Winter Chopped Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad perfect for the colder months, this Winter Chopped Salad combines a variety of hearty vegetables and fruits with a tangy dressing for a satisfying and nutritious dish. The blend of kale, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and carrots provides a hearty base, while dried cranberries and pecans add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Feta cheese gives the salad a creamy finish, making it a well-rounded option for lunch or as a side dish to complement any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a seasonal side, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with color and flavor.

The combination of the vegetables and fruits makes this salad rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing provides a perfect balance of richness and acidity. It’s a versatile salad that’s not only packed with nutrients but also deliciously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Seasonal Ingredients

This salad incorporates classic winter produce like kale and Brussels sprouts, which are both nutrient-dense and widely available during the colder months.

2. Packed with Flavor

The tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans create a perfect balance of flavors, making this salad a standout dish.

3. Quick & Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is fast and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday meals.

4. Healthy & Nutritious

Loaded with vegetables, nuts, and fruits, this salad provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health.

5. Versatile

This Winter Chopped Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great side salad for roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• Kale, chopped
• Brussels sprouts, shredded
• Red cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Dried cranberries
• Pecans, chopped
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more filling salad, you can add grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted chickpeas to make it a main dish.
• Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different creamy touch.
• Dressing Swap: Try substituting balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a zesty twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the kale, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and carrots. These hearty vegetables make up the base of your salad.

Step 2: Add the Sweet and Crunchy Elements

Add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. These ingredients add sweetness, texture, and a creamy component to the salad.

Step 3: Drizzle with Dressing

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours for the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Massage the Kale: If you find raw kale a bit tough, you can massage it with a bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients. This softens the kale and makes it more enjoyable to eat.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you want to add an extra burst of freshness, you can use fresh cranberries, but be sure to cook them lightly with sugar to add some sweetness.
• Make It Ahead: If you’re preparing the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving to prevent the salad from wilting.

How to Serve

This Winter Chopped Salad is perfect as a side dish to accompany roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. It also pairs well with grilled fish, making it a great option for a light and healthy meal. For a vegetarian option, you can serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a quinoa bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Freezing

Since this salad contains fresh vegetables, it’s not suitable for freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Do not reheat, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute red cabbage with green cabbage or napa cabbage for a milder flavor.

2. Is this salad vegan?

This salad is not vegan due to the feta cheese, but you can easily make it vegan by omitting the cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.

3. Can I use a different nut in this salad?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would work well in place of pecans.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the salad’s freshness.

5. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, turkey, tofu, or roasted chickpeas would make excellent additions to turn this into a more filling meal.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the vegetables may lose some of their freshness after the first day.

7. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different tangy flavor.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the breadcrumbs (if used in any variations) are gluten-free.

9. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

It’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe, as frozen ones may not have the same texture and may become soggy when shredded.

10. Can I add more dressing?

Feel free to add more olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you like your salad extra tangy or creamy. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

This Winter Chopped Salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months, offering a delicious and nutritious mix of hearty vegetables, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences. Whether served as a side dish or a main, this salad will bring vibrant color and fresh flavors to your table.

Print