Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing features a fantastic blend of tangy, sweet, and acidic flavors. This salad is made up of pomegranate seeds, also known as pomegranate arils, feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, amongst others. Easy to make, you’ll have a big bowl ready to serve at your holiday dinner in just 10 minutes!
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
This is a popular green salad dish to pair with a holiday meal due to its leafy greens that were traditionally available during winter months. It also has the beautiful colors of greens and reds that fit perfectly as a side dish during the holiday season.
With walnuts to provide some crunch and salty flavors, pomegranate arils and dried cranberries to provide some sweetness, and the tang of feta cheese, this is a great way to get incredible flavors into a healthy lunch or dinner salad.
We are certain we have the best way to make the perfect winter salad, but you can also add ingredients or swap them out to fit your tastes or just use what you can find at your local grocery store.
If you are looking for a tangy cheese but don’t have feta, you can use goat cheese to get that same creamy, tangy flavor. Arugula is tasty as well as aesthetic, but you can also use baby spinach as your leafy greens.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Festive and colorful: Pomegranate and cranberries add beautiful color and brightness perfect for the winter season.
Sweet and tangy flavor: The combination of fruit, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette creates a delicious balance.
Wholesome and nourishing: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and greens for a nutrient-rich dish.
Customizable: Swap the arugula for spinach, the walnuts for pecans, or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Ingredients to Make Winter Salad:
- fresh arugula. Peppery and slightly bitter, arugula gives this salad a fresh, crisp base. For a milder option, use baby spinach or a spring mix.
- pomegranate arils. Add bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color. Fresh arils are best, but pre-packaged ones work too.
- walnuts. Provide crunch and richness, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to enhance flavor.
- dried cranberries. Contribute a chewy sweetness that balances the tangy vinaigrette. You can substitute dried cherries for a similar flavor.
- feta cheese. Adds creaminess and a hint of saltiness. Goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles can also be used.
- balsamic vinaigrette. A sweet, tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together. Use homemade or store-bought, aged balsamic adds deeper flavor.
How to Make Winter Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as the base.
- Top with pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly in the dressing.
- Serve immediately as a side or light main dish.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Assemble just before serving: Add the vinaigrette right before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
- Toast the walnuts: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Swap the greens: Baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens all work well in place of arugula.
- Use fresh pomegranate: The juicy seeds add the best flavor, remove them from the fruit just before assembling.
- Balance the dressing: Start with half the vinaigrette, toss, and add more as needed so the salad isn’t soggy.
- Flavor boost: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or cracked pepper before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Holiday presentation: Serve on a white or wooden platter to highlight the festive red and green colors.
Serving Suggestions:
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate and add just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
Dressed salad: If already mixed with vinaigrette, it’s best enjoyed the same day, as arugula softens quickly.
Make ahead: You can prep ingredients up to 1 day in advance, store the greens, fruit, nuts, and cheese separately, then assemble when ready to serve.
FAQs:
Absolutely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan all pair wonderfully with the fruit and nuts.
Balsamic vinaigrette is classic, but honey mustard, apple cider vinaigrette, or lemon poppy seed dressing also work well.
You can, but thaw them fully and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Grab your Free copy
Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
Winter Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as the base.
- Top with pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly in the dressing.
- Serve immediately as a side or light main dish.
Nutrition
Notes
- Assemble just before serving: Add the vinaigrette right before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
- Toast the walnuts: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Swap the greens: Baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens all work well in place of arugula.
- Use fresh pomegranate: The juicy seeds add the best flavor, remove them from the fruit just before assembling.
- Balance the dressing: Start with half the vinaigrette, toss, and add more as needed so the salad isn’t soggy.
- Flavor boost: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or cracked pepper before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Holiday presentation: Serve on a white or wooden platter to highlight the festive red and green colors.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post!More Healthy Salad Recipes
Did You Make This Winter Salad Recipe?
If you’ve made this healthy recipe, please leave a comment and a rating. We love hearing your feedback and it greatly helps us improve our recipes!
You can also give us a follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook – we love staying in touch!
