Winter salads are like a breath of fresh air during the chilly months! They bring together vibrant, seasonal ingredients that not only taste amazing but also pack a nutritious punch. I remember the first time I made a winter salad; I was amazed at how the sweet roasted butternut squash paired perfectly with the tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. It was a delightful surprise! This winter salad is refreshing and colorful, making it a perfect side dish or light meal that brightens up those gray days. Trust me, you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to whip up!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of your favorites like spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed (for that sweet, caramelized flavor)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (for a touch of tartness and chewiness)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (to add a nice crunch and nutty flavor)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for a creamy, salty element)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (to give a little zing)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for a rich, smooth dressing)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (to bring everything together with a tangy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this—it enhances all the flavors!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot to roast that butternut squash perfectly.
- While the oven heats up, grab your cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper. Make sure each piece is coated—this is where the flavor magic happens!
- Spread the seasoned squash out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast it in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until it’s tender and caramelized. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells amazing and has a lovely golden color.
- Once the squash is roasting, take a large bowl and combine your mixed greens, roasted squash, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together—don’t worry about being too perfect here!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar until it’s well blended. This dressing is going to elevate your salad, so whisk it good!
- Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture, and toss gently to combine. You want every bite to be flavorful, so make sure it’s evenly distributed!
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing winter salad while it’s fresh. Wow, it’s going to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens up winter meals.
- Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a great way to boost your vitamins during the colder months.
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!
- The combination of textures—from crunchy walnuts to creamy feta—is simply delightful.
- You can customize it endlessly with your favorite toppings or proteins for a heartier dish.
- It’s a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Tips for Success
To make the best winter salad, here are a few handy tips I swear by! First, don’t skimp on seasoning your butternut squash—salt and pepper elevate its natural sweetness. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while roasting for a warm, cozy flavor. You can also mix up the greens; I love adding kale or Swiss chard for a heartier bite. If you’re looking for protein, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa make fantastic additions!
Make the salad ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. If you’re packing it for lunch, layer the dressing at the bottom of your container and add the greens on top to avoid sogginess. And remember, feel free to play around with the ingredients—this salad is all about what you love!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this winter salad! One of my favorite tweaks is to add some grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a protein boost—perfect for making it a filling meal. You can also swap out the feta for goat cheese or even blue cheese if you want a bolder flavor. Feeling zesty? Try adding a splash of orange juice to the dressing for a citrusy twist!
For a little crunch, toss in some apple slices or pomegranate seeds—they add such a lovely pop of color and flavor. And if you’re in the mood for a different dressing, a honey mustard vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing would elevate the salad beautifully. Trust me, the possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this winter salad so special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your winter salad is super easy! If you happen to have any leftovers, just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again—this way, your greens stay crisp and vibrant!
If you’re looking to enjoy it later, there’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold. Just give it a little toss and add your dressing right before serving. If you do want to warm up the roasted butternut squash, you can heat it gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it! You want to keep that delicious salad vibe going strong!
Nutritional Information
This winter salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, but keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on the exact ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
This salad is a great source of vitamins and healthy fats, making it a fabulous choice for a light meal or a refreshing side dish. Enjoy all those wholesome ingredients while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butternut squash with another vegetable?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of butternut squash, sweet potatoes or roasted beets work wonderfully too. They’ll add that lovely sweetness and a pop of color to your winter salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To whip up a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese, or swap it out for a plant-based cheese. You can also add some avocado for creaminess!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy!
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa are fantastic additions. They’ll make it more filling and satisfying for a complete meal.
How long will the winter salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, it can last about 2–3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp!
Winter Salad: 7 Delicious Ingredients for Comfort Cooking
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing winter salad filled with seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup 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.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, cranberries, walnuts, feta, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; just add dressing before serving.
- Adjust ingredients based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: winter salad, healthy salad, seasonal salad
