When it comes to winter, you want hearty, warming, and comforting food. You can still get this from a healthy salad during the winter months with these best winter salad recipes!

A perfect winter salad is excellent for the holiday season. It’s easy to take advantage of the best produce available. Choose your light salad base, then use hearty toppings in the best way.

You have a gorgeous salad that is comforting but still light and fresh, perfect for a holiday meal!

Is It Good to Eat Salad in Winter?

If you believe salads should stay in summer, you need to try these favorite winter salad recipes.

Other than tasting delicious, they can also keep away winter illnesses. There are many nutritious and wholesome winter ingredients you can use with your leafy greens!

What are the 5 Main Salads?

To many people, a salad is just a salad. However, there are five primary types you can make –

• Green salad – the feature of this salad is green leaves, like lettuce, arugula, or spinach
• Vegetable salad – raw or cooked veggies are the star here, often mixed with an oil and vinegar-based dressing.
• Pasta/grain salad – a salad built around a hearty ingredient such as pasta, lentils, or bulgur wheat
• Mixed salad – a green or vegetable salad mixed with one or more meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or cheese
• Fruit salad – fruit is the main component here! A maple syrup or honey-based dressing is popular for this type of salad.

Serve any of the following recipes to winter salad-avoiders; they will soon change their mind when they try your holiday menu!

Winter Fruit Salad Recipes

Don’t skip on the fruit just because it’s winter. These seasonal salads make it taste amazing, especially citrus fruit!

1. Christmas Fruit Salad

Source: twohealthykitchens.com

This festive fruit salad is showstopping as well as delicious! It features the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors and crunchy and chewy textures.

Layer your salad with stripes of bright color. Mix chopped green grapes and apples for the green layer. Red apples, grapes, cranberries, and pomegranate arils are ideal for the red layer.

Greek yogurt and white grape juice make a creamy dressing. Finish your salad with a sprinkle of crunchy granola. Nutty pistachios and chewy arils add extra festive color!

If you love the nutty crunch of pistachios, these other pistachio recipes will wow you!

2. Winter Citrus Salad with Ginger Vanilla Syrup

Source: scarlatifamilykitchen.com

Slices of zesty fruit are covered with sweet ginger syrup and crunchy nuts.

Thin slices of citrus fruits make this fruit salad easy to make. The best fruits are mandarins, pink grapefruits, lemons, and blood oranges.

Mix maple syrup, ginger, and vanilla extract for your dressing. Add nuts to give it a crunch!

3. Winter Fruit Salad

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Colorful and tangy fresh fruit is tossed in a delicious honey poppy seed dressing.

Pieces of pineapple, kiwi, and mandarin segments are the perfect seasonal fruits for this salad. Pomegranate seeds deliver a slight crunch, too, in a great way.

Mix sweet honey, zesty lemon juice, and poppy seeds for your dressing. Toss it with your mixed fruit and garnish with fresh mint leaves!

4. Winter Harvest Fruit Salad

Source: thegraciouspantry.com

This winter fruit salad is easy to make, full of color, and tastes great!

Combine chopped persimmons with pomegranate arils for a perfect pairing. If they’re ripe and overly sweet, mix them with lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

You also must see these other scrumptious persimmons recipes!

5. Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Dressing

Source: flavorthemoments.com

This colorful, fresh salad is full of texture and has a zesty, sweet dressing.

Crunchy textures come from apples and pears. Softer fruits include bananas, oranges, and kiwis. Add pomegranate for extra pops of sweetness.

Mix maple syrup with fresh lemon and orange juice for your dressing. It adds flavor and stops the fruit from browning. Toss everything with poppy seeds for a festive touch!

Enjoy more fresh fruit with these other yummy kiwi recipes!

6. Holiday Fruit Salad

Source: simplebites.net

Citrus fruits and pomegranates add zing to this seasonal fruit salad.

There are slices of pink and yellow grapefruit, oranges, and clementines in your salad. Mixing colors on a platter makes it look more elegant.

Mix rosewater and vanilla sugar to drizzle over your salad. Add arils for a holiday pop of color!

