20 Easy Winter Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Season

Winter salads are a vibrant way to bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to your table. Packed with hearty greens, roasted vegetables, and bold flavors, these recipes will keep you satisfied and energized during the colder months. Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting salad or a refreshing citrus blend, this list has something for everyone. Each recipe includes servings, prep and cooking times, and easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can whip up these delicious dishes with ease. Let’s explore these 20 winter salads that make the season brighter and tastier!

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cups mixed greens

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately for a warm and flavorful salad.

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Massage chopped kale with a pinch of salt until softened.
2. In a large bowl, combine kale, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds.
3. Whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, cooked
• 2 cups roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Steps:

1. Cook farro according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine farro, roasted vegetables, and goat cheese.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and toss to coat.
5. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Brussels Sprout and Apple Slaw

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
• 1 apple, julienned
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts, julienned apple, and dried cranberries.
2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
4. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. Enjoy a crisp, refreshing slaw.

Citrus and Fennel Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, segmented
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Arrange mixed greens, orange segments, sliced fennel, and pomegranate seeds on a large serving platter.
2. Whisk together honey, lemon juice, and olive oil to create the vinaigrette.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately for a light and refreshing dish.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup candied walnuts
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, then let cool and slice.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced beets, goat cheese, and candied walnuts.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately for a sweet and earthy salad.
5. Great as a starter or light main dish.

Warm Lentil Salad with Marinated Feta

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/4 cup marinated feta, crumbled
• 1/2 cup roasted cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté lentils until warmed through.
2. Add roasted cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in marinated feta.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to combine.
5. Serve warm for a hearty, protein-packed salad.

Spinach and Pear Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 2 tbsp balsamic dressing

Steps:

1. Arrange baby spinach on a serving plate.
2. Top with sliced pear, crumbled blue cheese, and pecans.
3. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh, sweet-savory combination.
5. Ideal for a simple, elegant winter salad.

Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 carrots, peeled and roasted
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Roast carrots at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, then let cool slightly.
2. Arrange mixed greens on a plate and top with roasted carrots and sliced avocado.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently and serve warm.
5. A vibrant, nourishing salad for any occasion.

Winter Citrus Salad with Blood Oranges and Grapefruit

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 blood oranges, segmented
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp honey

Steps:

1. Arrange blood orange and grapefruit segments on a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and sliced almonds.
3. Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
4. Serve immediately for a refreshing winter treat.
5. Great as a light appetizer or side dish.

Warm Sweet Potato and Arugula Salad

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. Arrange arugula on a serving plate and top with roasted sweet potatoes and crumbled feta.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
5. A warm, satisfying salad with a sweet and tangy twist.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pecans and Cranberries

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve as a crunchy, flavorful side dish.

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad with Pistachios

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2 tbsp orange vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, then let cool and slice.
2. Arrange mixed greens on a plate and top with roasted beets, orange segments, and pistachios.
3. Drizzle with orange vinaigrette and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately for a vibrant, refreshing salad.
5. Perfect for a colorful addition to your winter menu.

Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Roast vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and goat cheese.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine.
4. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying dish.
5. Great as a main or side dish.

Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup crispy chickpeas (roasted with olive oil and spices)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Caesar dressing

Steps:

1. Massage kale with a pinch of salt to soften the leaves.
2. Toss kale with Caesar dressing in a large bowl.
3. Top with crispy chickpeas and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy salad.
5. A lighter twist on a classic Caesar salad.

Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon and Mushrooms

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed
• 2 tbsp balsamic dressing

Steps:

1. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender.
2. Arrange baby spinach on a serving plate and top with sautéed mushrooms and crumbled bacon.
3. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately while warm.
5. A hearty, comforting winter salad.

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 small head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups arugula

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cauliflower and chickpeas with olive oil and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
3. Arrange arugula on a serving plate and top with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas.
4. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and toss gently.
5. A smoky, protein-packed salad.

Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Dressing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Steps:

1. Arrange mixed greens on a serving plate.
2. Top with apple slices and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Whisk together maple syrup and apple cider vinegar to create the dressing.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. A sweet and savory salad with seasonal flavors.

Warm Barley Salad with Roasted Squash

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked barley
• 1 cup roasted squash, cubed
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp balsamic dressing

Steps:

1. Roast squash at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked barley, roasted squash, and dried cranberries.
3. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and toss to coat.
4. Serve warm for a hearty, seasonal salad.
5. Perfect for a cozy winter meal.

Radicchio and Endive Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 head radicchio, chopped
• 1 endive, sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• 2 tbsp citrus vinaigrette

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine radicchio, endive, and orange segments.
2. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and toss to coat.
3. Serve immediately for a refreshing, slightly bitter salad.
4. A perfect mix of bold flavors and bright colors.

MORE RECIPES

Conclusion

These 20 winter salad recipes offer a perfect balance of warmth, freshness, and seasonal flavors to elevate your meals during the colder months. Whether you’re craving something hearty like the Warm Barley Salad with Roasted Squash or something vibrant like the Citrus and Fennel Salad with Honey Vinaigrette, there’s a dish here for every palate and occasion. Packed with nourishing ingredients and simple to prepare, these salads are not only delicious but also a beautiful way to celebrate the best of winter produce. Try these recipes to brighten your table and savor the season in every bite!