31 Winter Salads That Prove Greens Aren’t Just For Summer

Salads don’t have to hibernate just because it’s winter. With hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and seasonal produce, these recipes prove that greens aren’t just a summer thing. They can hold their own as a side dish or take center stage as the main meal. With roasted vegetables, citrusy bites, and plenty of satisfying textures, these salads aren’t just a plate of greens—they’re proof that winter cooking can be fresh and exciting too.

Feta Beet Salad

Beets, feta, and pistachios with a lemon olive oil dressing make this salad as good to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Carrot Citrus Salad

Roasted rainbow carrots paired with oranges and Meyer lemons make this salad both refreshing and vibrant. Tossed in a citrus mustard vinaigrette, it’s a perfect way to brighten up your winter table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Citrus Salad

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Chickpeas, royal raisins, and feta come together in this Mediterranean-inspired carrot salad, dressed in a creamy yogurt tahini sauce. It’s great as a side dish for a cozy dinner or even a lunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Creamy avocado, hearty lentils, and both fresh and dried cranberries tossed with a lemon dijon dressing make this salad filling and flavorful. It’s a great winter option for lunch or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Packed with rotisserie chicken, bright citrus, and toasted pine nuts, this salad is built on a bed of Tuscan kale and finished with an orange dijon dressing. A perfect choice for a hearty winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Apples and pomegranates team up with Brussels sprouts and chicken in this salad, all tied together with a simple honey mustard dressing. It’s a fresh way to enjoy seasonal winter ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Persimmon Salad

Sweet persimmons pair with crisp greens, prosciutto, cranberries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans in this salad. It’s a seasonal showstopper that works well for gatherings or quiet meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Roasted cranberries and butternut squash add seasonal flavor to this broccoli salad, with toasted croutons, almonds, and pepitas giving it plenty of texture. A great side dish for holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Grapefruit, pomegranate, and pickled fennel come together in this salad, tossed in an orange dijon vinaigrette. It’s bright, tangy, and a great way to keep winter salads interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad

Grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins shine in this salad, tossed with lettuce, feta, and a honey dijon dressing. A refreshing option for winter when you need a pick-me-up on cold days.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad

Shaved Asparagus Blood Orange Salad

Shaved asparagus and vibrant blood oranges are topped with toasted quinoa for crunch. This salad is light, refreshing, and a fun way to bring bright flavors to your winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Asparagus Blood Orange Salad

Pickled Beet Salad

Earthy beets, salty feta, and a citrus vinaigrette make this salad a bright addition to any winter meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Salad

Farro and Arugula Salad with Sweet Potato and Pomegranate

Hearty farro, roasted sweet potatoes, and peppery arugula make this a great winter salad. Finished with a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette, it’s just right for when you want something filling but fresh.
Get the Recipe: Farro and Arugula Salad with Sweet Potato and Pomegranate

Pear and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Crunchy fennel, sweet pears, and briny feta come together with a pomegranate vinaigrette. It’s a crisp and refreshing way to keep greens exciting when the weather’s cold.
Get the Recipe: Pear and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Arugula and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Dressing

Peppery arugula meets crisp apples, dried cranberries, and pecans in this quick salad. Toss it with a simple apple cider dressing, and you’ve got a fresh, no-fuss winter side dish.
Get the Recipe: Arugula and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Dressing

Warm Spinach Salad

Spinach, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, and bacon, all coated in a maple mustard vinaigrette. It’s a great way to eat your greens when it’s too cold for something cold.
Get the Recipe: Warm Spinach Salad

Barley, Beetroot, and Feta Salad

Roasted beets, barley, and spinach tossed with pumpkin seeds and a balsamic dressing. Perfect as a side or a meal when you want something hearty and loaded with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Beetroot, and Feta Salad

Spinach and Arugula Salad

A colorful mix of spinach and arugula topped with roasted beets and quail eggs. Drizzle on a balsamic basil vinaigrette, and you’ve got a salad that proves greens aren’t just for summer.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Salad

Roasted cauliflower, quinoa, and orange slices come together with a mild kick from sultanas. It’s a fresh, satisfying salad that works as a main dish or a side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Salad

Beet and Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes and beets make this salad a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. Whether it’s part of a holiday meal or a regular dinner, it’s a reliable winter go-to.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Sweet Potato Salad

Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pomegranate seeds, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette come together in this quick and easy salad. You’ll have a big bowl ready in 10 minutes—great for busy holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Walnut Pear Salad

Pears, walnuts, and feta tossed with a tangy red wine vinaigrette make this salad perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner side. It’s fresh, flavorful, and just right for winter.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pear Salad

Winter Salad with Tangy Homemade Vinaigrette

Packed with earthy ingredients and dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for when you want something hearty and fresh without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Winter Salad with Tangy Homemade Vinaigrette

Papaya Salad

Green papaya, lime juice, and chili peppers give this salad bold flavors. It’s light, fresh, and great as a side dish when you want something different on the table.
Get the Recipe: Papaya Salad

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar that’s quick, easy, and always great to have in your recipe rotation. Sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Lotus Root Salad

Creamy and packed with flavor, this Japanese-style salad is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any main dish. It’s also a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Lotus Root Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

Crisp veggies, salami, provolone, and olives tossed in a flavorful Italian vinaigrette. This salad brings bold flavors to the table while keeping things light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Cucumber Radish Salad

Crisp cucumbers and spicy radishes tossed with radish greens and ginger root make this salad refreshing and great for a light meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Radish Salad

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you need a crunchy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Pomegranate Salad

Broccoli and pomegranate come together in this quick, antioxidant-packed salad. It’s simple to make and great when you need something fresh in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pomegranate Salad

Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing make this salad a practical and tasty choice for lunch or dinner. Easy to throw together and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad