
There’s nothing I love more than enjoying a fresh salad that celebrates fruits and vegetables at their peak. In summer salads, that might mean bowls filled with sweet corn and peppery arugula or a sun-ripened peach Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes. As the weather cools, it’s all about roasted squash, blue cheese and crunchy pepitas. The best salad ingredients should shift with the seasons, and these winter salad recipes prove there’s zero excuse for sad meals, even in the coldest months.
Winter salads have their own magic. This is the moment for hearty greens like kale, radicchio and escarole that hold up beautifully to thick and creamy or light and zippy homemade salad dressings, as well as craveable add-ins, such as roasted root vegetables, caramelized squash, toasted nuts, warm grains and crumbly cheeses. It’s also peak season for citrus, pomegranates, pears and apples, bringing juicy sweetness, bright acidity and pops of color.
To add more heft and satiety to these leafy creations, top with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken tenders, sliced flank steak or sauteed shrimp. With that in mind, get ready to bookmark these recipes that hit the sweet spot of seasonal produce, vibrant flavors and weeknight ease. They’re hearty enough for cold days and colorful enough to brighten your table.

