13 Winter Salad Recipes To Try This Season

Regardless of the season, salads are always in my regular recipe rotation, and I serve them up at least a couple of times a week. They’re typically super easy to prepare, packed full of goodness, and they’re perfect for those evenings when you’re just in the mood for something a little lighter! That’s why I’ve created this collection of 13 of my favorite winter salad recipes. 

Here’s why I think you’ll love them: 

• They’re a celebration of all the beautifully fresh seasonal produce that home cooks can easily get their hands on at this time of the year, including sprouts, sweet potatoes, figs, and beetroot
• They’re wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as part of a holiday buffet. Most of them are veggie friendly, though if you want to add some extra protein, you can toss in some shredded chicken or turkey (and they’re fantastic for serving alongside leftover sliced cold meats, or piling into a festive leftovers sandwich!) 
• They’re vibrant and colorful, so if you’re looking for something Instagram worthy to impress a crowd, they’re great options
• They’re light, but satisfying – making them ideal for when you want comfort food, but want to keep it light

(My personal favorite is the #13, the winter grain bowl salad – I’m eating it on repeat right now, and if you only try one recipe from this list, I recommend that it’s that one!) 

Let’s get going… 

1. Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad

This salad features a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making this salad a wonderful side or main course that’s warm and hearty.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Check regularly to avoid burning. 
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

2. Cranberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This vibrant, colorful salad combines hearty kale, protein-packed quinoa, and tart cranberries, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s not only colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice that’s perfect for winter! My top tip: before adding the kale, massage it gently between your fingers with a little extra virgin olive oil. This breaks it down slightly, giving it a more pleasant texture for chewing. Trust me, this is an absolute game changer if you’re not usually a kale lover! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, kale, cranberries, almonds, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

3. Brussels Sprout and Bacon Salad

This hearty salad features shredded Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a tangy lemon dressing for a delightful crunch. The smoky flavor of bacon paired with fresh Brussels sprouts creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s great as a side or a main. Sprouts get a bit of a bad reputation – likely because many of us remember being served up over-boiled veggies at the Christmas dinner table as kids – but this dish proves that they can be delicious when prepared with a little extra care! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

4. Warm Spinach and Mushroom Salad

A warm winter salad is always a good idea when you fancy something light yet still in keeping with the mood of the season. This dish combines fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms with a warm vinaigrette, making it perfect for a cozy winter evening. The warm dressing wilts the spinach slightly, creating a comforting salad that’s full of flavor. I love serving this one with steak, though it’s just as good on its own. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions; sauté until softened.
2. In a bowl, combine spinach, sautéed mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss gently and serve warm.

5. Turkey and Cranberry Winter Salad

This festive salad features roasted turkey, tart cranberries, and mixed greens, all drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It’s a wonderful way to use leftover turkey after the holidays while adding a burst of seasonal flavor! I often make this one during that weird period between Christmas and New Year when you’re not sure what day it is or what you should have to eat. It’s a light and refreshing change from the usual fayre of the season, whilst still celebrating the time of year. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

6. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

This visually stunning salad includes roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts for a satisfying winter dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes this a standout salad that’s perfect for impressing guests! It’s great as a starter or a side dish, or even a light main course. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine roasted beets, greens, walnuts, and goat cheese.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

7. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This hearty salad features roasted cauliflower florets tossed with a tangy honey mustard dressing, making it a flavorful side. A great choice for using up leftover cauliflower if you’re bored of just having it steamed! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Toss roasted cauliflower with dressing before serving, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color. 

8. Apple Cheddar Winter Salad

This refreshing salad combines crisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and mixed greens with a sweet vinaigrette. I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, cheddar cheese, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

9. Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate Salad

This colorful, festive winter salad is another celebration of the humble sprout! It’s super easy to prepare and it’s perfect for when you want a warm dish that’s still light and full of goodness. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast Brussels sprouts until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts and pomegranate seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

10. Chicken and Pear Salad

I first made this salad last winter when I was looking for ways to use up a bunch of leftovers that were lurking in the bottom of my fridge! The sweetness of the pear teams wonderfully with the sharpness of blue cheese, and the addition of shredded chicken means that it packs a protein punch, too. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 pear, sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, pear slices, mixed greens, walnuts, and blue cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and balsamic, and drizzle over the salad. 

11. Moroccan Lentil Carrot Salad

Packed with protein and flavor, this salad is both satisfying and healthy, making it a great addition to your winter menu! It’s a great choice for a vegetarian main course. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook lentils in boiling water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, grated carrots, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

12. Fig Arugula Salad

This elegant winter salad is a real showstopper, and it’s one of my favorites for when I want to impress a crowd. I’ve made it for dinner parties, holiday buffets, though also just for a midweek meal when I’ve got fresh ingredients that need using up. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup fresh figs, chopped
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 3 tbsp balsamic reduction
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, figs, goat cheese, and walnuts.
2. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine before serving.

13. Winter Grain Bowl Salad

This hearty grain bowl is filled with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it a wholesome and filling option for winter meals. It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a fantastic option for meal prep! This is probably one of my all-time favorites, and I just love tucking into it on a chilly winter day! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 2 cups mixed roasted vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the grain bowl and toss to combine.

These 13 Best Winter Salad Recipes are sure to brighten up your winter meals and keep things fresh and exciting on your dinner table. Packed with seasonal ingredients, they offer a  beautiful mix of flavors and textures that are perfect for warming up those chilly evenings. Before you go, leave a comment below and share which ones you’ll be making!