Winter salad is the perfect way to brighten up colder days with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This colorful salad combines crisp lamb’s lettuce, juicy orange segments, crunchy pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Finished with a zesty honey mustard dressing, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish you’ll come back to all season long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of winter superfoods
- Quick to prepare (under 30 minutes)
- Naturally gluten-free
- Packed with flavor and texture
- Great as a light meal or elegant starter
Ingredients
- 150g lamb’s lettuce (or other winter greens)
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- ½ pomegranate, seeds only
- 100g soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 50g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp light balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 4 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the salad: Rinse and dry the lamb’s lettuce. Remove any tough stems.
- Segment the oranges: Peel and cut the oranges into segments, catching any juice.
- Collect pomegranate seeds: Halve the pomegranate and gently remove the seeds.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry pan, toast the walnuts until fragrant. Let cool, then chop.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, orange juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Toss lamb’s lettuce with the dressing. Plate and top with orange segments, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, optionally with slices of toasted whole grain bread.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 main or 4 side portions
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~539
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Protein: ~12g
- Fats: ~28g (with healthy fats from walnuts & olive oil)
Tips & Variations
- Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese.
- Add cooked quinoa for a heartier bowl.
- Use baby spinach if lamb’s lettuce is unavailable.
- Toasted pecans or almonds can replace walnuts.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble just before serving. You can prep the dressing and ingredients a few hours ahead.
Is this salad vegan?
Not as written, but simply omit the goat cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing gives better flavor and control over ingredients.
Winter Salad
Equipment
- – Salad spinner
- – Sharp knife
- – Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- – Frying pan
Ingredients
- – 150g lamb’s lettuce
- – 2 oranges segmented
- – ½ pomegranate seeds only
- – 100g goat cheese
- – 50g walnuts toasted
- – 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- – 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- – 1 tsp honey
- – 4 tbsp orange juice
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – Whole grain bread optional
Instructions
- Wash and prep greens.
- Segment oranges, collect juice.
- Remove pomegranate seeds.
- Toast walnuts and chop.
- Whisk dressing ingredients.
- Toss salad and assemble on plates.
- Top with fruit, cheese, and nuts.
Notes
Conclusion
This winter salad is your new go-to for fresh, seasonal eating. With bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and vibrant color, it’s perfect for lunch, holiday meals, or any time you need a winter pick-me-up.