10+ Winter Salad Recipes to Warm Up Your Season

Winter is a time for warm meals and cozy gatherings. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on fresh, healthy dishes. Winter salad recipes bring together seasonal ingredients that offer nutrition and flavor. They make a perfect choice for any winter meal.

With ingredients like kale, butternut squash, and citrus fruits, you can enjoy vibrant flavors and essential nutrients even in the colder months.

These salads can be light yet satisfying, often featuring roasted vegetables and hearty grains. Experimenting with different combinations of greens, fruits, nuts, and dressings allows you to create meals that are not only healthy but also exciting.

Whether for a special occasion or a simple dinner, winter salads can brighten up your table and warm your heart.

1) Kale and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This winter salad is packed with flavor and nutrition. It features hearty kale and sweet, roasted butternut squash. The combination is not only delicious but also colorful, making your meal more inviting.

To prepare this salad, start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. This brings out the natural sweetness.

While it cooks, you can massage the kale to soften it, which enhances its texture.

Finally, toss everything together with a simple dressing. You can add toppings like nuts or cheese for extra flavor. This salad makes for a great side dish or a light main meal.

Ingredients

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

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 squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
4. While the squash cooks, remove the stems from the kale and chop.
5. Massage the kale with a little olive oil until wilted.
6. Once the squash is done, mix it with the kale and serve.

2) Pomegranate and Pear Winter Salad

This Pomegranate and Pear Winter Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. You have sweet ripe pears, crunchy pomegranate seeds, and a touch of nuts for added crunch. It’s perfect for adding color to your winter meals.

To make this salad even more special, consider adding some creamy feta cheese for a savory taste. A simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together nicely.

This salad is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. Serve it as a starter or a side dish for holiday dinners or cozy winter gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears and pomegranate seeds.
2. Add the chopped nuts and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

3) Spinach and Grapefruit Salad with Avocado

This Spinach and Grapefruit Salad with Avocado is fresh and vibrant, perfect for winter. The mix of baby spinach, juicy grapefruit, and creamy avocado creates a delicious flavor combination.

To make the salad unique, add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. You can use almonds or walnuts for an extra boost of nutrients. A light vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar complements the ingredients beautifully.

This salad is not only tasty but also colorful, making it a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups baby spinach leaves
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ½ grapefruit, sectioned
• ¼ cup mixed nuts
• ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the spinach and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add the sliced avocado and grapefruit sections.
3. Toss in the mixed nuts.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and add black pepper.
5. Gently mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

4) Arugula Leaf Lettuce Mix with Mustard Vinaigrette

This arugula leaf lettuce mix offers a fresh and peppery flavor. It pairs perfectly with a tangy mustard vinaigrette that brings all the ingredients together.

To make this salad, start with a generous handful of arugula. Add in some mixed greens for a variety of textures.

For the mustard vinaigrette, combine mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over your salad just before serving. Toss it gently to coat the greens evenly. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish!

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add arugula and mixed greens.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

5) Warm Winter Bean Salad with Chicken

Warm Winter Bean Salad with Chicken is a tasty and comforting dish. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty yet healthy.

Start by cooking chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use skin-on chicken for added flavor and moisture.

Next, prepare the beans. Butter beans work well as they are creamy and filling. Combine them with garlic and a bit of chicken stock for rich flavor.

Drizzle some olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad for brightness. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

Enjoy this dish warm for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 100ml chicken stock
• 300g butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Cook chicken breasts until golden and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
4. Pour in chicken stock and add butter beans.
5. Stir and heat until warmed through.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

6) Apple, Pomegranate, and Pecan Delight

This refreshing salad brings together crunchy apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, and sweet candied pecans. It’s perfect for winter gatherings.

To make it even better, add tangy feta cheese for a flavor boost. The mix of textures and tastes will make this your new favorite salad.

The bright colors of apples and pomegranates can brighten up any table. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh apples, chopped
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples and pomegranate seeds.
2. Add candied pecans and feta cheese, if using.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve fresh and enjoy!

7) Feta, Pomegranate, and Orange Mix

This salad is fresh and colorful, making it perfect for winter. The combination of feta cheese, pomegranates, and oranges creates a bright and tangy flavor. The creaminess of the feta pairs well with the sweet and tart pomegranate seeds.

To make it even better, add some mixed greens for crunch. You can also toss in some nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra texture. A light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice brings all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (like spinach or arugula)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup orange segments
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add the mixed greens.
2. Add the pomegranate seeds and orange segments on top.
3. Sprinkle the feta cheese and nuts if using.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

8) Kale Sweet Potato Combination

This kale and sweet potato salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The roasted sweet potatoes add a warm, earthy taste, while kale gives the dish a fresh, vibrant crunch.

You can enhance it with toppings like nuts, cheese, or dried fruits. The combination of ingredients makes it not only tasty but also healthy.

To dress it up, try a simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for winter, bringing comfort and nutrition to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts
• Olive oil, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Honey mustard dressing or your choice of dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the diced sweet potato in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the kale, roasted sweet potatoes, and any toppings you choose.
5. Drizzle with dressing and mix well. Enjoy!

9) Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Goat Cheese

This salad combines fresh spinach with sweet persimmons and creamy goat cheese for a delightful winter dish. It’s colorful and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for any meal.

Start by gathering your ingredients. Fuyu persimmons work best as they are sweet and firm.

Toss them with baby spinach for a refreshing crunch. Add crumbled goat cheese for a tangy touch.

Walnuts provide a nice crunch, along with a boost of healthy fats. You can also sprinkle some pomegranate seeds for extra color and nutrition.

This salad pairs well with a light vinaigrette. It’s simple to prepare and will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 Fuyu persimmons, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the persimmons.
2. In a large bowl, add baby spinach.
3. Top with persimmons, goat cheese, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

10) Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans

Roasted butternut squash with pecans is a warm and comforting salad perfect for winter. The sweetness of the squash pairs well with the crunchy pecans, making it a delightful dish.

To make this salad, you’ll start by roasting the squash. Cut it into cubes, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake at 425°F (220°C) until tender.

Once it’s roasted, you can add mixed greens and dried cranberries for extra flavor. Top it off with crumbled goat cheese if you like.

This dish is not just tasty; it looks great on your table too.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pecans
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Optional: crumbled goat cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, dried cranberries, and pecans.
6. Add the roasted squash on top.
7. Sprinkle with goat cheese if desired and serve.