Cozy Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

Crisp winter greens burst with color and flavor in this homemade winter salad vinaigrette that promises to brighten even the coldest days.

Seasonal vegetables dance across the plate, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a delightful twist on traditional salad combinations.

Each bite delivers a refreshing crunch that awakens the palate.

Roasted nuts and tender greens provide a satisfying balance of warmth and freshness.

The tangy homemade dressing ties everything together with its vibrant, zesty notes.

You’ll love how this simple yet elegant salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that celebrates winter’s finest produce.

Steps To Build Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Create Colorful Base

Gather a vibrant mix of crisp greens in a spacious bowl, bringing together a medley of textures and flavors.

• Layer Winter Ingredients

Scatter thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, juicy apple chunks, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, sweet cranberries, crumbly feta cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and slivers of red onion across the greens.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a compact container, blend smooth olive oil, tangy apple cider vinegar, bold Dijon mustard, rich maple syrup, bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.

• Shake and Combine

Seal the dressing container and give it a vigorous shake until ingredients marry into a silky, harmonious mixture.

• Finish and Enjoy

Drizzle the freshly made vinaigrette over the winter salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient gets a delightful coating of flavor. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and taste.

Tips For Flavorful Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad ingredients separately before assembling to keep everything crisp and fresh, preventing wilting and maintaining optimal texture.
• Nut Swap Options: Replace candied nuts with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences like lower sugar content.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vinaigrette and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing ingredients separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein, making the salad more substantial and suitable for a complete meal.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute feta with plant-based cheese alternatives, use maple syrup, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for a completely vegan winter salad experience.

Serve Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Fresh

• Festive Feast Pairing: Serve this vibrant winter salad alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or glazed ham for a complete holiday meal that bursts with flavor and color.
• Cozy Lunch Companion: Pair with a warm slice of crusty bread or hearty whole grain roll to transform this salad into a satisfying midday meal that keeps you energized.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Arrange salad in individual small plates or mason jars for a stunning starter at dinner parties, garnishing with extra pomegranate seeds or candied nuts for visual appeal.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy profile with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that enhances the dish's complex flavors.

Store Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Easily

• Fridge-Fresh Tactics: Store salad components separately in airtight containers, keeping crisp greens and wet ingredients apart to prevent sogginess.
• Vinaigrette Storage Magic: Refrigerate dressing in a sealed glass jar for up to one week, giving it a quick shake before each use to re-blend ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and toast nuts in advance, storing them in separate containers to assemble quickly during busy weekdays.
• Smart Ingredient Extending: Keep pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries in sealed containers at room temperature, refreshing salad toppings for multiple meals throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Ingredient Guide

• Mixed Greens: Crisp and tender foundation providing a nutrient-packed backdrop for winter flavors.
• Brussels Sprouts: Adds earthy crunch and robust nutrition with delightful roasted potential.
• Red Onion: Sharp, tangy element that delivers bright flavor contrast and aromatic depth.

• Apple Slices: Introduces refreshing sweetness and satisfying crunch with seasonal appeal.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Bursting with jewel-like brilliance, offering tart explosions and antioxidant boost.
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy sweet-tart morsels that complement winter ingredients perfectly.
• Candied Nuts: Delivers delectable caramelized crunch with irresistible sugary coating.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy Mediterranean cheese that adds sophisticated salty dimension.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy base for vinaigrette with rich Mediterranean character.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, zingy acidic component that balances and lifts entire dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, complex undertone with smooth emulsifying properties.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that rounds flavors with delicate woody essence.
• Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and helps balance overall vinaigrette profile.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle aromatic warmth without overwhelming raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and harmonize all ingredients.

Tools For Tossing Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Large Salad Bowl: Essential for mixing and presenting the winter salad ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for preparing and mixing the dressing.
• Knife: Needed for slicing apples and red onion precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct proportions of vinaigrette components.

Vibrant Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty winter salad with homemade vinaigrette brings seasonal produce together in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Mediterranean ingredients blend perfectly, creating a refreshing dish that satisfies health-conscious palates. Enjoy this simple yet elegant culinary creation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (0.95 L) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, or a blend)
• 1 cup (237 mL) thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
• ½ cup (118 mL) crumbled feta or goat cheese
• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup (237 mL) pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup (118 mL) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (118 mL) candied pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup (59 mL) thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup (59 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup or honey
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Greens: Thoroughly clean mixed greens, removing any wilted leaves. Dry completely using a salad spinner or kitchen towel to ensure crisp texture.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Finely shred Brussels sprouts using a mandoline or sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent slices. Core and slice apple into thin half-moons, immediately tossing with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
3. Fruit and Nut Assembly: Carefully extract pomegranate seeds, removing any white membrane. Crumble feta, slice red onion, and prepare candied nuts for textural contrast.
4. Dressing Creation: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a sealed glass jar. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until completely emulsified.
5. Salad Composition: Layer mixed greens in a spacious bowl as the foundation. Strategically distribute shredded Brussels sprouts, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and candied nuts across the surface.
6. Final Touch: Moments before serving, drizzle vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss using two large utensils to ensure even coating, preserving the ingredients’ individual characteristics and maintaining optimal texture.

Notes

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain fresh, crisp appearance and prevent oxidation.
• Master Brussels Sprout Technique: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create ultra-thin, uniform slices that integrate seamlessly with salad ingredients and enhance texture.
• Emulsify Vinaigrette Perfectly: Shake dressing in a sealed jar vigorously for 15-20 seconds to create a smooth, well-combined sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Serve Immediately: Dress salad right before serving to preserve crispness of greens and prevent wilting, ensuring a fresh, vibrant winter salad experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg