Description
This Winter Salad Recipe brings brightness to colder months with a blend of roasted root vegetables, fresh greens, citrus fruit, and toasted nuts or seeds. It’s nutrient-packed and visually stunning, with layers of flavor and texture that make it just as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday table. Sweet, savory, crisp, and tangy, this salad delivers it all in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby kale, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash or sweet potato, cubed
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries
- 1 orange or blood orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed squash or sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes or until golden and tender. Cool slightly. - Make the dressing:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon, maple syrup, vinegar (or lemon juice), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl or platter, layer the greens, roasted veggies, red cabbage, onion, citrus slices, and pomegranate seeds. - Add toppings:
Sprinkle with cheese and toasted nuts or seeds. - Dress & toss:
Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Make ahead: Roast veggies and prep dressing a day in advance. Assemble just before serving.
- Make it vegan: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add grains: Toss in farro, quinoa, or wild rice for a heartier salad.
- Switch the citrus: Try grapefruit or tangerine segments for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasted + Assembled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg