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This Winter Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel exciting. Crisp greens, sweet pears, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese all tossed together with a tangy honey mustard dressing. I started making this for holiday gatherings years ago, and now my family requests it every Christmas. My daughter loves picking out the pomegranate seeds, and my husband always goes back for seconds. It's fresh, festive, and brings so much color to the table when everything else feels heavy.
Why You'll Love This Winter Salad Recipe
This is the best winter salad because it hits every flavor and texture you could want. Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all in one bowl. My sister says it's the only salad that actually feels special enough for Christmas dinner. The pomegranate seeds add that festive pop of red, and the honey mustard dressing ties everything together perfectly. Plus, this holiday salad is healthy without tasting like diet food. It's easy to throw together, looks gorgeous on the table, and works for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy holiday parties.
What You'll Need
Just grab some fresh seasonal ingredients and you're ready to make this stunning salad. Most of these are easy to find at any grocery store during winter.
Main Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens or arugula
- Fresh pears
- Pomegranate seeds
- Candied walnuts or pecans
- Goat cheese or feta
- Red onion
- Dried cranberries
For the Honey Mustard Dressing
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Optional Extras
You can add sliced avocado for extra creaminess, swap the pears for apples if that's easier, or use blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a stronger flavor.
The full recipe card has all the details.
How to Make Winter Salad Recipe
Prep the Ingredients
Wash and dry your salad greens thoroughly. Slice the pears thin, crumble the goat cheese, and slice the red onion into thin strips. Having everything ready makes assembly so much easier.
Make the Dressing
Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This honey mustard dressing is what makes the whole salad sing.
Toast the Nuts
If your walnuts aren't already candied, toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. This brings out their flavor and adds that perfect crunch. My mom always says toasted nuts make any salad better.
Assemble the Salad
Place the greens in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries. Arrange everything so it looks pretty and colorful.
Q: How do I get pomegranate seeds out easily?
Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and whack the back with a wooden spoon. The seeds fall right out. You can also buy them already removed in the produce section to save time.
Dress and Toss
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens. Don't dress it too early or the salad will wilt.
Serve Fresh
This winter salad recipe is best served immediately after dressing. The contrast between the crisp greens and creamy cheese with that tangy-sweet dressing is absolutely perfect when fresh.
Top Tip
Always dress your salad right before serving, never ahead of time.
The acid in the dressing will make the greens soggy if it sits too long.
If you're making this for a party, prep all the ingredients separately and assemble just before guests arrive.
Also, use a good quality olive oil in the dressing.
It really makes a difference in flavor.
My grandmother taught me that years ago and she was right.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap arugula for mixed greens if you want something peppery. Use apples instead of pears when they're in season. Replace goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store the salad components separately in the fridge. Greens keep for 2-3 days in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. The dressing lasts up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble and dress individual portions as needed. This salad doesn't reheat well since it's meant to be served fresh and cold.
What to Serve With Winter Salad Recipe
This Christmas salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or prime rib for holiday dinners. It also works great alongside soup for a lighter meal. We love serving it with crusty bread and a glass of white wine. It's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any winter gathering. The bright flavors cut through heavier holiday dishes perfectly.
FAQs About Winter Salad Recipe
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prep all the components separately up to a day ahead, but don't assemble or dress the salad until right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?
Dried cranberries, fresh raspberries, or even sliced strawberries work well. You want something sweet and slightly tart to balance the other flavors.
How do I make candied walnuts at home?
Toss walnuts with a little maple syrup and cinnamon, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes. Balsamic vinaigrette or a simple lemon olive oil dressing also work great with these ingredients. The honey mustard is just my favorite because it complements the pears perfectly.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you love fresh, seasonal salads like this, you'll want to try more of my holiday salad ideas that bring color and nutrition to your table. This winter salad recipe fits perfectly in the salad recipes and Dinner recipes categories where you'll find tons of healthy and delicious options.
Try my Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate for another festive option, or my Burrata Salad Beet when you want something equally seasonal and satisfying.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Fresh Winter Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens. Slice pears thinly, crumble goat cheese, and slice red onion into thin strips.
- If using plain walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is thick, smooth, and fully emulsified without separation.
- Place greens in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, goat cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries evenly.
- Drizzle honey mustard dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately while fresh and crisp. The contrast of sweet pears, tart pomegranate, and creamy cheese is perfect when just dressed.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
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