These easy winter salad ideas feature hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and simple recipes to keep meals fresh and satisfying!
Winter might be chilly, but your salads don’t have to be boring!
When the cold weather hits, it’s the perfect time to swap out those light summer greens for hearty, cozy ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
Think roasted veggies, crisp apples, tangy citrus, and a sprinkle of nuts or cheese to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a vibrant addition to your holiday spread, these easy winter salad ideas have got you covered.
They’re simple to whip up, full of nutrients, and totally satisfying.
Let’s dive in and give your winter meals a refreshing twist!
Easy Winter Salad Ideas
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1. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Get The Full Recipe On Tastes Better From Scratch
A hearty salad with roasted butternut squash, pecans, bacon, cranberries, parmesan, and balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s great for meal prepping—just pack it with dressing on the side.
Perfect for enjoying throughout the week!
2. Kale Citrus Salad (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Minimalist Baker
This vibrant kale salad combines sweet and tangy fruits, pickled red onions, and a red wine vinaigrette.
It’s crunchy, refreshing, and ready in just 30 minutes.
A great choice for a light lunch or side dish!
3. Zesty Lentil Spinach Salad
Get The Full Recipe On Gimme Some Oven
A flavorful mix of garlicky sautéed veggies, hearty lentils, and fresh spinach with tangy lemon juice.
Delicious served warm and equally good as leftovers.
Perfect for meal prep or a wholesome dinner!
4. Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Recipe Tin Eats
A fresh and flavorful salad with apple slices, candied walnuts, and cranberries.
The candied nuts and plumped cranberries add an extra special touch.
Best paired with a simple dressing to let the ingredients shine.
5. Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Get The Full Recipe On Natasha’s Kitchen
A stunning and easy-to-make beet salad with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s flavorful and perfect for holidays, entertaining, or a casual dinner.
Fancy-looking but simple to prepare!
6. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On The Endless Meal
A seasonal twist on the classic Caesar salad featuring raw and roasted brussels sprouts.
Tossed with crunchy croutons and homemade Caesar dressing, it’s an ideal cool-weather side.
Ready in 45 minutes!
7. Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing
Get The Full Recipe On Pinch of Yum
A satisfying grain bowl with roasted root veggies, hearty grains, dark greens, and goat cheese.
Topped with creamy balsamic dressing for a delicious mix of flavors. Perfect for a cozy winter meal!
8. Purple Cabbage and Carrot Slaw (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Cook at Home Mom
A colorful slaw made with purple cabbage and carrots, offering a creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy bite.
Great as a healthy side dish for BBQs or cookouts. A new favorite for any gathering!
9. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Magic Green Sauce
Get The Full Recipe On Minimalist Baker
A quick 30-minute salad with roasted veggies, greens, and macadamia nut cheese.
Tossed with a chimichurri-inspired dressing, it’s a vibrant and satisfying plant-based meal. Perfect as a side or main dish!
10. Spinach and Pomegranate Salad (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Wholefully
A bright, flavorful salad made with fresh spinach and pomegranate seeds.
Packed with nutrition and color, it’s paired with a tangy clementine vinaigrette.
Perfect for adding a festive touch to any table!
11. Chickpea Avocado Salad
Get The Full Recipe On Cooking with Ayeh
A light and healthy salad packed with chickpeas, veggies, and creamy avocado.
It works well as a main meal, side dish, or meal prep option.
Balanced with protein and carbs for a filling lunch!
12. Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette (winter salad ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Claudia’s Table
A colorful winter salad with radicchio, frisée, sweet pears, and cooked farro.
Topped with sharp cheddar, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette, it offers a mix of textures and flavors.
Ideal for fall and winter meals!
12 Easy Winter Salad Ideas That Are Perfect for Cold Weather
Ingredients
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- Kale Citrus Salad
- Zesty Lentil Spinach Salad
- Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
- Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
- Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing
- Purple Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
- Roasted Vegetable Salad with Magic Green Sauce
- Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
- Chickpea Avocado Salad
- Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Select your choice of easy winter salad ideas from the article.
- Click on the link to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Get ready to prep, cook, and enjoy!
Which one of these easy winter salad ideas will you try? Let us know in the comments!
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