7. Christmas Fruit Salad Cups

Source: thegreenloot.com

These cute fruit salad cups make the perfect Christmas dessert for kids (and adults)!

This salad is ideal for sweet tangerines, red and green grapes, and bananas. Mix them with lemon juice to add flavor and stop the banana from turning brown.

Layer your fruit salad in a glass with coconut whipped cream on the bottom. Add another swirl of cream on top, and finish with a kiwi tree and apple star!

Winter Green Salad Recipes

“Eat your greens” and enjoy them even more with this selection of delicious recipes!

8. Winter Holiday Salad

Source: mapleandmango.com

This vibrant salad has a great mix of textures. Also, sweet and savory flavors!

Start your salad with baby spinach. You could also choose arugula or mixed greens. Pear slices provide sweetness!

Pistachios offer a nutty crunch. Pair them with the creamy texture of goat cheese.

Drizzle a sweet and tangy dressing on your salad. Use pomegranate juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey to make this.

9. Pear Salad

Source: littlesunnykitchen.com

This fresh pear salad has the ideal mix of sweet and savory flavors and crunchy and creamy textures.

Fresh spinach goes well with juicy pears in your salad. Crunchy walnuts and chewy dried cranberries are perfect. Add creamy feta cheese for a delicious salty taste against the sweetness.

Toss your salad with a tangy dressing. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Add sweet honey to balance the savory taste!

10. Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts

Source: acedarspoon.com

Arugula is the star of this salad. A zesty olive oil dressing complements it nicely!

Arugula goes well with cherry tomatoes. Pine nuts give your salad a nice crunch. Add slices of parmesan to give it an Italian feel!

Toss your salad with a sweet and savory dressing. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add honey for natural sweetness. Sprinkle shredded parmesan to finish!

11. Beetroot Salad with Maple Citrus Dressing

Source: thegourmetbonvivant.com

Beets are one of the best seasonal vegetables for winter salad!

Without mixed greens, this won’t be a green salad! Roasted beets add a hint of earthiness, and orange adds a sweet, tangy bite.

Crunchy walnuts and creamy goat cheese are both tasty additions. Mix olive oil, maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and mustard for a flavorful dressing!

12. Apple Walnut Salad

Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com

Apples and walnuts are a classic flavor mix in this tasty green salad.

Crisp green lettuce makes the perfect base for your salad. Toss it with slices of crunchy apple and sharp red onion. Add crunchy toasted walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese.

Finish your salad with a sharp and sweet vinaigrette. Mix olive oil, balsamic, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Maple syrup provides a naturally sweet taste!

13. Spinach Salad with Pear and Pomegranate

Source: scarlatifamilykitchen.com

Tender baby spinach is the star of this simple winter salad. It tastes great and has delicious flavors!

Layer the spinach with slices of pear. Add pomegranate arils too. Caramelized pecan nuts are crunchy and chewy and offer a sweet taste.

The sweet and savory flavors in your salad go well with sharp, creamy gorgonzola. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate juice to drizzle!

14. Kale Salad with Cranberries, Hazelnuts, and Turmeric Vinaigrette

Source: fitmamarealfood.com

This easy kale salad has a warming taste from the turmeric dressing.

To soften the leaves, it’s best to massage the dressing into the kale. Mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, Dijon, and turmeric.

Pour your turmeric dressing over your kale and rub it well. Toss the softer kale with crunchy chopped hazelnuts and chewy dried cranberries!

Winter Pasta Salad Recipes

These winter pasta salads are hearty and filling!

15. Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Source: joyfoodsunshine.com

Sweet roasted baby tomatoes make this pasta salad stand out from others!

Diced cucumber and raw bell pepper give your salad a nice crunch. Softer textures come from olives and creamy mozzarella. Pepperoni adds a great flavor that goes well with your salad!

Combine your pasta with a flavorful dressing. Mix olive oil and white balsamic vinegar. Add dried herbs, garlic, and onion powder. This makes an Italian-style flavor!

16. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

Source: lemonblossoms.com

A creamy lemon sauce is mixed into this tasty tuna pasta salad. It delivers the best flavor!

Sharp red onion and English cucumber add a crunch to your salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives offer soft textures. Add capers for a burst of salty flavor!

Mix your pasta, tuna, and veggies with a creamy dressing. Make this with plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Lemon juice adds a sharp taste!

17. Pizza Pasta Salad

Source: atastefortravel.ca

This tasty pizza style is a fun way to change up your pasta salad!

Sliced pepperoni brings a lot of flavor. Juicy grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, and creamy mozzarella are all soft textures that go well with this dish. Red onion provides a crunch.

Add a fragrant taste with fresh basil. Make an Italian-style dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and mixed dried herbs.

Parmesan adds a solid cheesy flavor! Toss everything with tender cooked pasta!

18. Pasta Salad

Source: vegrecipesofindia.com

This creamy pasta salad has sweet and sour flavors and lots of fresh veggies!

The best veggies are chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, celery, and shredded carrot. Chopped parsley delivers a fragrant herb taste.

Make a tangy dressing with mayo, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Add sweet paprika, sugar, and black pepper for extra flavor. Toss it with your tender pasta and crunchy veggies!

19. Tuna Pasta Salad

Source: littlesunnykitchen.com

Fresh veggies and canned tuna make this pasta salad. A delicious creamy dressing melds it together!

Sharp red onion and celery add a satisfying crunch to your pasta salad. Green peas offer a unique sweetness.

Make your dressing with mayo, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Impart flavor with Dijon, minced garlic, and fresh dill. Toss your pasta, tuna, and veggies with the dressing until well combined!

20. Classic Macaroni Salad

Source: bellyfull.net

Creamy macaroni salad is set apart from the rest with hard-boiled eggs!

Add a crunchy bite to your salad with sharp red onion, celery, and sweet pickles. Small pieces of cheddar cheese go well in this salad, too.

Create your creamy dressing with sour cream and mayo. Sweet pickle juice, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard provide a tangy taste. Throw some garlic powder in as well!

Toss your pasta and veggies with your dressing until everything is coated well. Add a hint of smokiness with a sprinkle of paprika!

21. Pearl Oyster Mushroom Noodle Salad

Source: thedevilwearssalad.com

This salad, which is made in an Asian style, is soft, crunchy, and has a great umami taste!

Delicate pearl oyster mushrooms pick up the flavors of the other things in your salad. The crunchy edamame is a nice contrast to the soft soba noodles.

Mirin, sake, and tamari give incredible depth to your mushrooms. Make a flavorful dressing with tamari, water, and wasabi paste. The tart lemon juice balances the umami taste.

Toss your noodles, edamame, and mushrooms with the dressing. Garnish with green onion, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for a nutty taste!

Warm Winter Salad Recipes

These comforting winter salads taste the best when they’re served warm.

22. Warm Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Bacon

Source: mypocketkitchen.com

This wholesome lentil butternut squash salad is also full of soft winter vegetables.

Roasted butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, and red onions taste great in this salad. Roast them with bacon to take on the flavor.

Cook brown lentils with onion, garlic, and bay leaves. They add a lovely depth to the taste. Use a sharp maple dressing to bring everything together.

Add vegetables, baby arugula, fresh herbs, and crumbled salty feta to your lentil salad.

23. Danish Warm Potato Salad with Corn and Baby Greens

Source: all-thats-jas.com

Hearty potato salad is served warm with vibrant, nourishing veggies.

New potatoes are the best variety to use for this salad. For a sharp taste, cook thinly sliced red onion and fresh corn kernels in white vinegar.

Combine sour cream, mayo, salty capers, dill, and basil for your delicious creamy dressing. Toss it with your potatoes and veggies, and serve with mixed baby greens.

24. German Potato Salad

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com

This German salad is all about soft red potatoes. It has just the right amount of savory and sweet flavors!

