Delight in a Winter Salad that marries freshness with seasonal ingredients, creating a unique dining experience. This refined dish showcases vibrant colors and enticing textures, transforming simple greens into an elegant centerpiece. With its crisp vegetables juxtaposed against warm, hearty elements, this salad is a sophisticated ode to winter’s bounty.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: Perfect for both intimate gatherings and festive occasions.
- Minimal Ingredients: Utilizes staple items to create an impressive dish.
- Impressive Flavor: A harmonious balance of sweetness, crunch, and earthiness sets this salad apart.
What elevates this Winter Salad is its thoughtful combination of seasonal ingredients, which harmonize to create a dish that is as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to taste.
Ingredients
Base:
- 4 cups mixed greens (see note*)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
*Note: Use a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Winter Salad
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and tender. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warm, inviting scents.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens and roasted butternut squash. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine, ensuring each leaf is coated with the flavorful vinaigrette.
Add the Toppings: Scatter toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds over the salad. The contrasting colors and textures create a visual feast.
Plate the Salad: For an elegant presentation, use a ring mold to arrange the salad on individual plates, or serve in a large salad bowl and allow guests to help themselves.
How to Serve Winter Salad
Elevate your presentation by serving the salad in elegant bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. Alternatively, serve each portion on a bed of thinly sliced radish for an added touch of sophistication.
How to Store Winter Salad
To maintain its crispness and flavor, store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring the dressing is kept separate. Consume within 2 days. When ready to enjoy, gently toss with freshly prepared dressing to refresh the flavors and textures.
Tips to Make Winter Salad
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, seasonal produce to enhance flavor.
- Think Texture: Include a variety of textures—think crunchy walnuts against creamy goat cheese.
- Make It Vibrant: Use a rainbow of produce to create a visually stunning dish.
- Experiment with Dressings: Try different vinaigrettes to customize the flavor profile.
- Add Garnishes: For an extra touch, top with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Variation
For an elegant twist, consider substituting the goat cheese with feta or blue cheese. You could also add sliced pears or apples for an additional layer of sweetness and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance; however, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to retain the lettuce’s crispness.
What other nuts can I use in this salad?
Pecans or hazelnuts are excellent alternatives that bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! Simply omit the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
This Winter Salad embodies elegance and simplicity, offering a delightful array of textures and flavors that beautifully reflect the season. Its minimal yet impactful ingredients make it a memorable addition to any table. Feel free to share your thoughts and personal twists in the comments. How would you make this dish your own?
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Winter Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad that combines fresh greens with roasted butternut squash, topped with crunchy walnuts and tangy goat cheese, creating a delightful winter dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens and roasted butternut squash. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.
- Add the Toppings: Scatter toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds over the salad.
- Plate the Salad: Serve in elegant bowls or on individual plates using a ring mold for presentation.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Tossing
- Cuisine: Seasonal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg