Winter salads can feel light and refreshing while still fitting the cozy season.
Each one pairs well with soups, roasts, or even as a stand‑alone lunch.
You’ll find simple ingredients that are easy to shop for and come together without fuss.
Think fresh flavors with a satisfying bite that livens up chilly days and adds color to your meal plans this winter.
Here are 16 fresh, healthy winter salad recipes to try this winter:
1. Pear, Pomegranate, and Creamy Honey Mustard
This salad is full of crunchy greens, crisp apples, and bright pomegranate seeds. The honey mustard dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch that pulls everything together. It’s simple, colorful, and has a nice mix of flavors for a holiday spread.
You can try it yourself with this easy Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing here.
2. Apple Walnut Cottage Cheese Salad
This salad mixes crisp apples with creamy cottage cheese and crunchy walnuts. The textures all work together for a bite that’s fresh, soft, and a little nutty. A light dressing brings it together without feeling too rich. It’s a nice balance—light but still satisfying. You can serve it as a quick lunch or as a side with dinner.
You can try this mix of apples, walnuts, and cottage cheese with the full recipe here.
3. Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
This one is bold and hearty, with cooked pasta, chopped veggies, and a zesty dressing. Ingredients like corn, bell peppers, and olives give it lots of flavor and crunch. It holds up well in the fridge, which makes it great for meal prep or sharing. Even cold, it feels filling and colorful—a nice change from usual winter dishes.
Learn how to make this cowboy-style pasta salad by checking out the recipe here.
4. Apple Cranberry Carrot Slaw
This slaw has a sweet and tangy mix thanks to fresh apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy carrots. It’s light but not boring, with a bit of chew from the fruit and crispness from the veggies. It pairs well with meats, sandwiches, or on its own as a snack or side. It also holds up nicely after it’s dressed.
You can make this bright and simple winter slaw by following the recipe here.
5. Fritos Cowboy Cabbage Salad
This salad is full of crunch from cabbage, veggies, and a topping of Fritos chips. It’s tangy, salty, and a little bit sweet, depending on what you add. The Fritos add a fun twist, and the cabbage stays crisp even after dressing. It’s great for sharing or keeping in the fridge for a few days.
Make this crunchy cabbage salad with Fritos by checking out the recipe here.
6. Colorful No Lettuce Salad
Made without lettuce, this salad brings together roasted veggies, fresh herbs, and lots of festive color. It’s hearty but still feels fresh, making it great for a Christmas dinner. There’s a good balance of soft and crunchy textures in every bite.
See how to make this colorful no lettuce Christmas salad here.
7. Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is creamy and savory with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a ranch dressing that ties it all together. It works well as a side dish that feels filling but not too heavy. The mix of pasta and fresh veggies keeps it interesting.
Check out the full broccoli bacon ranch pasta salad recipe here.
8. Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
Fresh strawberries, salty feta, and baby spinach come together in this light and flavorful salad. The sweetness from the fruit and the bite from the cheese make a simple but tasty match. It’s a good choice if you want something bright on the table.
Make your own using this strawberry feta spinach salad recipe here.
9. Cranberry Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and goat cheese give this salad a cozy, festive feel. It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and full of soft and crunchy bites. Great for colder days when you want something a bit heartier.
You can try this cranberry sweet potato goat cheese salad here.
10. Pomegranate Feta Salad
This salad mixes juicy pomegranate seeds with crumbled feta and leafy greens. The flavors are bold and fresh, and the bright red pops of fruit look great on a holiday table. It’s quick to make and always stands out.
Try this festive pomegranate feta Christmas salad here.
11. Cranberry Spinach Salad
A simple mix of spinach, cranberries, and nuts gives this salad a nice holiday flavor. The dressing adds a light touch of sweetness without overpowering the greens. It’s a calm, balanced option that fits with almost any meal.
Learn how to make this Christmas cranberry spinach salad here.
12. Arugula Pear Goat Cheese Salad
Peppery arugula, sweet pears, and creamy goat cheese make this salad feel both fresh and rich. It’s not too filling but still has enough going on to feel special. Perfect for pairing with heavier dishes on the table.
Find the full Christmas arugula pear goat cheese salad recipe here.
13. Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cranberries
Crunchy broccoli, crisp apples, and chewy cranberries come together in this fresh, wintery salad. There’s a little bit of tang and a little bit of sweet in each bite. It’s easy to prep and keeps well, too.
You can check out this broccoli salad with apples and cranberries here.
14. Beet Citrus Honey Dijon Salad
This salad blends sweet roasted beets with fresh citrus slices and a honey Dijon dressing. It’s bright and colorful, with just the right amount of zing. A nice way to add something vibrant to your table.
Try making this Christmas beet citrus honey Dijon salad here.
15. Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
Packed with beans, veggies, and herbs, this salad is filling but still feels fresh. The flavors are simple and earthy, with a light dressing that lets the ingredients shine. It’s a good choice if you want a plant-based option with substance.
Get the full Mediterranean dense bean salad recipe here.
16. Classic Waldorf Salad
This old-school salad mixes apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. It’s cool and crunchy, with just a little sweetness. It brings a familiar comfort that fits well on any holiday table.
Find the steps to make this classic Waldorf salad here.
Final Thoughts
Christmas meals are often full of rich, warm dishes, so it helps to have a fresh, cool salad to round things out.
These salads give you plenty of choices, from fruity and crisp to hearty and savory.
Each one brings a little balance and color to the table, without being complicated to make.