A bright, easy salad for cold days.
introduction
This Winter Salad mixes fresh greens, sweet oranges, tart pomegranate, salty feta, and crunchy candied pecans for a simple, festive dish. For another warm-season-to-winter idea, try the butternut squash and feta salad to pair with this one.
why make this recipe
Make this salad when you want a fresh, bright side that feels special. It uses easy ingredients and comes together fast. It lifts heavy winter meals and works as a light main on its own.
how to make Winter Salad
Toss the greens and fruit first so nothing gets soggy. Mix the dressing in a small jar and shake it well. Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently. Keep the crunchy pecans on top so they stay crisp.
Ingredients :
spring greens, juicy oranges, vibrant pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, segmented oranges, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans.
- In a small jar, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately as a festive side dish or light main course.
how to serve Winter Salad
Serve this salad right after you dress it. Put it on a wide platter so the colors show. Offer extra dressing and crumbled feta on the side. It pairs well with roast chicken, grilled fish, or a warm grain bowl.
how to store Winter Salad
Store components separately if you need to keep the salad longer. Keep greens, fruit, and nuts in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing in a jar for up to 5 days. Once dressed, eat within a few hours for best texture.
tips to make Winter Salad
- Segment the oranges over the bowl to catch juices and add flavor.
- Toast pecans briefly for extra aroma before candying them.
- Taste the dressing and add a pinch more salt or a little more honey to balance it.
- Add the dressing last so the greens stay crisp.
variation (if any)
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a softer taste.
- Use walnuts or almonds instead of candied pecans.
- Add thinly sliced fennel or roasted beets for more texture and color.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other greens?
A: Yes. Baby spinach or arugula work well. Adjust dressing to taste.
Q: Are candied pecans necessary?
A: No. Use plain toasted nuts or skip them for a lighter salad.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead?
A: Yes. Store it in a jar in the fridge up to 5 days. Shake before use.
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A: Keep dressing off until right before serving and store nuts separately.
Conclusion
This Winter Salad brings color and fresh flavor to cold-weather meals and is quick to make for family dinners or guests. For more winter salad ideas that can inspire swaps and pairings, see 10 Winter Salads That Steal the Show – 101 Cookbooks.
Winter Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups spring greens
- 2 large juicy oranges, segmented Segment over the bowl to catch juices
- 1 cup vibrant pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Can be swapped with goat cheese
- 1/2 cup candied pecans Can substitute with walnuts or almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, segmented oranges, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and candied pecans.
- In a small jar, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately as a festive side dish or light main course.