Zesty Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe for Cozy Meals

Crisp winter nights call for a vibrant winter salad that bursts with unexpected flavors and textures.

Leafy greens dance alongside crunchy roasted nuts, creating a symphony of seasonal delights.

Bold colors peek through each carefully arranged ingredient, promising a refreshing experience.

Seasonal produce becomes your canvas for culinary creativity with this simple yet stunning dish.

Tangy homemade vinaigrette weaves magic into every bite, highlighting the natural brilliance of fresh components.

Cold temperatures outside make this warm and zesty salad a perfect comfort companion.

The kitchen transforms into a playground where wholesome ingredients tell their own delicious story.

You’ll fall in love with this quick and nourishing meal that celebrates winter’s delectable bounty.

FAQs About Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• What makes this winter salad special?

This winter salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with a variety of textures. The mix of fresh greens, crisp Brussels sprouts, juicy apples, and crunchy candied nuts creates a delightful eating experience that captures the essence of winter produce.

• Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! The vinaigrette can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients. The mixed greens and Brussels sprouts provide vitamins and fiber, pomegranate seeds offer antioxidants, and the nuts add healthy fats and protein. It’s a nutritious and delicious winter meal option.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more substantial, you can add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or quinoa. These protein additions will transform the salad into a complete and satisfying meal.

Why Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Is Crisp And Refreshing

• Craft a Quick Winter Feast: This salad transforms mundane winter ingredients into a vibrant, nutritious meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Boost Nutrition with Seasonal Ingredients: Packed with antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds, crunchy Brussels sprouts, and protein-filled feta cheese, this recipe offers a powerhouse of winter wellness in every delightful bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your kitchen – substitute nuts, change cheese types, or adjust vinaigrette sweetness, making this recipe incredibly flexible for personal taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: The homemade vinaigrette elevates this simple salad from ordinary to gourmet, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary expertise.

Ingredients For Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Mixed Greens: A fresh, crisp foundation that provides a variety of textures and mild flavors.
• Brussels Sprouts: Adds a hearty, slightly nutty element with a satisfying crunch.
• Red Onion: Brings a sharp, tangy bite and beautiful color contrast to the salad.

• Apple Slices, Pomegranate Seeds, Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart fruits that add burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
• Candied Nuts: Provides a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness to complement the salad.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds rich, salty notes to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the vinaigrette with a mild, rich flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy acidity to balance the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, zesty undertone to the vinaigrette.
• Maple Syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds fresh citrus brightness and helps balance flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Offers subtle, aromatic background flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the overall taste.

How To Assemble Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

Step 1: Chop and Prepare Salad Components

• Wash mixed salad greens thoroughly
• Trim and slice Brussels sprouts into thin ribbons
• Core and dice crisp apples
• Separate juicy pomegranate kernels
• Crumble tangy feta cheese
• Slice red onion into delicate rings
• Break candied nuts into smaller pieces
• Sprinkle dried cranberries

Step 2: Create Vibrant Vinaigrette

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Pure maple syrup
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a sealed jar and shake vigorously until perfectly blended. The dressing will transform into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Toss Salad

Arrange prepared salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Pour the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad. Use salad tongs to gently mix everything, ensuring each ingredient gets a delightful coating of dressing.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle additional candied nuts or pomegranate seeds on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately while ingredients are crisp and vibrant.

Tips For A Flavorful Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Customize Your Greens: Mix different salad greens like arugula, kale, or spinach for added nutrition and varied textures.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop Brussels sprouts and slice apples in advance, storing separately to maintain crispness and prevent browning.
• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas to transform this salad into a complete meal.
• Nut Variation: Swap candied nuts with toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for different flavor profiles and crunch levels.
• Vinaigrette Storage Hack: Prepare extra dressing and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, shaking well before each use.

How To Store Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Without Wilting

• Refrigerate leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness.
• Keep greens and chopped vegetables in sealed containers, storing them in the crisper drawer for maximum crispness.
• Separate the vinaigrette into an airtight glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Candied nuts can be stored in a cool, dry container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, preserving their delightful crunch.
• When ready to enjoy again, quickly reassemble the salad and drizzle with chilled vinaigrette for a delicious meal.

Great Pairings For Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Savor Sparkling Wine Pairing: Complement the salad's bright, tangy flavors with a crisp champagne or prosecco, cutting through the richness of feta and candied nuts while enhancing the fruity pomegranate and apple notes.
• Match with Hearty Red Wine: Select a light-bodied pinot noir that balances the salad's winter ingredients, offering subtle earthiness that connects with Brussels sprouts and matches the vinaigrette's depth.
• Create Craft Beer Harmony: Choose a wheat beer or Belgian-style ale with citrusy undertones, which will mirror the salad's zesty vinaigrette and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheese and sweet nuts.
• Elevate with Herbal Tea: Brew a warm chamomile or green tea to contrast the salad's cool temperature, providing a soothing backdrop that highlights the recipe's winter essence and cleanses the palate.

Tasty Twists For Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

• Citrus Winter Refresher: Swap apple cider vinegar with blood orange juice and add mandarin orange segments for extra brightness and winter zest.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace Dijon mustard with fresh chopped oregano and thyme, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a Mediterranean touch.
• Roasted Vegetable Crunch: Substitute raw Brussels sprouts with roasted Brussels sprouts and add toasted pumpkin seeds for enhanced winter warmth and nutty flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Incorporate grilled chicken or seared salmon on top of the salad, and replace maple syrup with honey in the vinaigrette for added protein and natural sweetness.

Winter Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp winter salad with homemade vinaigrette brings seasonal produce together in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Fresh greens mingle with roasted winter vegetables, creating a light yet satisfying meal that celebrates cold-weather ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Salad Greens and Vegetables:

• 4 cups (0.95 liters) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, or a blend)
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) thinly sliced red onion

Fruits, Nuts, and Cheese:

• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) candied pecans or walnuts

Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and trim the mixed greens, ensuring they are crisp and free from any wilted leaves. Pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Finely shred the Brussels sprouts using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating delicate, paper-thin slices that will blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
3. Core and thinly slice the apple into elegant, uniform half-moons. To prevent browning, immediately toss the apple slices with a splash of lemon juice.
4. Prepare the pomegranate seeds by gently breaking apart the fruit and extracting the bright, jewel-like seeds. Remove any white membrane to ensure pure, sweet flavor.
5. In a spacious salad bowl, artfully layer the mixed greens as a vibrant base. Scatter the shredded Brussels sprouts, apple slices, and pomegranate seeds across the surface.
6. Sprinkle dried cranberries for a burst of tartness, crumble feta cheese for creamy texture, and distribute candied nuts for a delightful crunch. Thinly slice red onion and disperse evenly.
7. For the vinaigrette, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
8. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the dressing becomes smooth and fully emulsified, with a glossy, uniform appearance.
9. Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Using two large utensils, gently toss the ingredients to ensure every component is lightly coated with the dressing.
10. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors, presenting it as a stunning winter culinary centerpiece.

Notes

• Massage Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil and salt to soften their texture and reduce bitterness, making them more tender and palatable.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness, keeping greens and nuts crisp until just before serving.
• Customize the salad for dietary needs by replacing feta with vegan cheese alternatives or using gluten-free candied nuts for restricted diets.
• Balance flavors by adjusting vinaigrette sweetness with maple syrup, ensuring a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes in every bite.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg