Winter Salad

5 from 3 votes

Winter Salad pairs pears, apples, or oranges with cranberries, feta, and a maple vinaigrette for a refreshing, vibrant side.

Prep Time25

Total Time25

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegetarian

Keyword: Winter Salad, winter salad recipe

Servings: servings, as a side

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $12.32

Equipment

Jar or other sealable container

Ingredients

Salad

8 cups mixed greens
1 ripe pomegranate or 1 cup arils
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
2 large oranges, pears, or apples whatever you have on hand or like best!
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
Pepitas or maple-cinnamon pecans, see note 1

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup see note 2
1-1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons mayo

US - Metric

Instructions

If making maple-cinnamon pecans, prepare them first (see note 1).
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Add salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon each). Shake well and refrigerate. Shake again before using.
This salad doesn’t keep well with dressing as it quickly wilts the toppings and greens. If you aren’t eating the entire salad in one sitting, dress only the portion you’ll eat, and store the rest separately.
In a large bowl, add the mixed greens. Toss with about half the dressing until nicely coated. Add the pomegranate, cranberries, and thinly sliced or chopped fruit (oranges, pears, or apples). Drizzle with the remaining dressing, or to taste. Sprinkle with candied nuts or pepitas and the crumbled cheese. Serve promptly.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Combine 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Toss to coat. Spread on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 350°F for 7 minutes. Flip and bake another 5–8 minutes until fragrant and glossy. Let cool, then chop if desired.

Note 2: Pure maple syrup is the boiled-down sap of a maple tree, with only one ingredient. It should not be confused with corn syrup or pancake syrup.

Storage: If saving leftovers, store the greens, dressing, and toppings separately to prevent wilting.

Nutrition