The potatoes in your salad go well with chewy, crispy bacon. Aromatic onion and garlic form the base of your dressing. Apple cider vinegar, whole-grain, and Dijon mustard add a sharp flavor.

Stir sugar into your dressing to balance the taste. Toss it with potatoes and bacon. Add parsley for a fresh herb taste!

25. Warm Mushroom and Kale Salad with Blue Cheese and Crispy Torn Croutons

Source: thepyperskitchen.com

This tasty kale salad is healthy, comforting, and packed with flavor and different textures.

Rub your kale with olive oil to make it more tender for eating. Toss it with apple cider vinegar and full-bodied parmesan.

Cook earthy cremini mushrooms in butter, garlic, and soy sauce for umami flavor. Mix them with your kale and add crunchy sourdough croutons. Crumbled blue cheese adds a robust taste, too!

26. Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad

Source: hungryhealthyhappy.com

Tender root veggies and mixed greens are featured in this salad.

Butternut squash is an excellent seasonal vegetable to add to your salad. Mix it with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and red onion. Season your veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh parsley, basil, and cilantro for your dressing. Add your veggies to your mixed greens and drizzle the dressing! Add crumbled salty feta for extra flavor.

27. Warm Kale Salad

Source: iheartvegetables.com

Delicious warm kale salad is soft and tender with a mild kick of heat.

Gently massage your curly kale to make it even more tender after it’s cooked. Sauté it with olive oil and garlic for a lovely aromatic flavor.

Toss your kale with acidic lemon juice to balance the flavors in the dressing. Add red pepper flakes for heat and pepitas for crunch. Salty shredded parmesan cheese is an excellent addition!

28. Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples and Pecans

Source: rhubarbarians.com

People either love or hate Brussels sprouts. However, this warming recipe makes sure you love them!

Toasted pecans add a nutty flavor. Sauté shredded Brussels sprouts until they’re crisp and golden! Add sliced red onion, too.

Dried cranberries offer a chewy texture. Mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and chopped garlic for your dressing. Add natural sweetness with maple syrup.

Before serving, toss everything with a crisp sliced apple and creamy blue cheese!

Easy Winter Salad Recipes

The winter salads below are quick and easy yet packed with flavor!

29. Chicken Salad with Apples

Source: allnutritious.com

This chicken salad is soft, crunchy, chewy, and crisp all at the same time. It also has sweet and savory tastes that go well together.

Combine pieces of tender chicken breast with crisp, sweet apples. Also, add chewy cranberries and crunchy, creamy cashews.

Mix everything with a dressing of creamy Greek yogurt and sharp Dijon mustard!

30. Pomegranate and Feta Winter Salad

Source: foodbornewellness.com

This tasty salad has the perfect mix of salty and sweet foods. It has great textures, too!

Tender baby greens hold the rest of your food. Add lightly toasted sliced almonds, sliced red onion, and crumbly feta. Pomegranate arils add pops of sweetness.

Drizzle lemon honey dressing all over before serving! Make your dressing with olive oil, white balsamic, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sweet honey.

31. Carrot and Beetroot Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Shredded beets and carrots are the main attraction here. It’s a simple dish that’s good for you!

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for your dressing. Honey adds a delicious natural sweetness.

Mix your veggies with the dressing and top with fresh parsley!

32. Super Citrus Salad

Source: freeyourfork.com

Variety is the key to this refreshing citrus salad with greens.

Use three types of oranges for your salad. The best fruits are navel, cara cara, and blood oranges. You’ll have different tastes, sizes, and colors.

Layer slices of your oranges on top of tender baby greens. Top with chewy dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candies and walnuts. Fresh mint leaves deliver a fragrant taste!

Make a zingy orange vinaigrette with the juice and zest. Mix it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for sweetness. Toss your salad with the dressing before serving!

This salad is one of the best potluck ideas to feed a holiday crowd!

33. Black Lentil Salad with Roast Carrots, Feta, and Pomegranate

Source: knifeandsoul.com

Wholesome beluga lentils take the lead in this tasty winter salad.

