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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add feta cheese (optional): Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese on top if desired for a creamy, salty contrast.
- 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.
- 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