Winter Salad – Perfectly Refreshing and Nutritious
Short introduction
Table of Contents
Winter salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the freshness of greens with the sweetness of citrus and the crunch of nuts. It features a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice to brighten up the colder months when hearty, heavy meals often dominate. This salad is not just colorful and appealing; it’s also packed with nutrients that keep you energized during the winter.
Why you’ll love it
This winter salad is loved for many reasons. It’s a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals thanks to the diverse ingredients. The combination of mixed greens, citrus fruits, and pomegranate seeds provides a boost of antioxidants, which can help support your immune system. The feta adds creamy richness and calcium, while candied pecans bring a sweet crunch that elevates the flavor profile. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be served in just minutes, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementines, or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily customize this winter salad. If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries are a fantastic substitute. For a different flavor twist, try using walnuts instead of pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. You can replace feta cheese with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative to cater to different dietary needs.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by washing the mixed greens and pat them dry. Segment the oranges and gather pomegranate seeds or cranberries. Crumble the feta cheese and chop the candied pecans.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the salad to your preference and gently toss to coat the salad evenly. You may have leftover dressing, which can be stored for later use.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the salad to plates or a large serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Success tips
When making this winter salad, ensure the ingredients are fresh for the best taste and texture. If you want to keep the greens crisp, add the dressing just before serving. Too much time with the dressing can make the greens soggy. Be mindful of the amount of dressing you add; it’s always possible to add more, but much harder to take it away.
How to serve
This winter salad makes a lovely side dish for various main courses, such as roasted meats or grilled fish. It can also stand alone as a light lunch or dinner, especially with the addition of a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Feel free to garnish with more nuts or seeds for an added crunch.
Storage & reheating
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the salad within 2-3 days, but the greens may begin to wilt if stored with the dressing for too long. The dressing can last for about a week in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare the winter salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
2. Are there any alternatives to candied pecans?
Yes, you can substitute with any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or walnuts, or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
3. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing, or replace the honey with maple syrup.
4. Does this salad have to include pomegranate seeds?
No, if you can’t find pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries or even sliced apples can provide a delicious sweet flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This winter salad is loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and healthy fats. Each ingredient plays a role in offering health benefits, from the greens to the nuts and fruits.
Conclusion
Winter salad is a delightful dish that brings brightness to the colder days. Full of vibrant flavors and textures, it’s not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly nutritious. Try making this salad for your next meal—your taste buds will thank you!
Links to related recipes
- Citrus Quinoa Salad
- Kale and Apple Salad
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Spinach Berry Salad
Winter Salad
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 ¼ cups orange segments (mandarins, clementines, or tangerines)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries as a substitute)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Can be substituted with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
- ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped Can be substituted with walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the mixed greens and pat them dry.
- Segment the oranges and gather pomegranate seeds or cranberries.
- Crumble the feta cheese and chop the candied pecans.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad to your preference and gently toss to coat the salad evenly.
- You may have leftover dressing, which can be stored for later use.
Serve
- Transfer the salad to plates or a large serving bowl and enjoy immediately.