15+ Winter Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Cold Days

Winter is a season filled with cozy meals and warm gatherings, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on fresh flavors. With winter salad recipes, you can enjoy healthy, vibrant dishes that are perfect for this chilly time of year. These salads can be filled with seasonal ingredients that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrients.

From hearty greens to roasted vegetables, winter salads offer a variety of options to keep your meals exciting. You can easily mix and match ingredients to create a delightful bowl that satisfies your cravings while keeping your spirits high during the colder months.

1) Kale and Butternut Squash Salad

This kale and butternut squash salad is perfect for winter. The roasted butternut squash adds a warm flavor that pairs well with fresh kale. Toss in some goat cheese for creaminess and a touch of tang.

You can also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. A simple vinaigrette will tie all the flavors together beautifully. This salad is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients.

Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light meal. It’s colorful, healthy, and sure to brighten up any winter day.

Ingredients

• 1 head of curly kale
• 4 cups of cubed butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• Goat cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. In a large bowl, massage the kale with a little olive oil and salt.
5. Add the roasted squash and toss together.
6. Top with goat cheese if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

2) Spinach, Grapefruit, and Avocado Salad

This salad is fresh and vibrant, perfect for winter. You’ll enjoy the mix of spinach, creamy avocado, and the tartness of grapefruit. It’s a delightful way to brighten up your meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. The sesame vinaigrette adds a nice touch of flavor. It combines easy-to-find ingredients like canola oil and rice vinegar.

This salad can be a light lunch or a side dish. Toss it gently so that everything is coated in the dressing. Serve it chilled for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1/4 cup nut mix
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Kosher salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together canola oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and kosher salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, avocado, grapefruit, and nut mix.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
4. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3) Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad

This Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad is a delightful winter dish. It’s colorful and packed with fresh flavors. The combination of sweet beets and tangy citrus makes it special.

To prepare this salad, you’ll need roasted beets, fresh oranges, and grapefruit. You can also add some greens like arugula for extra texture. A light vinaigrette can tie all the flavors together.

Serve it as a side or a main dish. It’s great for holiday gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

• 2 medium roasted beets
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup nuts (like pistachios or walnuts)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if roasting beets.
2. Roast beets for about 45 minutes until tender.
3. Let them cool, then peel and slice.
4. Arrange arugula, citrus slices, and beets on a plate.
5. Sprinkle with feta and nuts if using.

4) Pomegranate, Apple, and Pecan Salad

This salad brings a burst of flavor and color to your table. The mix of crisp apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy pecans is delightful. It’s perfect for winter meals or holiday gatherings.

To make this salad, start with fresh ingredients. It’s not only tasty but also healthy. Toss it together with a simple dressing to enhance all the flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 apples, diced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the apples, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and mixed greens.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Top with feta cheese if desired.

5) Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Salad

This Brussels sprout and quinoa salad is perfect for winter. It’s warm, filling, and packed with nutrients.

You can start by roasting Brussels sprouts until they’re tender. Mix them with cooked quinoa for a hearty base. Add some shaved almonds and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

A tangy dressing can bring everything together. You might also want to include baked bacon bits for a delicious crunch. This salad can be a great side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/2 cup shaved almonds
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
4. In a bowl, combine quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, almonds, and cheese.
5. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
7. Top with crumbled bacon if using. Enjoy!

6) Arugula and Radish Salad

This refreshing Arugula and Radish Salad is perfect for winter. The peppery arugula pairs well with the crunch of radishes, making it a delightful choice.

You’ll need some simple ingredients. The salad can be made gluten-free and easily adjusted to be vegan. It’s light, healthy, and packed with flavor.

Mix together arugula, sliced radishes, and sunflower seeds for a tasty crunch. A simple lemon dressing will enhance all the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby arugula
• 2 sliced radishes
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the arugula and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add sliced radishes and sunflower seeds.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss gently to combine and serve.

7) Fennel and Orange Winter Salad

This Fennel and Orange Winter Salad is a refreshing choice perfect for winter. The combination of fennel and oranges adds a bright taste and crunchy texture to your meal. It’s simple to prepare and brings a lovely pop of color to your table.

To make this salad, you will need fresh ingredients that are easy to find. The sweetness of the oranges pairs well with the crispness of fennel. You might also consider adding some nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced fennel and orange segments.
2. If using, add pomegranate seeds and nuts.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
5. Serve immediately or chill for a bit before serving.

8) Winter Greens with Pear and Blue Cheese

This salad combines crisp winter greens with the sweetness of pears and the tang of blue cheese. It’s a delightful mix of flavors that’s perfect for chilly days.

Start with a base of mixed greens, like arugula and spinach. Slice ripe pears and sprinkle them over the greens for a sweet touch.

Next, add crumbled blue cheese for a creamy and savory bite. Toast some walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Drizzle your favorite dressing to bring it all together. A simple honey mustard dressing works wonderfully with this combination.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach)
• 1 ripe pear, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• Honey mustard dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens.
2. Slice the pear.
3. Toast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Arrange the greens on a plate.
5. Top with sliced pears, blue cheese, and walnuts.
6. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing.

9) Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

This roasted sweet potato and chickpea salad is warm and filling. It combines sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, and fresh greens for a tasty meal.

Start by roasting your sweet potatoes and chickpeas with olive oil and spices. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.

Mix them with greens like arugula or spinach. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra texture. A drizzle of tahini or a vinaigrette will bring everything together.

Ingredients

• 2-3 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon spices (cumin, paprika, or your choice)
• Fresh greens (arugula or spinach)
• Optional: nuts or seeds
• Tahini or vinaigrette dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas in olive oil and spices.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes.
4. Mix roasted veggies with fresh greens.
5. Drizzle with tahini or dressing before serving.

10) Cauliflower and Lentil Salad

This Cauliflower and Lentil Salad is perfect for winter. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients. The combination of roasted cauliflower and lentils provides a filling meal that is also rich in plant-based protein and fiber.

To start, roast cauliflower florets in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are golden brown. While they roast, cook the lentils according to the package instructions.

Once everything is ready, mix the roasted cauliflower and lentils together. You can add spices like cumin or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. This salad is great as a side dish or as a main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices (optional, like cumin or paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast cauliflower for about 25 minutes until golden.
3. Cook lentils according to package directions.
4. Mix the roasted cauliflower and lentils in a bowl.
5. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

11) Cabbage Slaw with Cranberries and Walnuts

This cabbage slaw is perfect for winter. It combines crunchy cabbage, sweet cranberries, and nutty walnuts for a tasty side dish.

Start with red and green cabbage for color. Toss in some dried cranberries for sweetness. Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and healthy fats.

You can serve this slaw as a side for roasted meats or as a light lunch. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups red cabbage, finely sliced
• 2 cups green cabbage, finely sliced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the red cabbage and green cabbage.
2. Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.
3. In a separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

12) Persimmon and Goat Cheese Salad

This salad is a delightful mix of flavors. The sweet persimmons pair wonderfully with creamy goat cheese. You’ll enjoy the fresh greens and a light dressing that brings everything together.

To make this salad, you can use ripe fuyu persimmons. Their sweetness complements the tanginess of the goat cheese. Adding some crunchy nuts, like walnuts or pecans, gives extra texture.

For a tasty dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey works well. It enhances the salad without overpowering it.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe fuyu persimmons, sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and persimmons.
2. Add crumbled goat cheese and nuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Enjoy!

13) Endive, Walnut, and Apple Salad

This Endive, Walnut, and Apple Salad is perfect for winter. It combines crunchy endive with sweet apples and toasted walnuts. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a delight.

You can add blue cheese for a creamy touch. Drizzling a light vinaigrette enhances the taste. This salad is healthy and satisfying.

It’s simple to prepare and great for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish or a main course. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh flavors!

Ingredients

• 2 cups endive, chopped
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the endive and place it in a bowl.
2. Slice the apple and add it to the bowl.
3. Toast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add toasted walnuts and blue cheese to the bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss gently and serve.

14) Radicchio, Fennel, and Parmesan Salad

This salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The bitter radicchio pairs perfectly with the crunchy fennel. Adding Parmesan provides a rich, salty contrast that brings it all together.

To make the salad, start by slicing the radicchio and fennel thinly. You can add some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Toss them together in a bowl and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

For the dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt enhances the ingredients without overpowering them. Drizzle it on just before serving for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 head radicchio
• 1 bulb fennel
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Thinly slice the radicchio and fennel.
2. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
3. In a bowl, combine radicchio, fennel, and Parmesan.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

15) Grilled Pear and Spinach Salad

This Grilled Pear and Spinach Salad is a delightful choice for winter. The sweetness of grilled pears complements the fresh spinach perfectly. Add some nuts and cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Start by tossing fresh spinach with sliced grilled pears. You can use goat cheese or feta for a tangy touch. A handful of walnuts or pecans adds a nice crunch.

Drizzle a simple vinaigrette over the salad for extra zest. A mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt works well. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or a starter for dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe pears
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Slice the pears in half and remove the core.
3. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place them on the grill.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender.
5. In a bowl, toss the spinach, grilled pears, and cheese.
6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and sprinkle nuts on top.
7. Serve immediately.
8. Enjoy!