20 winter salad recipes
Make seasonal fruit and veg the star of the show with our winter salad recipes. Enjoy carrots, parsnips, kale, squash, chicory, pears, cauliflower and more
When it comes to seasonal produce, winter has a bit of a bad rep as it’s often thought of as one of the least abundant times of year. However, we believe there’s plenty of delicious ingredients at their best during the winter months – and lots of ways to use them.
Take seasonal stars such as parsnips, carrots, kale, squash and Brussels sprouts. Combined with a few filling foods, like chicken, avocado, grains or beans, these humble vegetables can make a super-satisfying meal. What’s more, you could reap some health benefits by eating with the seasons, as you’re getting foods at their most nutritious – read our guide to find out more.
As you’ll see from our list below, the possibilities for making winter salads are endless. Keep it classic with our warm chorizo & chickpea salad, try something different with roasted root veg fattoush and serve up a new favourite with our roasted carrot, lentil and feta salad.
For more ideas, check out our healthy salad recipes, vegetarian salads and vegan salads. Plus, read our list of 10 salad dressings you can make in minutes.
1. Warm winter bean salad with chicken
Banish the winter blues with our warm bean salad with kale, chicken breast and raddichio. Try to get butter beans from a jar as they’re generally softer and more flavourful.
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2. Sesame parsnip & wild rice tabbouleh
The flavour of the sweet roasted parsnips, coated in turmeric, works perfectly with nutty tahini dressing. Combine with wild rice, fresh mint and coriander for a satisfying vegan supper.
3. Pear, chicory & blue cheese salad
Creamy blue cheese, ripe pears and walnuts make a winning combination in this elegant salad. The bitter leaves of chicory make a pleasant addition to salads, while in season.
4. Roasted carrot, rocket & lentil salad
So simple, yet so delicious. This easy salad for two combines a pouch of puy lentils with roasted carrots, cucumber, avocado, a good scattering of salty feta and a honey-mustard dressing. Also, try out our Heritage carrots recipe.
5. Winter salad with raisins, dill & walnuts
Make the most of cauliflower in this wonderful winter salad with raisins, dill and walnuts, and a homemade butter bean and smoked paprika hummus.
6. Warm chorizo & chickpea salad
You only need seven ingredients to make this satisfying salad. Full of bold flavours like chorizo and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a great option for lunch.
7. Winter tabbouleh
Swap out summery tomatoes and make a winter version of tabbouleh with cauliflower, fennel, bulgur wheat, nuts and pomegranate seeds. It’s delicious served as a side dish to roast chicken or lamb.
8. Roast squash & hummus winter salad
This filling salad of roasted winter veg and rocket sits atop a layer of creamy walnut and butter bean hummus. It’s a nourishing dish that’s loaded with vitamin C to help support your immune defences.
9. Brussel sprout salad with citrus & pomegranate
Brussels sprouts aren't just for Christmas, use them all winter to make a great alternative to cabbage in slaws and salads. Here, they soak up zingy dressing made with orange, lemon and wholegrain mustard.
10. Roasted roots fattoush
If you're always looking for new ways with root vegetables, this is the salad for you. We’ve given classic Middle Eastern fattoush a winter makeover with roasted root veg and a brown-butter yogurt dressing. We've left the shards of toasted pitta in for crunch.
11. Vegan roast spiced squash salad with tahini dressing
Make the most of butternut squash in this nutrient-rich salad. It’s just as good chilled for lunch the next day, so consider doubling the recipe.
12. Feta, beetroot & pomegranate salad
Enjoy something lighter for lunch with this bright beetroot and feta salad. It’s low-calorie and flavoured with mint, parsley, cinnamon and cumin. For a more substantial meal, add some cooked grains or a handful of walnuts.
13. Winter cobb salad
Use up leftover chicken from your Sunday roast to make our take on a classic cobb salad. It’s great for colder months when you need something more substantial.
14. Quinoa salad with shredded greens & raisins
Showcase quinoa in this wonderful salad with shredded seasonal greens, avocado, feta and raisins. If you’re not a fan of quinoa, you could always use another wholegrain.
15. Beetroot & halloumi salad with pomegranate & dill
This healthy salad is a marriage of flavours. Salty halloumi works wonderfully with juicy orange, sweet pomegranate, fresh mint and bitter rocket. You can come back to this recipe all-year round.
16. Bacon & avocado warm orzo pasta salad
Reimagine pasta salad and make a warm version using orzo – one of our all-time favourite ingredients – instead. Simply stir through pesto, tomatoes, avocado and crispy bacon and you’re into a real winner.
17. Next-level chicken caesar salad
Whatever the time of year, you need a good chicken caesar salad recipe to add to your repertoire. The punchy flavours come from garlic, parmesan, mustard and anchovy. To take it to the next level, we’ve made crackling from the chicken skin.
18. Shaved pear, cheese & bresaola salad
Make the most of pears and chicory while they’re in season with this rustic salad. Cured beef, walnuts and blue cheese elevate it to something really special.
19. Minty carrot, pistachio & feta salad
This Moroccan-style salad with cumin-roasted carrots, chickpeas, mint, nuts, spinach and salty cheese is great with cooked chicken or lamb. Alternatively, serve with hummus and pitta for a simple meat-free meal.
20. Beetroot, lentil, celeriac & hazelnut salad
A lovely, wintry salad using fresh, seasonal ingredients that you can serve warm or cold. Bright beetroot, crunchy hazelnuts and a punchy mustard dressing are the stars of the show.
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