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Salads can be hearty and filling, perfect for any season! These winter salad recipes are delicious main dishes or perfect pairings.
More Collections: Winter Drinks, Winter Dinner Ideas, Winter Soups
We Love Them All Winter!
During the winter, salads are not typically at the top of menu ideas. I frequently order salad when I go out to eat so it’s only natural I crave them at home as well!
Why we love them:
- Easy. Salads are quick and easy to put together!
- Fresh produce. With fresh options year-round, there are delicious choices regardless of the time of year.
- Still filling. They can be quite hearty and filling alone or great to balance out heavier hot dishes.
- Variety. With so many flavor variations, there’s plenty to keep it interesting and yummy!
Elements of a Great Winter Salad
A tasty winter salad includes a variety of flavors and textures.
- Greens. Mix and match 2-3 types of leafy greens.
- A bit sweet. Not sugary dressing, but ingredients that are naturally sweeter like carrots and tomatoes.
- A bit savory. Proteins, boiled eggs, and roasted vegetables add a savory element to a salad.
- Crunch. Use the classic crouton or other ingredients like broccoli, seeds, nuts (pecan and walnuts), and apples.
- Dressing. Toss it or serve it on the side, dressings and vinaigrettes bring all the elements together. Some of our favorite recipes include:
Produce and Protein
- Favorite winter produce.
- Leafy greens. arugula, kale, swiss chard, collard greens, red cabbage, and even baby spinach
- Fruits. orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, pears, pumpkin, apples, cranberries, raisins, pomegranates, pineapple, persimmons, kiwi, bananas, dates, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds
- Veggies. onions, broccoli, beets, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, green or red onion, fennel, garlic, ginger, leek, parsnips, potatoes, turnips, rutabagas, radish, and roasted sweet potato
- Protein and cheese. Adding protein makes it more nutritious and filling, especially when it is being used as a main dish.
- Protein. grilled beef, shrimp, bacon bits, black, kidney or white beans, boiled eggs, buffalo chicken, chickpeas, eggs, and pepitas
- Cheeses. goat cheese, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese
Best Winter Salads
Filled with winter ingredients and easy to prep, these winter salad ideas are all delicious!
To make sure you have plenty to go around, use these serving suggestions:
- Main dish: 2-2½ cups green salad per person. Add protein for a heartier dish.
- Side dish: 1-2 cups (2½ -5 ounces) per person. Sides may or may not include a protein.
1 Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
2 Kale Salad Recipe
3 Antipasto Salad
4 Cobb Salad
5 Wedge Salad Recipe
6 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
7 Asparagus Salad Recipe
8 Arugula Salad Recipe
9 7 Layer Salad Recipe
10 Waldorf Salad Recipe
More Winter Salad Ideas
There won’t be any leftovers with these tasty options. Whip up a big bowl and enjoy the taste of fall!
11 Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
12 Chicken Caesar Salad
13 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
14 Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
15 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
16 Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
17 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
18 Pistachio Salad Recipe
19 Ambrosia Salad Recipe
20 Cranberry Salad Recipe
Filling Winter Salads
Whether it’s to accompany a special meal or serve as a meal on its own, you’re sure to find one of your new favorite salads on this list!
More Collections: Summer Salads, Crock Pot Soup Recipes, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
So many great options! I made the southwest quinoa salad and loved it, can’t wait to try more!
I said so many of these! Thank you so much for this list
I’ve tried a few of these salad recipes and loved them! I can see myself making these year around not just during the winter time.
I love all your chicken topped salads that i’ve tried particularly the strawberry harvest.
I can eat a salad anytime of the year. Even during the winter time. So much to choose from. Love this site!