I started making this winter salad recipe many many years ago. I originally shared a photo and simple recipe for this homemade salad, but today I’ve added more details, photos and everything you need for this simple winter salad recipe.

It’s a great one because you can prep the more detailed parts ahead of time and then eat this salad all week long with minimal prep each day. I’ve been making this salad for so many years because it’s simple one of my very favorites.

I call it winter salad because the ingredients are easy to find in the winter when garden veggies are a bit more expensive… This salad is full of hearty, flavorful ingredients you can find all year long. 

Easy Winter Salad Recipe-

Are you drooling yet? This photos make me hungry every time. I ate this for lunch, but then wanted it again later in the day when I was editing photos and writing up this post…{haha} Make sure to check out my fun little slideshow video with photos of all the steps needed to make this best winter salad {at least I think it’s the best}.

This salad really is very easy! There is only one part of this salad that takes some prep… Like I mentioned before you can prep the nuts ahead of time and then easily make this salad. The caramelized nuts are too good not to include even though they do take a few minutes to prep.

My recipe makes enough nuts for about four salads, but you can easily make a bigger batch and have plenty of nuts for many salads. As long as you keep them in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator they will keep for a long time. 

Simple Winter Salad Recipe – 

Here are all the ingredients you will need…. Leaf lettuce {get the crisp kind!}, Green Apples, Caramelized walnuts, feta cheese, craisins or dried cherries, and balsamic vinaigrette. {I like to use these seasoning packs and add balsamic vinegar instead of white} You will find all the measurements and directions to make the nuts below in the printable recipe card. 

Layer all these tasty toppings on your lettuce and then add the dressing for a totally tasty salad. I LOVE the way there are so many different flavors that all come together in the perfect homemade salad. You can make this any time of year, but for me it’s just about a perfect winter lunch… or serve with soup for a delicious winter dinner. 

Of course you can leave off any of these ingredients that you don’t like, but I think it’s just perfect with everything piled on. Plus it’s a hearty salad and one that keeps me full all afternoon. 

Best Winter Salad idea-

Yield: four

Winter Salad recipe

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a tasty winter salad that has ingredients you can find all year long and is a hearty meal or side dish.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 large lettuce leaves
• 2 green apples
• 4 oz feta cheese
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• 1 cup craisins/dried cherries
• 1 cup walnut pieces
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 TBS balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the sugar and vinegar in a small sauce pan. Heat the sugar over medium heat. You need to stir constantly or the dry sugar will burn. Stir, stir, stir until the sugar begins to melt. Continue to cook until the sugar is completely melted. Add the walnut pieces and toss.
2. place a piece of parchment paper on a cookies sheet. Grease with cooking spray and spread the nut mixture on top. Cook for 5 min, then stir and cook 5 more min.
3. While the nuts are roasting prepare the salads... each salad consists of 3 large lettuce leaves {cut up to bite size pieces}, 1 oz of feta, 1/8 cup craisins/cherries, 1/2 a green apple.
4. when the walnuts come out of the oven, let them cool and then break any chunks apart. Add 1/4 cup of the walnuts on top of the salad and top with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Some other salad recipes you may enjoy:

Greek Cous Cous Salad

Super Foods Salad

Super Salad Dinner

Tomato Salad Stack