Roast carrots in honey to bring out their natural sweetness. It gives them delicious caramelization, too! Mix them with lentils, arils, and creamy feta. For a burst of freshness, add mint leaves.

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey for your dressing. A pinch of salt elevates the sweet flavor. Before serving, toss everything together!

34. Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries

Source: thepyperskitchen.com

This Brussels sprout salad with cranberries is the perfect holiday seasonal salad!

Fresh cranberries coated in sugar are one of the highlights of this dish! They balance perfectly with the shredded sprouts.

Make a tangy dressing with olive oil, grain mustard, honey, lemon zest, and juice. Toss it with your sprouts and shredded parmesan.

Garnish your salad with toasted almond sliced and sugar cranberries!

35. Winter Persimmon Kale Salad

Source: flavourandsavour.com

This beautiful kale salad features seasonal sweet persimmon.

Use a prepared kale slaw to save time on your salad. It has broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, all healthy veggies.

Use up your leftover cabbage with these brilliant purple cabbage recipes!

Toss your slaw with maple-balsamic dressing. Use olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Arrange slices of persimmon, arils, and feta cheese on top!

Vegan Winter Salad Recipes

It’s easy to make a delicious vegan winter salad. Check out the recipes below!

36. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

This quinoa and chickpea salad is wholesome and filling.

Spiced chickpeas bring flavor to your salad. Cook them with cinnamon, cumin, paprika, and ginger. Cayenne gives them a little heat.

Use English cucumber, beets, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. They go well with quinoa and chickpeas.

Make a flavorsome dressing with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar. Honey provides sweetness, and lemon adds a burst of bright flavor. Toss everything together before serving!

37. Winter Lentil Salad

Source: greenbowl2soul.com

This warm lentil salad mixes roasted veggies and citrus fruits perfectly.

Pieces of carrots, pumpkin, and onion slices are ideal for your salad. Roast them with olive oil and minced garlic for a beautiful depth of flavor.

Create a sweet, zesty dressing with pomegranate molasses, olive oil, orange, and lemon juice. Red chili flakes add a mild kick of heat.

Combine cooked lentils with your veggies and slices of orange. Pomegranate arils add pops of sweetness, and pepitas provide a crunch. Toss your salad with your dressing before serving!

38. Bulgur Wheat Salad with Avocado

Source: allnutritious.com

This filling salad is made with healthy green vegetables and creamy avocado.

The best ingredients are tender broccoli stems, thinly sliced green onions, and crisp romaine lettuce. Add soft bulgur wheat, avocado, and fresh dill to them.

Make a dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to bring out all the great tastes.

39. Kale Caesar Salad with Spiced Chickpeas

Source: theveganatlas.com

Spiced chickpeas impart a delicious flavor to this nutritious kale salad!

Cook chickpeas in a skillet with olive oil, maple syrup, and soy sauce for an umami taste. Use BBQ seasoning for a warming flavor.

Add olive oil, vegan mayo, lemon juice, and a salt-free seasoning blend to your dressing. Combine with raw kale, crisp romaine, and slices of yellow bell pepper. Pile the spiced chickpeas on top!

40. Festive Salad with Cranberry Dijon Vinaigrette

Source: justinecelina.com

This salad is a colorful mix of festive fruits and veggies. It’s dressed with a tangy vinaigrette!

Roast acorn squash in a skillet until it’s soft and golden brown. Mix chopped Brussels sprouts, diced apples, and mandarin. Shredded beets give your salad a beautiful color!

Toss your salad with cranberry Dijon vinaigrette. Make this with rosé wine vinegar, garlic, olive oil, orange juice, and maple syrup. Put fresh cranberries and toasted walnuts on top to give it a crunch!

41. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Source: therecipewell.com

This stunning festive salad makes an excellent centerpiece for your holiday food table!

Shredded Brussels sprouts and curly kale are the base for your salad. Sliced shallots, chewy cranberries, and crunchy apples add more flavor and texture.

You can make a tangy dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and orange juice.

Adding tamari, paprika, and cumin to sliced nuts and pepitas makes them taste nicer! Add these to the top of your salad!