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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

Collage of winter salad recipes.


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!
Waldorf salad topped with dressing in a white bowl.

Elements of a Great Winter Salad

A tasty winter salad includes a variety of flavors and textures.

Tortellini Salad served in a glass bowl.

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

Salad Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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2 Kale Salad Recipe

Salad Kale Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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3 Antipasto Salad Recipe

Salad Antipasto Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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4 Cobb Salad Recipe

Salad Cobb Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 12 votes
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5 Wedge Salad Recipe

Salad Wedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
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6 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 19 votes
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7 Asparagus Salad Recipe

Salad Asparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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8 Arugula Salad Recipe

Main Course, Salad, Side Dish Arugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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9 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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10 Waldorf Salad Recipe

Salad Waldorf Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
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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

Salad Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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12 Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Salad Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
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13 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe

Salad Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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14 Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Salad Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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15 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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16 Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe

Dressing Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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17 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.89 from 27 votes
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18 Pistachio Salad Recipe

Salad Pistachio Salad Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 112 votes
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19 Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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20 Cranberry Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish Cranberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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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



About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 Comments

  1. 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.