. This looks so tasty.. I love a good green salad. I try and eat greens everyday. They are just so tasty!
Jazz says
Thanks, Bella! This is a great way to get your greens in. 🙂
Marta Rivera Diaz says
Yes! Every hostess needs a quick-fix, elegant salad recipe in her repertoire. I love your version!
Jazz says
I agree! Thanks for reading.
Sarah Althouse says
I need to come up with my own "Celebration salad' to take to parties! I love this one...minus the feta. haha!
Jazz says
You're more than welcome to try this one with a different cheese. I won't tell anyone. 🙂
Heather @ US Japan Fam says
That looks amazing!!! I'm the worst with making the most boring salads, I need to get more adventurous!
Jazz says
You can start simply. Check out my tips for better salads post!
Aditi says
I just love unique new salads. This seems like a great way to get those refreshing greens in.