18 Winter Salads to Enjoy All Season Long

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Our Best Winter Salad Ideas

When it comes to salads, summer vegetables usually get all the credit. No longer! Winter’s bounty of in-season produce (like hardy greens, squash, beets and potatoes) are perfect for creating a wholesome meal in a bowl. Just top with your favorite salad dressing and you’ve got a veggie-forward meal on the table in minutes. We’ve rounded up all of our favorites to get you started, including this filling kale salad. It includes pecans for nutty crunch, pear for sweetness and chopped green onion for maximum flavor.

Get the Recipe:Winter Kale Salad

Warm Wilted Winter Greens

We all know salads are typically served cold, but they don’t have to be! This warmed salad features gently wilted greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. Walnuts add crunch while pomegranate seeds add fresh sweetness.

Get the Recipe:Warm Wilted Winter Greens

Delicata Squash and Arugula Salad with Pesto Shrimp and Parmesan Frico

Winter salads should be hearty and filling, and this recipe is nothing but. Squash, shrimp and flavorful dressing make this salad the perfect option for busy winter nights. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and can be served as a salad, side dish or vegetarian entrée.

Get the Recipe:Delicata Squash and Arugula Salad with Pesto Shrimp and Parmesan Frico

Sheet Pan Arctic Char Niçoise Salad

Combining uncooked and cooked ingredients—like salmon and fresh greens—in the same salad creates a depth of flavor and variety of textures. In this Niçoise-inspired salad, the potatoes, green beans and fish are all roasted together on a sheet pan and then served atop fresh baby salad greens, herbs and cherry tomatoes.

Get the Recipe:Sheet Pan Arctic Char Niçoise Salad

Kale Citrus Salad

Citrus is best in winter, and this recipe puts it on display in a refreshing winter salad. Start by dressing chopped kale with orange juice, olive oil, sugar and garlic. Next, peel and section fresh mandarins, and add them to the salad with sliced jalapeño and goat cheese. Since kale is so hearty, this is the perfect salad to prep and dress in advance.

Get the Recipe:Kale Citrus Salad

Lentil and Orzo Salad with Roasted Cauliflower, Chard and Herbs

For a hearty winter salad that can be served as a side dish or an entrée, try this lentil, cauliflower and orzo salad. The combination of textures makes it filling, and the chopped herbs make it taste extra fresh. Chopped green olives add a pop of savory flavor and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.

Get the Recipe:Lentil and Orzo Salad with Roasted Cauliflower, Chard and Herbs

Winter Layered Salad with Beets and Brussels Sprouts

This layered salad is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck party. It stacks winter’s best vegetables in a colorful, easy-to-devour layout. Barley adds chewy texture and walnuts make it extra crunchy.

Get the Recipe:Winter Layered Salad with Beets and Brussels Sprouts

Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Spiced Pepitas

For a sweet and spicy salad that’s sure to impress your guests, try roasted delicata squash. Before roasting, toss the squash in maple syrup, chili powder and salt to add a sweet, spicy, caramelized flavor. Serve with spiced pepitas, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese.

Get the Recipe:Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Spiced Pepitas

Instant Pot Winter Chicken Panzanella Salad

This easy weeknight dinner tastes like it took all day, thanks to the wondrous convenience of an Instant pot. The bread soaks up the deep flavor of the cooking liquid, which then get tossed with hearty winter greens and pancetta.

Get the Recipe:Instant Pot Winter Chicken Panzanella Salad

Fennel Salad with Blood Oranges

This fun salad is a fantastic way to highlight winter citrus. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines sliced fennel, sectioned blood orange and baby kale. Toss with a homemade vinaigrette and serve with crumbled gorgonzola and chopped hazelnuts.

Get the Recipe:Fennel Salad with Blood Oranges

Beet Salad

Beets add an unmistakable earthiness to any dish they’re featured in, and this recipe is no different. The fresh beets get boiled, peeled and sliced, then tossed with vinegar, mustard and caraway seeds. Next, the tender beets get topped with spicy radishes and served atop crunchy lettuce. Sprinkle with scallions and parsley to serve.

Get the Recipe:Beet Salad

Winter Bread Salad

Ready in under a half hour, this filling dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. Start by crisping stale bread in the oven, then toss cherry tomatoes, garlic and peppers with olive oil and spread on a sheet tray. Bake briefly, then chop, toss and serve with basil and grated parmesan.

Get the Recipe:Winter Bread Salad

Winter Green Salad with Green Apple Vinaigrette

Winter salads don’t always have to be heavy. In fact, this one is perfectly light and refreshing. Ready in just 15 minutes, granny smith apple adds bright, zippy acidity, while escarole, celery and endive make it fresh and crunchy.

Get the Recipe:Winter Green Salad with Green Apple Vinaigrette

Grapefruit-Mint Salad

This incredibly simple recipe can be served as a delicious breakfast or refreshing dessert. All you need are a few grapefruits, some honey and chopped mint. Toss it all together and serve chilled.

Get the Recipe:Grapefruit-Mint Salad

Sheet Pan Salad

A sheet pan salad is perfect for winter dinners because it’s nourishing, warm and nutritious. Ready in under an hour, this recipe features roasted squash, cauliflower, chickpeas and shallots, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. Arugula and pomegranate seeds add extra flavor, while pistachios add crunch.

Get the Recipe:Sheet Pan Salad

Winter Caprese Salad

If you’re looking for an easy salad recipe, this is about as simple as it gets. Five ingredients—including cherry tomatoes, celery, mozzarella, olive oil and lemon juice—are all you need to whip up a fresh and flavorful salad. Toss the ingredients then season with salt and pepper and you’ll have dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes.

Get the Recipe:Winter Caprese Salad

Roasted Vegetables Salad

Roasted vegetables make a great side dish, but they’re even better when served as a salad. Simply cut the vegetables, toss with olive oil and season, then arrange in a single layer on a sheet tray. Roast until fork tender, then toss with the homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Currants add extra sweetness, while goat cheese makes it creamy and tangy.

Get the Recipe:Roasted Vegetables Salad

Brussels Sprout Salad

Brussels Sprouts are hearty when roasted and delicious when raw. This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for whipping up on a busy weeknight. Simply toss the sprout leaves, dried blueberries and cranberries and almonds in a bowl. Drizzle with homemade dressing and serve with shaved Manchego cheese.

Get the Recipe:Brussels Sprout Salad

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