When the temperatures drop, salads might not be the first thing on your mind—but winter salads are a different game altogether.
These recipes combine hearty ingredients, vibrant flavors, and seasonal produce to create dishes that are just as satisfying as they are nutritious.
From roasted veggies to tangy dressings and crunchy toppings, here are nine winter salad recipes that will make you actually crave greens in the cold months.
Table of Contents
1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
Ingredients:
- Kale, de-stemmed and chopped
- Roasted butternut squash cubes
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Honey mustard vinaigrette
Directions:
Massage kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften. Add roasted butternut squash, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese. Drizzle with honey mustard vinaigrette and toss to combine.
2. Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon
Ingredients:
- Shaved Brussels sprouts
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Sliced almonds, toasted
- Parmesan cheese, shaved
- Lemon-garlic vinaigrette
Directions:
Sauté shaved Brussels sprouts in olive oil until lightly browned. Toss with bacon, almonds, and Parmesan. Add the lemon-garlic vinaigrette and serve warm.
3. Winter Citrus and Fennel Salad
Ingredients:
- Sliced oranges, blood oranges, or grapefruits
- Thinly sliced fennel bulb
- Pomegranate seeds
- Arugula
- Olive oil, honey, and balsamic glaze for dressing
Directions:
Layer citrus slices, fennel, and arugula on a platter. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and drizzle with olive oil, honey, and balsamic glaze.
4. Quinoa and Roasted Root Veggie Salad
Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa
- Roasted carrots, beets, and parsnips
- Arugula or spinach
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon-tahini dressing
Directions:
Combine quinoa, roasted root veggies, and greens in a bowl. Sprinkle feta cheese on top and toss with lemon-tahini dressing.
5. Pear, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Salad
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- Sliced ripe pears
- Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- Candied walnuts
- White balsamic vinaigrette
Directions:
Arrange greens on a plate, top with sliced pears, Gorgonzola, and candied walnuts. Drizzle with white balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
6. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- Roasted cauliflower florets
- Crispy chickpeas
- Baby kale
- Sliced red onion
- Lemon-turmeric dressing
Directions:
Toss roasted cauliflower and chickpeas with baby kale and red onion. Coat with lemon-turmeric dressing for a nutrient-packed salad.
7. Apple and Cabbage Slaw with Maple Dressing
Ingredients:
- Shredded red and green cabbage
- Julienned apples
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Raisins
- Maple Dijon dressing
Directions:
Mix cabbage, apples, sunflower seeds, and raisins in a large bowl. Add maple Dijon dressing and toss to coat.
8. Farro Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate
Ingredients:
- Cooked farro
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chopped parsley
- Orange vinaigrette
Directions:
Combine farro, roasted sweet potatoes, pomegranate seeds, and parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with orange vinaigrette and gently mix.
9. Warm Spinach Salad with Mushrooms and Egg
Ingredients:
- Baby spinach
- Sautéed mushrooms (button or cremini)
- Soft-boiled egg, halved
- Crispy shallots
- Warm bacon vinaigrette
Directions:
Wilt spinach slightly with warm sautéed mushrooms. Top with a soft-boiled egg and crispy shallots. Drizzle with warm bacon vinaigrette and serve immediately.
