Cozy Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

Crisp winter nights call for a vibrant winter salad that bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Seasonal greens dance alongside roasted root vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Crunchy nuts and tangy cheese add delightful surprises to each forkful.

Sweet and earthy ingredients mingle beautifully beneath a zesty homemade vinaigrette.

Colorful ingredients promise to brighten even the coldest evening at your dinner table.

Fresh herbs scattered throughout elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this nourishing winter masterpiece.

Why This Winter Salad Keeps Things Fresh and Balanced

• Embrace winter's bounty with a colorful salad that showcases fresh, hearty ingredients like Brussels sprouts and roasted butternut squash.
• Whip up this nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Combine antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds, protein-packed nuts, and crisp greens for a wholesome dish that nourishes your body.
• Impress guests at holiday parties or enjoy as a satisfying lunch with its delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

What You’ll Need for Winter Salad with Vinaigrette

• Mixed Greens: A fresh, light foundation with various leaf textures for a vibrant winter salad.
• Brussels Sprouts: Crisp, nutty vegetable that adds crunch and earthy flavor.
• Butternut Squash: Roasted sweet vegetable providing warmth and rich golden color.

• Pomegranate Seeds: Bright, jewel-like seeds that offer sweet-tart burst and festive appearance.
• Apple Slices: Crisp fruit adding fresh sweetness and additional texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy, slightly tart berries that complement winter flavors.

• Crumbled Cheese: Tangy, creamy element that adds richness to the salad.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts providing nutty crunch and winter warmth.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing with rich, fruity undertones.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances and brightens the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that helps emulsify and add depth.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener with deep, complex flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that enhances overall dressing brightness.

• Garlic Powder: Subtle, savory background note.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that brings out ingredient tastes.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat.

How to Toss a Salad with Sweet and Tangy Notes

Step 1: Prep Hearty Greens

• Mixed salad greens
• Brussels sprouts

Wash and chop greens thoroughly. Thinly slice Brussels sprouts for delicate texture.

Step 2: Roast Butternut Squash

• Butternut squash
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cube squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven at 425°F until golden and caramelized, approximately 25 minutes.

Step 3: Slice Fresh Fruits

• Apples
• Pomegranate seeds

Thinly slice crisp apples. Separate pomegranate seeds for bright color and burst of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings

• Pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Crumbled cheese

Toast pecans lightly. Sprinkle pecans, cranberries, and cheese over salad for delightful texture.

Step 5: Whip Up Tangy Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in jar. Shake vigorously until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Gently toss all ingredients. Drizzle vinaigrette just before serving. Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness.

Pro Tips for Crisp, Colorful Winter Greens

• Massage Brussels Sprouts: Soften raw Brussels sprouts by gently massaging them with a bit of olive oil to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
• Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes for even roasting, ensuring caramelized edges and tender centers without burning.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap crumbled cheese with goat cheese, feta, or vegan alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and taste profiles.
• Balance Vinaigrette Flavors: Adjust maple syrup and vinegar ratios to create a harmonious sweet-tangy dressing that complements the salad's ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Prep: Chop vegetables and store separately, prepare vinaigrette in advance, and assemble just before serving to maintain fresh, crisp textures.

How to Chill and Serve Winter Salad Later

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Keep crispy ingredients like pecans and cheese on the side to maintain their texture when storing.
• Before serving, let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and give a quick toss to redistribute ingredients.
• Toss out any salad that looks wilted, discolored, or smells off to ensure food safety.

What Matches Well with This Seasonal Salad

• Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright, tangy flavors and cuts through the richness of cheese and pecans.
• Create a refreshing drink with citrus-infused sparkling water, adding a few pomegranate seeds for a festive winter touch that echoes the salad's fruity notes.
• Choose a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a satisfying textural contrast and help soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
• Add a simple herb-roasted chicken breast to transform the salad into a complete meal, balancing the light greens with protein-rich meat.

FAQs for Winter Salad Lovers

• What makes this winter salad different from other salads?

This winter salad combines seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and Brussels sprouts, creating a unique blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of cold-weather eating.

• Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

• How can I ensure the Brussels sprouts are tender and not bitter?

Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts and massage them with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding to the salad. This helps soften them and reduce any potential bitterness.

• Is this salad nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The salad offers a mix of greens, roasted vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheese, providing a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Ideas to Customize Your Winter Salad

• Vegan Winter Harvest: Replace cheese with roasted chickpeas or tofu crumbles, use agave instead of maple syrup, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Seasonal Blend: Swap pecans with pumpkin seeds or almonds, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use tamari instead of traditional vinaigrette ingredients.
• Low-Carb Winter Medley: Substitute butternut squash with roasted cauliflower, remove pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries, and add extra nuts for crunch and healthy fats.
• Protein-Packed Winter Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken or smoked salmon, add quinoa for extra protein, and include hemp seeds for additional nutritional boost.

Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Winter salad with homemade vinaigrette brings crisp seasonal greens dancing with tangy citrus notes. Refreshing ingredients mingle beneath a zesty dressing, creating a light yet satisfying dish that perfectly captures cold-weather culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, or a blend)
• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) thinly sliced Brussels sprouts (optional)
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) candied pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) thinly sliced red onion

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice Brussels sprouts thinly using a sharp knife, creating delicate ribbons that will add texture to the winter salad.
2. Roast butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet, seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper until edges turn golden and caramelized.
3. Layer mixed greens as the foundational base in a spacious serving bowl, creating a vibrant green canvas.
4. Scatter roasted butternut squash pieces across the greens, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor in each bite.
5. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds throughout the salad, adding jewel-like bursts of color and tangy sweetness.
6. Arrange thinly sliced apple wedges around the salad, providing crisp and refreshing notes.
7. Crumble cheese generously over the top, allowing its creamy texture to contrast with the crunchy elements.
8. Distribute toasted pecans for a rich, nutty undertone and satisfying crunch.
9. Disperse dried cranberries to introduce subtle sweetness and additional textural complexity.
10. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small jar until emulsified and smooth.
11. Drizzle vinaigrette carefully over the salad, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated without drowning the delicate components.

Notes

• Swap greens easily based on seasonal availability or personal preference, ensuring the salad remains fresh and exciting.
• Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Prep ingredients in advance to make assembly quick and stress-free, perfect for busy weeknight meals or last-minute entertaining.
• Customize the vinaigrette by adjusting sweetness with maple syrup or adding herbs like thyme for a personalized touch that suits your taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg