Vibrant Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe

Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself, packed with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine crisp greens mingling with sweet roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette that brings everything together in an explosion of taste. strawberry cheesecake salad berry cheesecake salad.

As the winter chill settles in, this salad becomes the star of any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. The delightful crunch of fresh vegetables paired with the zesty dressing will make you forget all about those heavy winter dishes. colorful holiday salad Get ready to impress everyone at your table while keeping it light and healthy!

Ingredients for Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Mixed Greens: Use a combination of arugula, spinach, and kale for a mix of textures and flavors.
• Roasted Beets: These add sweetness and earthiness; opt for fresh beets instead of canned for the best flavor.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide crunch; feel free to substitute with pecans if you prefer.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a salty punch; choose high-quality cheese for optimal taste.
• Pomegranate Seeds: These little gems add bursts of sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.

For the Homemade Vinaigrette:

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’s the base of your dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This adds acidity; look for aged balsamic for deeper flavor.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the tanginess; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard adds depth; use whole grain for extra texture if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by washing and drying your mixed greens thoroughly. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Roast Those Beets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets in aluminum foil and roast them for about an hour or until tender. Once cooked, let them cool before peeling and slicing into wedges.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it and adjust seasoning as necessary—you want it zesty but not overpowering.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In the bowl with mixed greens, add roasted beet wedges, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle some vinaigrette over the top—don’t drown it! Gently toss everything together until well coated. For more inspiration, check out this cinnamon pear walnut crumble recipe.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer the salad onto individual plates or serve it family-style on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining vinaigrette over each serving for that extra oomph!

Step 6: Enjoy With Friends

Gather around the table with friends or family and dig into this delightful winter salad that feels like sunshine on a plate!

With every bite of Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette, you’re not just enjoying food; you’re indulging in blissful moments filled with laughter and warmth—essentially turning ordinary winter days into extraordinary experiences!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your veggies and whisking together the vinaigrette. While you let the flavors mingle, toast any nuts or seeds you want to add. Finally, combine everything in a large bowl for a glorious winter salad.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite greens like kale or arugula. Add some roasted sweet potatoes for sweetness or toss in some dried cranberries for a chewy surprise. The possibilities are endless! For more inspiration, check out this baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the vinaigrette separate until serving to maintain freshness. Toss everything together just before enjoying again.

Sometimes, when I whip up this winter salad, I can almost hear my friends cheering me on, especially when they dive into those crunchy toppings! It’s become their go-to dish at gatherings, and honestly, who can blame them?

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for a Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette?

To prepare a delicious Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette, gather fresh greens like kale or arugula, seasonal vegetables such as roasted beets and carrots, and toppings like nuts or cheese. For the vinaigrette, you will need olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Tuscan pasta salad pairing These ingredients combine to create a hearty salad that is both nutritious and satisfying during the colder months.

How can I customize my Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette?

Customizing your Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is easy! You can add your favorite seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or citrus segments for a burst of flavor. Consider including different proteins such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for added substance. Experimenting with various nuts and cheeses can also enhance the texture and taste of your salad, making it uniquely yours.

Can I make the vinaigrette in advance for my Winter Salad?

Yes, you can absolutely make the vinaigrette in advance for your Winter Salad! Simply mix all the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good shake before serving to ensure it’s well mixed. The vinaigrette typically lasts up to a week when stored properly.

What are some serving suggestions for my Winter Salad?

For best results, serve your Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette alongside warm bread or as an accompaniment to roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. Consider topping it off with grilled shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. This versatile salad complements many entrees while adding a refreshing touch to your meal.

Conclusion for Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette:

A Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is not only vibrant but also packed with essential nutrients perfect for winter months. By using seasonal ingredients and customizing your salad, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and healthy. The homemade vinaigrette adds a personal touch that elevates the flavors beautifully. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and serving options to make this salad truly yours!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Hannah Reed
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is a vibrant and refreshing dish that elevates any winter meal. This salad combines crisp mixed greens, sweet roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta cheese, and bright pomegranate seeds, all brought together with a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier winter meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
• 2 medium fresh beets
• 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens; chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for about an hour until tender. Cool, peel, and slice into wedges.
3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, beet wedges, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.
5. Transfer to plates or serve family-style on a platter with extra vinaigrette drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg