20 Easy Winter Salad Recipes

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

This vibrant salad combines sweet roasted beets with the zesty tang of fresh oranges, perfect for a refreshing winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, trimmed and washed
• 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap beets in aluminum foil and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender.
3. Let beets cool, peel and cut into wedges.
4. In a bowl, combine beets, oranges, onion, and feta.
5. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; drizzle over salad and toss gently.

Warm Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

A nutritious and cozy salad featuring roasted butternut squash and hearty kale, delivering a comforting taste of winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 5 cups kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, massage kale with a pinch of salt until tender.
4. Add roasted squash, cranberries, and pecans to the kale.
5. Toss the salad gently and adjust seasoning as needed.

Pear, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad

This elegant winter salad highlights the delicious pairing of juicy pears with crunchy walnuts and creamy blue cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 5 oz mixed salad greens
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pear slices, walnuts, and blue cheese.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Winter Citrus and Pomegranate Salad

A burst of seasonal citrus and jewel-like pomegranate seeds make this salad a bright and tangy addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Cooking method:

1. Arrange citrus slices on a platter, alternating types for color contrast.
2. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and mint leaves.
3. Drizzle with honey and lime juice before serving.

Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad

This crisp and crunchy salad balances the earthiness of Brussels sprouts with sweet, tart apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup almonds, slivered
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add sliced Brussels sprouts, apples, almonds, and Parmesan to the bowl.
3. Toss well to coat the ingredients in the dressing.

Spinach and Quinoa Winter Salad

A protein-packed salad that combines fluffy quinoa with nutrient-rich spinach for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette dressing

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sunflower seeds.
2. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette dressing.
3. Toss to mix the salad evenly.

Carrot and Raisin Salad with Yogurt Dressing

A sweet and tangy salad that blends crunchy carrots with plump raisins and a creamy yogurt dressing.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, and cinnamon.
2. Add carrots and raisins to the dressing.
3. Mix well until evenly coated.

Fennel and Grapefruit Salad

A refreshing salad that pairs the anise-like flavor of fennel with the bright, citrus notes of grapefruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. In a salad bowl, combine fennel, grapefruit, and olives.
3. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Farro and Roasted Vegetable Salad

A hearty salad featuring nutty farro and a medley of roasted winter vegetables, perfect for a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, cooked
• 2 cups winter vegetables (e.g., carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes), cubed and roasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese.
2. Whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar; pour over the salad.
3. Toss well to combine the flavors.

Radicchio and Citrus Salad with Hazelnuts

Bringing together bitter radicchio with sweet citrus and crunchy hazelnuts, this salad is a flavor explosion.

Ingredients:

• 1 head radicchio, chopped
• 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Combine radicchio, clementines, and hazelnuts in a large salad bowl.
3. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.