This Winter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for the colder months. With a mix of delightful flavors and textures, this salad combines mixed greens, sweet citrus, and crunchy pecans. People often search for a winter salad when looking for healthy yet satisfying side dishes for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or everyday meals. This recipe is designed to deliver a nutritious option that is simple to prepare and leaves a lasting impression. It’s not only healthy but also visually appealing, making it a go-to choice for those aiming to eat well during the winter season.
Why Make This Recipe
This Winter Salad is extremely easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With minimal cooking involved, it relies on fresh ingredients to provide robust flavors. The combination of sweetness from the orange segments and a savory touch from feta cheese creates an enjoyable taste experience. The crunchy candied pecans add texture, making each bite satisfying. Furthermore, preparing this salad takes less than 15 minutes, saving you valuable time in the kitchen while ensuring your meal is both healthy and delicious.
How to Make Winter Salad
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Segment the oranges and set them aside. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot until smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 7 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 1/4 cups orange segments (mandarin, clementines or tangerines)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries)
- 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
Directions
Place the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and candied pecans in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot. Whisk until the dressing is smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture according to your taste preference. Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly. Be mindful that you may have dressing left over. Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Winter Salad
This Winter Salad makes a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, baked fish, or hearty winter soups. It’s ideal for holiday dinners or festive gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal or serve it as a light lunch option. Additionally, this salad works great at potlucks, where it can impress guests with its combination of colors and flavors.
How to Store Winter Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture. If you choose to combine the dressing with the salad, consume it within 24 hours for the best quality. Freezing is not recommended, as the greens and dressing may lose their texture.
Tips to Make Winter Salad
- Texture: Ensure your mixed greens are thoroughly dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to suit your preferences. More honey can enhance the sweetness nicely.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid over-tossing—the salad can become limp if handled too roughly.
- Best Results: Use fresh, in-season oranges for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Add-Ons: Consider including additional toppings like sliced avocado or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Serving Size: To serve a larger crowd, simply double the quantities and prepare in a larger bowl.
Variation
No variations available
FAQs
Can I use other greens?
Yes, you can substitute mixed spring greens with arugula, spinach, or kale for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine them and add the dressing just before serving.
What can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?
Consider using dried cranberries or sliced strawberries as a sweet alternative.
Can I customize the nuts used in this salad?
Absolutely! While pecans add a nice sweetness, walnuts or almonds can also work well and provide different flavor notes.
Winter Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
- Segment the oranges and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced shallot until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.