I’ve always said that salads are my favorite kind of meal. They’re the one thing I never get tired of because there’s always a new way to build them. Some days I crave something crisp and refreshing; other days, a warm bowl loaded with roasted veggies and grains, or a handful of toasted nuts. And every now and then, I’ll throw in some fruit because a little sweetness makes any salad feel special. This roundup of 15 winter salads pulls together all those moods in one place, with seasonal winter veggies, cozy warm salads, and a few bright mixes with fruit and nuts to keep things interesting.
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Crunchy Cruciferous & Roasted Veggie Salads
I love how this group of salads shows off both sides of winter produce. The raw cruciferous mixes—broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts—keep things crisp and refreshing, while the roasted veggie salads feature caramelized edges and cozy flavors thanks to a little roasting magic. Each bowl brings out a new flavor profile, proving there’s no one “right” way to enjoy these seasonal ingredients in a salad!
1. Sweet Crunch Winter Salad
Sweet Crunch Winter Salad
When I want something bright and crunchy in the dead of winter, this sweet crunch salad always saves the day. It’s packed with hardy veggies that stay crisp all week and a maple tahini dressing that feels surprisingly fancy for how affordable it is.
2. Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad
Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad
Use a batch of creamy honey mustard dressing to turn fresh broccoli into a super satisfying salad that comes together in minutes. This honey mustard broccoli salad is also budget-friendly and perfect for make-ahead lunches or potlucks!
3. Roasted Carrot and Feta Salad
Roasted Carrot and Feta Salad
This roasted carrot and feta salad is one of my favorite ways to dress up inexpensive veggies. Roasting the carrots brings out their sweetness, and tossing them with feta and parsley makes the whole bowl extra flavorful without costing much at all. It proves that “basic” vegetables can be downright drool-worthy with just a few simple additions!
4. Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This roasted cauliflower salad is built for cold-weather cravings, pairing warm, smoky flavors with hearty vegetables. Sweet roasted onions, spiced chickpeas, and a bright lemon tahini dressing come together in a bowl that’s full of texture, warmth, and flavor in every bite.
5. Marinated Cauliflower Salad
Marinated Cauliflower Salad
For easy meal prep, this marinated cauliflower salad is always in my rotation since it holds up for days and tastes even better by midweek. I usually make the dressing myself, but I’ve definitely swapped in a bottled version when I need a shortcut.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
This roasted Brussels sprouts salad makes smart use of leftover holiday sprouts and turns them into a simple but hearty side! Sweet potatoes, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and a maple Dijon dressing add plenty of texture and flavor, but you can use any cheese you have on hand.
7. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is one of my favorite ways to win over anyone who thinks they don’t like sprouts. Finely shaving them gives a light, sweet crunch, and the honey mustard dressing turns the whole bowl into something closer to a bright, tangy slaw. It’s too good to miss! 🤤
Colorful Salads with Winter Squash & Root Vegetables
Roasted squash and root vegetables make the most satisfying winter salads, and these recipes prove it. They’re cozy without being heavy, colorful without being complicated, and each one does something different with the earthy sweetness of winter produce.
8. Butternut Squash Salad
Butternut Squash Salad
With sweet roasted squash, tangy cranberries, and a maple Dijon vinaigrette, this butternut squash salad has a nice balance of textures and always adds a pop of color to the table! An easy and delicious lunch or side dish.
9. Beet Salad
Beet Salad
This beet salad brings together sweet beets, bright citrus, salty feta, and fresh mint for a mix of flavors I never get tired of. It uses convenient canned beets to keep things budget-friendly, and though any oranges will work, navel oranges are especially good since they’re in season over winter and always easy to find.
Leafy Green & Kale-Based Salads
Kale and winter greens are my secret weapons when I want a salad that actually keeps me full. I especially love kale in all its forms (roasted, air-fried, massaged with olive oil, you name it!). Here you’ll find a mix of flavorful salads that show just how well winter greens shine when they’re paired with bright dressings and plenty of toppings.
10. Apple Dijon Kale Salad
Apple Dijon Kale Salad
If a knockout dressing wins you over every time, this apple Dijon kale salad will be right up your alley. The sturdy greens hold their own, too, so the salad stays fresh even after it’s tossed.
11. Kale Salad with Toasted Pita and Parmesan
Kale Salad with Toasted Pita and Parmesan
I love how this kale and Parmesan salad turns an inexpensive bunch of kale into something lively, especially with the crunchy pita, walnuts, and sweet raisins. It also uses a store-bought champagne vinaigrette, giving it the same bright flavor you’d get from making it yourself (but without buying an expensive bottle of champagne vinegar or adding extra steps!)
12. Wilted Spinach Salad
Wilted Spinach Salad
This wilted spinach salad keeps things easy with a one-skillet method where the bacon drippings form the base of a quick warm vinaigrette. The result is a tender, flavorful mix of spinach, beans, and smoky bacon that’s perfect for a fast meal!
Fruit & Nut-Forward Salads
Fruit and nuts always remind me of holiday snacking trays, and they happen to make incredible winter salads as well! These recipes lean into that sweet–crunchy balance, creating bowls that feel light, bright, and still perfectly seasonal.
13. Warm Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad
Warm Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
This warm Brussels sprouts and pear salad is simple but so satisfying, with the Dijon vinaigrette soaking into the wilted sprouts and sweet fruit. I stick to whole Brussels sprouts and shred them myself to keep the price down and the texture just right.
14. Pear, Celery and Pecan Salad
Pear, Celery and Candied Pecans Salad Recipe
I always turn to this pear, celery, and pecan salad when I want a break from all the rich holiday food, since the pears, crunchy celery, and candied pecans make it feel refreshing while still offering plenty of festive flavor!
A Fresh Way to Use Up Holiday Leftovers
Once the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are over, I love pulling out all the leftovers and turning them into big, colorful salads. And pretty much anything can go into the bowl! Roasted vegetables, pantry bits, even the last scoop of a side dish can find a home here, and somehow it all works.
15. Holiday Leftovers Bowls
Thanksgiving Salad Bowl
I make these Thanksgiving bowls every year because they taste great as written, but they’re also my favorite excuse to repurpose leftover sides and roasted veggies. It’s a simple, nourishing way to clear out the fridge without anything going to waste!
