25+ Winter Salad Recipes for Cozy Holiday and Weeknight Meals
This collection of fresh, vibrant Winter Salad Recipes will brighten even the coldest days. These salads showcase winter produce, deliver bold flavor, and work well for everyday meals as well as holiday gatherings.
Salads might not be the first thing you think of in winter, but I enjoy them every day, no matter the temperature. Crisp fruits and vegetables bring brightness to heavy winter meals and pair beautifully with comfort dishes like beef bourguignon or butternut squash risotto.
I love combining seasonal ingredients such as pomegranate, citrus and kale with less-used items like fennel, chicories and cabbage to create interesting textures and flavors.
This curated list of over 25 Winter Salad Recipes provides fresh ways to use winter produce and will help you keep salads on the menu through the season.
Tips for the best winter salads
Choose seasonal winter fruits and vegetables for the best flavor and texture. In-season produce is typically fresher and more flavorful. See the list of seasonal winter produce in the section below.
Shop local when possible—farmer’s markets and locally labeled produce often offer superior freshness.
Opt for organic produce when you can, especially for items that tend to carry more pesticide residues.
Make dressings at home to lift the flavors of your salad. A simple homemade vinaigrette or creamy dressing will make a big difference.
Seasonal winter produce
Winter offers plenty of produce that shines in salads. Think citrus, pomegranates, persimmons, apples, pears, root vegetables, brassicas (like kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts), fennel, chicories and winter squash. The exact availability varies by region, so check local markets for what’s freshest near you.
More seasonal salad recipes you’ll love:
Fall salad recipes
Spring salad recipes
Summer salad recipes
Winter Salad Ideas
Below are more than 25 winter salad ideas to keep your meals bright all season. You’ll find green salads, slaws and grain salads that use citrus, root vegetables, squash, avocado and other seasonal ingredients.
These recipes are versatile enough for everyday dinners, elegant enough for holiday tables, and convenient for meal prep.
Arugula and Fennel Salad
A crisp salad of peppery arugula and thinly sliced fennel, finished with a bright lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. Simple, elegant and ready in minutes.
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Asian Black Rice Salad
A hearty salad of black (forbidden) rice with edamame, juicy orange segments and crunchy vegetables, tossed in a ginger-orange dressing. Great as a vegetarian main or packed lunch.
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Arugula Orange Pomegranate Salad
Vibrant arugula paired with sweet orange and pomegranate arils, finished with a tangy pomegranate dressing for double pomegranate flavor. Bright, refreshing and colorful.
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Broccoli Kale Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
A winter take on broccoli salad with hearty kale, crisp apple, dried cherries and a bright lemon poppy seed dressing. Crunchy, nutritious and ideal for meal prep.
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Broccoli Slaw
A crunchy, creamy slaw that pairs well with roasted chicken, burgers or grilled shrimp. A family favorite that travels well to potlucks and gatherings.
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Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado
Tender butter lettuce with creamy avocado, peppery radish and fresh chives, dressed in a tangy lemon-dijon vinaigrette. Simple, fresh and easily customizable.
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Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
A hearty grain salad featuring roasted butternut squash and quinoa — filling enough for a main course and excellent for make-ahead lunches.
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Frisee Citrus Salad
A no-greens salad that highlights a variety of citrus, crunchy fennel and creamy avocado with a sweet-tangy orange vinaigrette — bright and elegant.
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Classic Coleslaw Recipe
A timeless coleslaw that works year-round — creamy, tangy and a great side for casual meals or game day spreads.
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Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Caramelized delicata squash combined with kale, pomegranate and feta, tossed in a tangy apple-cider vinaigrette for a festive salad.
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Endive Salad Bites with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Pecans
Crisp endive leaves topped with pear, blue cheese and pecans make an easy, elegant appetizer perfect for parties and holiday tables.
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Fall Harvest Salad
A hearty mix of kale, roasted squash, apple, feta and toasted pecans with apple-cider dressing — great for meal prep or as a holiday side.
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French Carrot Salad
A classic and versatile salad of grated carrots dressed with lemon and Dijon — refreshingly simple and ready in minutes.
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Holiday Salad with Kale, Persimmon and Pomegranate
A festive salad of kale, persimmon, pomegranate, goat cheese and pecans with a citrus-maple dressing — striking and flavorful for special meals.
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Italian Tricolore Salad
A sharp mix of arugula, radicchio and endive with shaved Parmesan and a red wine vinaigrette — bold, bitter and balanced.
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Kale Apple Salad
A nutrient-packed salad of massaged kale, crisp apple, pomegranate and pepitas dressed in a tangy apple-cider vinaigrette — great for holidays or weekly meals.
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Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing
Kale and coleslaw come together with apples, cranberries and a sweet-tangy honey-lime dressing for a crunchy, make-ahead side.
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Kohlrabi Slaw with Cilantro, Jalapeño and Lime
A refreshing kohlrabi slaw with cilantro, jalapeño and lime — bright, crunchy and vegan-friendly.
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Massaged Kale Salad
Learn to soften kale quickly with a brief massage, then toss with lemon, Parmesan and simple additions for a tender, flavorful salad.
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Napa Cabbage Salad with Asian Dressing
A crisp, addictive salad of napa cabbage tossed in a sweet-savory Asian-style dressing — light and satisfying.
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Pear Salad with Feta and Cranberries
Juicy pears, tangy feta, chewy cranberries and toasted almonds come together in a balsamic vinaigrette for a crowd-pleasing salad.
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Persimmon Salad
Sweet persimmon pairs with baby spinach, feta, cranberries and almonds in a tangy apple-cider dressing for a balanced sweet-and-savory salad.
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Radicchio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Bitter radicchio balanced with avocado, fennel and orange, dressed in a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing winter salad.
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Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Earthy roasted beets with creamy goat cheese and juicy orange segments, finished with a citrus dressing — a classic and colorful choice.
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Salade Lyonnaise
A warm bistro-style salad of frisée, crisp bacon, Dijon dressing and a poached egg — elegant and satisfying as a lunch or side.
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Creamy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with bacon, apple and a creamy dressing for a crunchy, addictive side dish.
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Wild Rice Salad with Orange and Pomegranate
A filling wild rice salad with orange, pomegranate and a maple-apple cider dressing — great for holidays or as a vegetarian main.
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Winter Fruit Salad
A vibrant mix of winter fruits tossed in a citrus-poppy seed dressing — perfect for brunch, snacks, or potlucks.
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Creamy Curry Coleslaw
A vegan coleslaw with golden raisins, cashews and a curry-infused dressing — sweet, savory and crunchy.
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Winter Roasted Vegetable Kale Salad
Caramelized roasted vegetables with tender kale, dates, almonds and Parmesan, dressed in a champagne vinaigrette for a warm, satisfying salad.
