As the winter season rolls in, our culinary focus often shifts to comforting, hearty meals.
Winter salads can be much more than just a side dish; they can stand as a meal in themselves. They offer an opportunity to experiment with a range of textures and flavors. Each ingredient brings its unique qualities, contributing to a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and tasty.
In addition, winter salads make use of seasonal vegetables and fruits, which despite the cold, are at their peak in flavor in the season. From crunchy and spicy greens to hearty root vegetables, these salads incorporate a variety of flavors pleasing to your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll share our favorite wholesome winter salad recipes. These dishes are thoughtfully crafted from quality ingredients, some specific to the winter season, others bringing the warmth and color we all miss. They’re designed to be easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing lunch option or a substantial dinner salad, these recipes provide plenty of inspiration.
This salad is a perfect option for a simple yet elegant appetizer. The combination of the sweetness of peas, peppery taste of arugula, and the savory flavor or prosciutto allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
Toss peas and arugula with thinly sliced prosciutto. Add a zesty lemon Dijon mustard dressing. This salad presents a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal starter or side dish.
See the full recipe: Pea, Arugula and Prosciutto Salad
Kale, a hearty leafy green, forms the base of this nutrient-rich salad. The addition of chickpeas adds a heartiness, while a creamy miso dressing brings an umami depth.
To make this salad, massage chopped kale with a bit of olive oil to soften the leaves. Toss in cooked chickpeas and drizzle with a dressing made from mushroom broth, olive oil, mirin, miso, ginger and lemon juice. This combination not only tastes great but also provides a wholesome meal.
See the full recipe: Kale Chickpea Salad with Creamy Miso
Sorghum, a gluten-free grain, offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor. When paired with spinach, this salad becomes a warm, comfort dinner.
Toss cauliflower and carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper, then bake until fork-tender. Prepare a dressing of olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice and fennel, blended until smooth. Finally, combine the roasted vegetables, cooked sorghum and dressing in a salad bowl, tossing everything together to serve warm.
See the full recipe: Hot Sorghum Spinach Salad
This salad brings together the sweetness of butternut squash with the smokiness of bacon and the earthiness of kale.
To prepare the dressing, whisk together butternut squash soup, olive oil, nutmeg and vinegar until smooth. In a large skillet, sauté bacon over medium heat until crisp. Finally, stir in kale and the prepared butternut squash dressing, and cook until the kale is slightly wilted. Paired with a warm soup and bread, this salad rounds out a satisfying meal that’s bursting with contrasting flavors.
See the full recipe: Warm Kale Salad with Butternut Dressing and Bacon
While this salad may have “autumn” in its name, the comforting flavors of farro and roasted vegetable are the perfect comfort for both autumn and winter. Farro, an ancient grain, provides a satisfying chewiness, which is complemented by the sweetness of roasted winter vegetables.
To make this wholesome salad, line a tray with parchment paper. Place carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash on the tray. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, add kale until wilted, and then mix in the cooked farro. Whisk together oil, mustard, vinegar, thyme and seasoning to make a vinaigrette. Combine everything for a vibrant flavorful salad.
See the full recipe: Warm Autumn Farro and Roasted Vegetable Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad features fluffy couscous and chickpeas, making it a hearty and filling option.
What sets this salad apart is the dressing made from cilantro, mint, parsley, coconut milk, oil, tahini, lemon juice and vinegar. Combine the vibrant dressing with spinach, cucumber, seasoned chickpeas, cooked couscous and radishes. This salad is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.
See the full recipe: Couscous and Chickpea Salad
For an Asian twist, this Thai noodle salad combines rice noodles with a tangy cashew carrot ginger sauce.
Mix together cashew carrot ginger soup, cashew butter, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic and lime juice for a flavorful dressing. Combine the dressing with sliced cucumber, pepper, carrots, green onions, edamame, noodles and cilantro. Experience this unique salad this winter season.
See the full recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Cashew Carrot Ginger Sauce
This unique salad pairs the salty richness of grilled halloumi cheese with the sweet juiciness of stone fruits, like peaches or nectarines, over a bed of orzo. While this salad is not made with winter-specific produce, the bright colors and familiar flavors help push through the winter.
Grill slices of halloumi and stone fruits until charred. Cook orzo pasta, then combine with the grilled ingredients. Add a light dressing of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey/maple syrup and oregano to bring together the flavors.
See the full recipe: Grilled Halloumi and Stone Fruit Orzo Salad
Incorporating these winter salad recipes into your diet is a practical, enjoyable way to embrace the richness of the season’s produce. Utilizing seasonal ingredients not only elevates the flavor profiles of your meals but also ensures that you’re getting a wide range of nutritional benefits.
Moreover, the use of our wholesome organic products at Pacific Foods can further improve your winter salads. Our broths, for instance, can add a savory depth to dressings or grain-based salads. In addition, our plant-based soups offer a creamy texture and additional flavors.
To learn more about the amazing products we provide to help you make and enjoy exceptional winter salads, visit us online.