Winter salads are a delightful way to embrace the season’s bounty while keeping things light and refreshing. When the weather outside is chilly, it’s easy to crave hearty comfort food, but this winter salad is the perfect balance of health and flavor. Packed with vibrant seasonal ingredients like roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet butternut squash, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a warm hug for your taste buds. The crunch of pomegranate seeds and the creaminess of feta cheese add layers of texture that make each bite memorable. Trust me, this winter salad will brighten up your plate and warm your heart, making it a must-have during these colder months!
Ingredients for Winter Salad
- 3 cups mixed greens: Use a variety like arugula, spinach, or kale for a fresh base.
- 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved for that perfect caramelization.
- 1 cup diced butternut squash: Peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes, adding sweetness and color.
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: For a burst of juicy flavor and a festive touch!
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Toasted if you like, for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds creaminess and a tangy kick to the mix.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: For a sweet and tangy dressing that ties it all together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always important to season your salad just right!
How to Prepare Your Winter Salad
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic happens—roasting brings out the natural sweetness in those veggies!
- Next, grab your diced butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until it’s tender and caramelized.
- While the squash is doing its thing, prepare your Brussels sprouts! Trim and halve them, then toss them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. After the squash has roasted for about 5 minutes, add the Brussels sprouts to the oven. Roast them for around 20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy on the edges.
- Once your veggies are roasted to perfection, let them cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine your mixed greens, roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta cheese. This is where you get to see all those gorgeous colors come together!
- Finally, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over your salad and gently toss everything together. Serve it immediately for the freshest taste!
Why You’ll Love This Winter Salad
- Packed with seasonal ingredients that celebrate winter’s bounty.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich in flavor with a delightful mix of textures—from crunchy walnuts to juicy pomegranate seeds.
- Healthy and satisfying, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious meal.
- Visually stunning, it’s a showstopper for any holiday gathering!
Tips for Success with Your Winter Salad
To make this winter salad truly shine, always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find. Seasonal produce not only tastes better but also packs the most nutrients! When roasting your vegetables, give them enough space on the baking sheet—crowding can lead to steaming instead of that delightful caramelization we want. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning; a good sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors significantly. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider toasting your walnuts before adding them for an extra layer of flavor. And remember, serve it fresh for the best taste—this salad is at its peak right after you toss it together!
Variations on Winter Salad
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for an extra punch of protein, making it even more filling.
- Different Greens: Swap the mixed greens for baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick, or even use kale for a heartier base.
- Dress it Up: Try a citrus vinaigrette with orange juice and olive oil instead of balsamic for a refreshing twist.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or blue cheese can bring a new flavor dimension to the salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your winter salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to two days, but I recommend enjoying it as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture. If you’ve dressed the salad, the greens may wilt faster, so consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. As for reheating, I suggest avoiding the microwave since it can make the greens soggy. Instead, enjoy the roasted veggies at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat, then toss them back with fresh greens for a delightful second serving!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for this winter salad may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I’ve provided a general overview of the calories and nutrients, it’s essential to remember that precise nutritional data isn’t provided. For the most accurate information, consider using a nutrition calculator based on your exact ingredients. Enjoy your healthy meal!
FAQ About Winter Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the vegetables and prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep the greens crisp!
What if I can’t find pomegranate seeds?
No worries! You can substitute with dried cranberries or sliced apples for a similar sweetness and crunch.
Is this winter salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. It’ll still be delicious!
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This winter salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t add any gluten-containing ingredients. Enjoy it worry-free!
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course, especially alongside grilled meats!
Winter Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Delicious Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing winter salad packed with seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Roast Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes until golden.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted vegetables, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any seasonal greens you prefer.
- Can add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting and tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: winter salad, healthy salad, seasonal ingredients
