11 Winter Salad Recipes to Warm Your Heart in 2025

As the winter months approach, our taste buds often crave warm, comforting dishes that can help us brave the cold weather.

However, salads are often overlooked during this time, with many assuming that they are best suited for the warmer months.

But, winter salads can be just as delicious and satisfying, if not more so, than their summer counterparts.

In this article, we will explore 11 winter salad recipes that are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

This salad is a perfect representation of winter’s bounty. Roasted butternut squash adds a sweet and nutty flavor, while curly kale provides a nice crunch. The addition of crumbled blue cheese and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings the whole dish together.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• To assemble the salad, combine the roasted butternut squash, kale, blue cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl. Drizzle with the apple cider vinaigrette and toss to combine.

2. Winter Citrus and Arugula Salad

This salad is a refreshing and light way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of juicy citrus segments, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese is a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup mixed citrus segments (such as blood oranges, navel oranges, and grapefruits)
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the arugula, citrus segments, and goat cheese.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the salad and serve.

3. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This salad is a hearty and filling way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of cooked quinoa, black beans, and roasted sweet potatoes provides a nice boost of protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and chopped cilantro.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate Salad

This salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and chopped pecans.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

5. Kale and Cranberry Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This salad is a refreshing and tangy way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of curly kale, juicy cranberries, and creamy goat cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the cranberries, goat cheese, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the kale.
• Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.

6. Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad

This salad is a creamy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of roasted carrots, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted carrots, diced avocado, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

7. Spicy Pumpkin and Kale Salad

This salad is a spicy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of roasted pumpkin, curly kale, and creamy goat cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the roasted pumpkin, goat cheese, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the kale.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

8. Winter Greens and Pear Salad

This salad is a refreshing and light way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of mixed winter greens, juicy pear, and creamy blue cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed winter greens
• 1 ripe pear, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the mixed winter greens, diced pear, and blue cheese.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad and serve.

9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This salad is a sweet and earthy way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 2 large beets, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and arugula.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad and serve.

10. Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

This salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of roasted butternut squash, juicy apple, and tangy blue cheese is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, diced apple, and blue cheese.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the salad and serve.

11. Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

This salad is a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of curly kale, cooked quinoa, and creamy lemon-tahini dressing is a perfect representation of the season’s produce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, massage the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, tahini, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, and chopped almonds to the bowl with the kale.
• Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Tips and Variations

• To add some crunch to your winter salads, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
• For a burst of citrus flavor, try adding some freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice to your salad dressing.
• To make your winter salads more substantial, try adding some cooked grains, such as quinoa or farro, or some roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts.
• For a creamy and indulgent treat, try adding some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese to your winter salads.

Conclusion

Winter salads are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With a variety of ingredients to choose from, including roasted vegetables, fresh citrus, and creamy cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and satisfying meal, these 11 winter salad recipes are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. So go ahead, get creative, and start building your own winter salads today!