10+ Winter Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Seasonal Menu

Winter salads can be a delightful and healthy addition to your meals during the colder months. These recipes are packed with seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and taste to your table. You can combine various fruits, vegetables, and nuts to create vibrant dishes that not only look good but are also nutritious.

Whether you are looking for something light or hearty, winter salads will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized.

From roasted vegetables to tangy dressings, you have plenty of options to explore. Get ready to brighten up your winter with delicious and easy-to-make salad recipes!

1) Roasted Butternut Squash and Feta Salad

This Roasted Butternut Squash and Feta Salad is a wonderful dish for winter. It combines sweet, caramelized squash with creamy feta cheese. The flavors create a warm and inviting meal.

You can add some greens like arugula to balance the sweetness. Nutty toppings such as walnuts or pepitas also enhance the texture. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar ties it all together.

This salad is perfect as a main dish or a side. It’s simple to prepare and looks great on your table.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pepitas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, arugula, feta, and walnuts.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and gently toss to combine.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

2) Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

This kale salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for winter. The combination of crunchy kale and juicy pomegranate seeds adds great flavor and nutrition.

You can also include feta cheese and nuts for extra taste and texture. The zesty dressing brings everything together nicely.

To make this salad, you’ll need some simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 5 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add the chopped kale.
2. Toss in the pomegranate seeds, feta, and nuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3) Spinach, Grapefruit, and Avocado Salad

This spinach, grapefruit, and avocado salad is fresh and vibrant. The combination of tart grapefruit and creamy avocado creates a delightful flavor. Plus, baby spinach adds a nice crunch.

To make this salad, start by combining baby spinach leaves with diced avocado. Then, add sections of grapefruit for a burst of citrus. A sprinkle of nuts adds texture.

You can dress it with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Just mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Enjoy this healthy dish as a light lunch or a bright side at dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups baby spinach leaves
• ½ avocado, diced
• ½ grapefruit, segmented
• ¼ cup mixed nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
• ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, avocado, and grapefruit.
2. Add the mixed nuts on top.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with black pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

4) Apple and Pecan Salad with Mixed Greens

This Apple and Pecan Salad is perfect for winter dining. You’ll love the mix of sweet apples and crunchy pecans. It’s light yet satisfying.

Start with a base of mixed greens. Spinach and arugula work well, adding flavor and freshness. Toss in sliced apples for sweetness. Granny Smith apples are a great choice.

Next, add pecans for crunch. They bring a nice nutty flavor to the salad. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese for a tangy kick.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and olive oil balances the flavors nicely. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.

Ingredients

• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup sliced apples (like Granny Smith)
• 1 cup pecans
• ½ cup feta cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup Dijon vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, layer mixed greens.
2. Add sliced apples and pecans.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese on top, if using.
4. Drizzle with vinaigrette right before serving.
5. Toss gently and enjoy!

5) Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

This kale and sweet potato salad is a vibrant dish perfect for winter. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and fresh kale creates a hearty and nutritious meal.

Start by roasting sweet potatoes in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are tender. Toss the kale with a light dressing to brighten its flavor.

You can add toppings like nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Dried cranberries or goat cheese also pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the potatoes.

Enjoy this salad as a main dish or a side to your favorite protein.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup nuts or seeds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cube the sweet potatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix kale with your favorite dressing.
5. Top the kale with roasted sweet potatoes, nuts, cranberries, and enjoy!

6) Brussels Sprouts and Apple Slaw

Brussels sprouts and apple slaw is a refreshing winter salad that combines crunchy sprouts with sweet apples. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

The sharpness of the Brussels sprouts pairs well with the sweetness of apples. Adding nuts gives it a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle a simple honey mustard dressing for extra flavor.

This slaw is not only tasty, but it’s also nutritious. You can enjoy it as a side or even as a light main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, shredded
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by shredding them finely.
2. Slice the apples and mix them with the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
3. Add dried cranberries and sliced almonds.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well to combine. Serve fresh.

7) Arugula and Beet Salad with Lemon Dressing

This arugula and beet salad is bright and fresh, perfect for winter. The combination of earthy beets with peppery arugula creates a delicious contrast. A zesty lemon dressing ties everything together.

You can top this salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor. Toasted walnuts add a nice crunch, making the salad even more enjoyable. It’s quick to prepare, so it’s great for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby arugula
• 2 cooked beets, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the arugula and beets.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Top with walnuts and feta cheese before serving.

8) Pear and Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

This Pear and Walnut Salad is a perfect blend of flavors for winter. The sweet pears and crunchy walnuts go well together with creamy goat cheese. You can enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light meal.

Start with fresh arugula or mixed greens as your base. Then, add sliced pears for sweetness. Sprinkle some candied walnuts on top for a nice crunch. Finally, crumble goat cheese for a creamy finish.

Drizzle a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the salad. This combination brings out the flavors of the ingredients beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup candied walnuts
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the greens. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Add the sliced pears to the greens.
3. Sprinkle the candied walnuts and goat cheese on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss lightly and serve.

9) Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Nuts

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Nuts is a fresh and crunchy salad. It blends the crispness of cabbage and carrots with the crunch of nuts, making a delightful dish.

You can use green or red cabbage, depending on your preference. Shred the cabbage and carrots for a light and airy texture.

Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will give your slaw extra flavor. A simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar ties everything together nicely.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. Add the chopped nuts and mix well.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
5. Toss everything until it’s well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

10) Quinoa and Beet Salad with Arugula

This Quinoa and Beet Salad with Arugula is a vibrant and healthy choice for winter. The combination of earthy beets, nutty quinoa, and peppery arugula creates a dish full of flavor.

Start by cooking your quinoa in vegetable broth for added taste. Then, roast the beets to add a natural sweetness and lovely color. Toss in fresh arugula to give a nice peppery crunch.

You can enhance this salad with ingredients like goat cheese or nuts for extra texture. Drizzle it with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar to bring all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2-3 beets, roasted and sliced
• 5 oz arugula
• ½ cup goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup walnuts or pistachios (optional)
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the beets until they are tender.
3. Rinse the quinoa.
4. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
5. Add quinoa and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sliced beets, and arugula.
7. Add cheese and nuts if using.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then toss gently.
9. Serve fresh.