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Winter Rainbow Salad Recipe


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3.8 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and colorful winter salad featuring a mix of leafy greens, shredded cabbage and carrots, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange segments, crunchy pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and optional feta cheese, all tossed in a bright and zesty citrus dressing made with olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a side dish or light meal during the colder months, this salad showcases seasonal produce with satisfying textures and flavors.


Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the greens and vegetables: Add 4 cups of mixed greens such as spinach, kale, or spring mix into a large salad bowl. Then, top with 1 cup shredded red cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrots evenly over the greens.
  2. Roast the butternut squash: Cube the butternut squash and roast it in the oven until tender, about 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Allow to cool slightly, then add 1 cup of the roasted squash cubes to the salad bowl.
  3. Add the fruits and seeds: Scatter 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, and 1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds over the salad for bursts of color, flavor, and crunch.
  4. Add feta cheese (optional): Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese on top if desired for a creamy, salty contrast.
  5. Make the citrus dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  6. Toss or serve the salad: Either toss the salad with the dressing until evenly coated just before serving or serve the dressing on the side to allow guests to add as desired.

Notes

  • For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or farro.
  • To keep the salad fresh, store dressing separately and mix just before serving.
  • Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds texture.
  • Can be made vegan by omitting the feta or substituting with a plant-based cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting, Assembling
  • Cuisine: American