Fresh Winter Salad Recipe

Winter salad in wooden bowl with sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts, goat cheese crumbles, mixed greens, festive holiday side dish

5 from 1 vote

This winter salad recipe is fresh, colorful, and packed with seasonal flavors. Crisp greens, sweet pears, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese all tossed with tangy honey mustard dressing - perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings:6 bowls

Course:Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine:American, Mediterranean

Calories:245kcal

Cost:$14.00

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups mixed salad greens or arugula Washed and dried well
2 medium ripe pears Thinly sliced, use firm pears
1 cup pomegranate seeds Fresh or from package
1 cup candied walnuts or pecans Can toast plain nuts
4 ounces goat cheese Crumbled, or use feta
¼ cup red onion Thinly sliced
¼ cup dried cranberries For extra sweetness

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds tanginess
2 tablespoons honey Pure honey recommended
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Or white wine vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil Extra virgin best
½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

1 Large salad bowl For mixing and serving the salad
1 Small bowl To whisk the honey mustard dressing
1 Whisk To emulsify the dressing smoothly
1 Sharp knife For slicing pears and onions
1 Small skillet Optional, to toast walnuts

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

Serving: 280gCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 5gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

The secret to perfect winter salad is dressing it right before serving so the greens stay crisp. Prep all components ahead but don't toss until ready to eat. The honey mustard dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.