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Salads can be hearty and filling, perfect for any season! These winter salad recipes are delicious main dishes or perfect pairings.
More Collections: Winter Drinks, Winter Dinner Ideas, Winter Soups
We Love Them All Winter!
During the winter, salads are not typically at the top of menu ideas. I frequently order salad when I go out to eat so it’s only natural I crave them at home as well!
Why we love them:
- Easy. Salads are quick and easy to put together!
- Fresh produce. With fresh options year-round, there are delicious choices regardless of the time of year.
- Still filling. They can be quite hearty and filling alone or great to balance out heavier hot dishes.
- Variety. With so many flavor variations, there’s plenty to keep it interesting and yummy!
Elements of a Great Winter Salad
A tasty winter salad includes a variety of flavors and textures.
- Greens. Mix and match 2-3 types of leafy greens.
- A bit sweet. Not sugary dressing, but ingredients that are naturally sweeter like carrots and tomatoes.
- A bit savory. Proteins, boiled eggs, and roasted vegetables add a savory element to a salad.
- Crunch. Use the classic crouton or other ingredients like broccoli, seeds, nuts (pecan and walnuts), and apples.
- Dressing. Toss it or serve it on the side, dressings and vinaigrettes bring all the elements together. Some of our favorite recipes include:
- Homemade Ranch
- Greek Dressing
- Cilantro Lime
- Pesto Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
- Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing
Produce and Protein
- Favorite winter produce.
- Leafy greens. arugula, kale, swiss chard, collard greens, red cabbage, and even baby spinach
- Fruits. orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, pears, pumpkin, apples, cranberries, raisins, pomegranates, pineapple, persimmons, kiwi, bananas, dates, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds
- Veggies. onions, broccoli, beets,brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,celery,green or red onion, fennel, garlic, ginger, leek, parsnips, potatoes, turnips, rutabagas, radish, and roasted sweet potato
- Protein and cheese. Adding protein makes it more nutritious and filling, especially when it is being used as a main dish.
- Protein. grilled beef, shrimp, bacon bits, black, kidney or white beans, boiled eggs, buffalo chicken, chickpeas, eggs, and pepitas
- Cheeses. goat cheese, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese
Best Winter Salads
Filled with winter ingredients and easy to prep, these winter salad ideas are all delicious!
To make sure you have plenty to go around, use these serving suggestions:
- Main dish: 2-2½ cups green salad per person. Add protein for a heartier dish.
- Side dish: 1-2 cups (2½ -5 ounces) per person. Sides may or may not include a protein.
21 Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
SaladBrussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
5 from 9 votes
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22 Kale Salad Recipe
SaladKale Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 8 votes
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23 Antipasto Salad Recipe
SaladAntipasto Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 8 votes
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24 Cobb Salad Recipe
SaladCobb Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 12 votes
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25 Wedge Salad Recipe
SaladWedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 4 votes
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26 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
SaladEasy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.95 from 19 votes
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27 Asparagus Salad Recipe
SaladAsparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
5 from 9 votes
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28 Arugula Salad Recipe
Main Course, Salad, Side DishArugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
5 from 7 votes
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29 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Salad, Side Dish7 Layer Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 20 votes
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30 Waldorf Salad Recipe
SaladWaldorf Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 21 votes
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More Winter Salad Ideas
There won’t be any leftovers with these tasty options. Whip up a big bowl and enjoy the taste of fall!
31 Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
SaladTomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
5 from 10 votes
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32 Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
SaladChicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 21 votes
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33 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
SaladQuick Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
5 from 2 votes
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34 Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
SaladStrawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
5 from 11 votes
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35 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
SaladMozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 11 votes
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36 Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
DressingCreamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
5 from 12 votes
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37 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
SaladSpinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
4.89 from 27 votes
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38 Pistachio Salad Recipe
SaladPistachio Salad Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 112 votes
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39 Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Salad, Side DishAmbrosia Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 9 votes
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40 Cranberry Salad Recipe
Salad, Side DishCranberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
5 from 8 votes
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Filling Winter Salads
Whether it’s to accompany a special meal or serve as a meal on its own, you’re sure to find one of your new favorite salads on this list!
More Collections: Summer Salads, Crock Pot Soup Recipes, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
Categorized as: Extras, Food Roundup, Recipes, Salads, Seasonal Recipes, Winter
About Kristyn
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
More About Kristyn
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