If you think winter salads are destined to be dull and forgettable, this Winter Chopped Salad is here to prove you deliciously wrong. Bursting with crisp lettuce, juicy apples, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, tender rotisserie chicken, and a medley of crunchy, creamy, and tangy surprises, every forkful celebrates the bounty and flavors of the colder months. It’s quick to prepare but makes an impression at any table, whether you’re serving it as a lunch for friends or bringing some much-needed color and brightness to a cozy dinner at home.

Winter Chopped Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in the Winter Chopped Salad. From the fresh crunch of romaine to the punchy zip of the Dijon dressing, each ingredient brings an element of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that turns this salad into a feel-good cold-weather favorite.

Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a high-quality oil for your dressing to ensure it tastes rich and well-rounded.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy depth and a touch of sweetness to balance the salad.
Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a savory punch and helps it emulsify perfectly.
Honey: Just a bit smooths out the acidity and brings a subtle hint of sweetness.
Garlic powder: For an all-over savory warmth without the sharpness of raw garlic.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to give the salad a little kick.
Romaine lettuce: This leafy base provides freshness and hearty crunch.
Rotisserie chicken: Effortlessly tender and flavorful, it turns the salad into a satisfying meal.
Honeycrisp apple: Its sweet, juicy crunch shines amid the other bold ingredients.
Red onion: Adds a pop of color and sharp, zesty bite that wakes up the whole bowl.
Pomegranate seeds: Jewels of tart flavor that burst with every bite and look stunning, too.
Dried cranberries: Chewy, sweet, and tangy, they add a festive touch and lovely texture.
Candied pecans: Sweet, crunchy, and irresistible — buy them or make your own for the freshest taste.
Feta cheese: Creamy, briny crumbles balance the sweetness and add richness to the salad.

How to Make Winter Chopped Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until the dressing thickens and becomes glossy. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld — you’ll love how this bright, tangy-sweet vinaigrette wakes up every ingredient.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Dice the rotisserie chicken, apple, and red onion, then add them to the bowl, along with the pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, roughly chopped candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Prepping everything to a uniform size is the secret to getting a perfect mix of flavors in every spoonful.

Step 3: Toss and Assemble

Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing all over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss everything gently, making sure the dressing coats every single ingredient. This step is quick but important — tossing at the last moment keeps the lettuce crisp and the toppings vibrant.

How to Serve Winter Chopped Salad

Garnishes

Top your Winter Chopped Salad with an extra handful of pomegranate seeds, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, or a few more candied pecans for crunch. A light drizzle of extra honey or a twist of cracked black pepper just before serving gives it a truly special touch.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad shines as a main dish but also pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty baguette, a bowl of creamy soup, or roasted winter vegetables. If you’re serving a crowd, it makes a striking side alongside baked salmon or a simple roast chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little flair to your table by piling the chopped salad high on a platter or arranging it in individual jars for a festive lunch. For holiday gatherings, you can layer it in a clear bowl to show off its jewel-toned beauty — or serve in lettuce cups for adorable, handheld bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Winter Chopped Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep it as fresh as possible, consider storing the dressing separately and only tossing what you plan to eat right away.

Freezing

Due to the fresh ingredients and delicate textures, this salad isn’t suitable for freezing. The lettuce and fruit will lose their crispness and become soggy if frozen and thawed — it’s truly best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

Salads like this aren’t meant to be reheated. However, if your salad has chilled too much in the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the edge off the chill before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make the Winter Chopped Salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken or swap it for chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, or extra nuts for added protein and heartiness.

Which apple varieties work best if I don’t have Honeycrisp?

Honeycrisp apples are wonderfully sweet and crunchy, but you can easily substitute Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples for similar crispness and flavor in this Winter Chopped Salad.

How can I make the salad dairy-free?

Omit the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. Vegan feta or crumbled cashew cheese are both tasty options that still lend creaminess and tang.

Is it possible to prep the Winter Chopped Salad in advance?

Yes! Chop all your ingredients and make the dressing ahead of time, but keep everything separate until right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp!

What else can I add to the Winter Chopped Salad?

Feel free to get creative! Sliced pears, roasted butternut squash, or even a few toasted pumpkin seeds can add extra texture, flavor, and seasonal flair to your salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way the Winter Chopped Salad pulls together all the vibrant flavors and colors of the season in one bowl. If you’re searching for a salad that feels comforting, festive, and refreshingly satisfying, don’t wait to try this recipe — it could easily become the highlight of your winter meals!

Chef MARTHA

Winter Chopped Salad Recipe