17 Winter Salad Recipes to Keep You Warm and Healthy

When the winter chill sets in, comfort food often takes center stage, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fresh, nutritious meals. These 17 winter salad recipes are perfect for adding some seasonal vibrancy to your plate.

From hearty greens to roasted vegetables and zesty dressings, there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s dive in!

1. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This colorful salad combines the earthiness of roasted beets with the creaminess of goat cheese, making it a perfect appetizer or light meal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the beets for 45-50 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and slice.
2. Arrange the greens on a large platter and top with sliced beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• Roast the beets ahead of time for easy assembly.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

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2. Kale and Pomegranate Winter Salad

Packed with superfoods like kale and pomegranate, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 6 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Massage the kale with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to soften.
2. Toss with pomegranate seeds, feta, and almonds.
3. Drizzle with honey and adjust seasoning before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• Add roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
• Use baby spinach if kale isn’t your favorite.

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3. Warm Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad

This warm salad pairs crispy Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon for a cozy winter dish.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat for 7-10 minutes until golden.
3. Add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Toss well.
4. Top with crispy bacon before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use olive oil.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts for added crunch.

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4. Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado

Brighten up your winter table with this refreshing citrus and avocado salad.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the citrus slices and avocado on a bed of greens.
2. Whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks:

• Add goat cheese or toasted seeds for extra texture.
• Chill the citrus for a cool, refreshing twist.

5. Pomegranate Kale Salad with Walnuts

This vibrant salad combines the bitterness of kale with the sweet, tart burst of pomegranate seeds, creating a festive dish perfect for winter gatherings.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, destemmed and chopped
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Massage the kale with olive oil until softened.
2. Add pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.

Tips and Tricks: Toast the walnuts for a deeper flavor, and use baby kale if you prefer a milder taste.

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6. Warm Roasted Root Vegetable Salad

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables, making this salad a hearty and delicious winter treat.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup cubed beets
• 1 cup cubed carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss root vegetables with olive oil and thyme; roast for 25 minutes.
2. Place greens on a platter, top with roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

Tips and Tricks: Roast vegetables ahead of time and warm them slightly before serving.

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7. Brussels Sprout and Apple Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts and crisp apples create a crunchy, refreshing salad with a hint of sweetness.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Combine Brussels sprouts, apple slices, cranberries, and almonds in a bowl.
2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the salad and toss well.

Tips and Tricks: Use a mandoline for uniform slices, and add crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

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8. Citrus Avocado Salad

Bursting with the bright flavors of citrus and the creaminess of avocado, this salad is a sunny addition to any winter table.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 cups arugula
• ¼ cup pistachios
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

1. Arrange arugula, grapefruit, orange, and avocado on a plate.
2. Sprinkle pistachios on top.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and honey.

Tips and Tricks: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

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9. Warm Lentil and Spinach Salad

Protein-packed lentils and tender spinach make this a satisfying and nutritious winter salad.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 4 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Heat lentils and toss with spinach until wilted.
2. Add tomatoes and feta, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Tips and Tricks: Use French green lentils for their firm texture.

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10. Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

Butternut squash and quinoa come together in a nutritious, earthy salad perfect for cold weather.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Roast butternut squash at 375°F (190°C) until tender.
2. Combine with quinoa, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup.

Tips and Tricks: Serve warm or at room temperature for versatility.

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11. Spinach Salad with Roasted Pears

Sweet roasted pears and tangy goat cheese make this salad a standout.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 2 pears, sliced and roasted
• ¼ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Roast pears at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
2. Toss spinach, roasted pears, goat cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Tips and Tricks: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the pears before roasting for a warm flavor.

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12. Radicchio and Endive Salad with Citrus Dressing

Bitter greens paired with a tangy citrus dressing create a sophisticated winter salad.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 head radicchio, chopped
• 2 endives, sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 3 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine radicchio, endive, and orange in a bowl.
2. Whisk orange juice and olive oil, then toss with the salad.
3. Sprinkle with pine nuts before serving.

Tips and Tricks: Toast pine nuts lightly to enhance their flavor.

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13. Pomegranate and Kale Salad

This vibrant salad combines nutrient-dense kale with the juicy sweetness of pomegranate seeds, offering a refreshing burst of flavor.

Serves: 6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Massage the kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to tenderize.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Toss the kale with the dressing, pomegranate seeds, and almonds.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks:

• Add crumbled goat cheese for creaminess.
• Swap almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

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14. Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad

Packed with protein and roasted veggies, this salad is both hearty and wholesome, perfect for a nutritious winter meal.

Serves: 5 people

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potato with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and maple syrup, then toss to coat.

Tips and Tricks:

• Substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangier taste.
• Add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.

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15. Citrus and Fennel Salad

Bright and zesty, this salad highlights the sweetness of winter citrus paired with the crispness of fennel.

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the orange and grapefruit slices on a platter.
2. Top with sliced fennel and mint leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.

Tips and Tricks:

• Add a handful of arugula for a peppery kick.
• Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness.

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16. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This classic combination of earthy beets and creamy goat cheese is a winter staple that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Serves: 6 people

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter.
2. Top with roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use pre-cooked beets for convenience.
• Add orange segments for a pop of citrus.

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17. Apple, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad

This sweet and savory salad brings together crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and bold blue cheese for a harmonious winter dish.

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups spinach
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. Toss the spinach with the dressing, then layer with apples, walnuts, and blue cheese.
3. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use honeycrisp or gala apples for the best flavor.
• Substitute blue cheese with feta if preferred.

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These winter salads are proof that the season doesn’t have to lack fresh and flavorful meals.

Whether you’re craving something warm, tangy, or sweet, these recipes will keep your table vibrant all winter long.

Try one (or all) of these and elevate your winter dining experience!