15 winter worthy salads that are more than just lettuce

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Winter salads don’t have to be dull! We’re bringing you a collection of hearty and flavorful salad recipes that are perfect for the colder months. Forget about plain lettuce – these salads are packed with ingredients like roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and vibrant dressings to keep things interesting.

A bowl filled with broccoli, carrots and cranberries.
Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bowl version of a classic burger packs all your favorite toppings into a healthier format. It’s a great winter pick, offering a filling and familiar taste without the bun. The homemade special burger sauce adds a unique flavor, perfect for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Asian turkey burger salad on two stacked white plates.
Asian Turkey Burger Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This salad remixes the Thai dish flavors into a hearty salad form, complete with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s a filling winter salad choice, offering a blend of robust flavors and lean turkey for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad

Carrot Citrus Salad

Carrot citrus salad on a metal platter with spoon.
Carrot Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This carrot citrus salad brings together roasted carrots, oranges, and Meyer lemons for a bright touch in winter meals. The citrus mustard vinaigrette gives it a refreshing twist, great alongside poultry dishes. It’s a filling option for salad lovers looking for something more than greens.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Citrus Salad

Pad Thai Salad

Pad Thai salad on a plate with creamy peanut dressing.
Pad Thai Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the flavors of Pad Thai in a salad form with this vegetarian-friendly recipe. It’s great for meal prep and can be made vegan too. This salad offers a filling and flavorful alternative to light salads, ideal for winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad

Spicy Thai carrot and kale salad in a white bowl with a fork.
Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the bold flavors of this spicy Thai carrot and kale salad. The creamy sriracha peanut butter dressing brings it all together. It’s a hearty winter salad choice, especially for those who enjoy vibrant flavors and vegan options.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad

Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Thai kohlrabi noodle salad in a wooden bowl with limes.
Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try something different with this Thai kohlrabi noodle salad. Loaded with crisp veggies and a Thai vinaigrette, it’s a fresh take on winter salads. It’s perfect for a filling and healthy meal that’s not just your average salad.
Get the Recipe: Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Lentil Tabbouleh

Lentil tabbouleh on a white plate with mint garnish and gold spoon.
Lentil Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lentil tabbouleh puts a heartier spin on the classic with fresh tomatoes, herbs, lemon, and spices. It’s a great winter salad choice, offering a satisfying and refreshing mix of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Avocado lentil salad in a bowl with serving spoon and silver plate with fork.
Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mix up your salad routine with this avocado lentil cranberry combo. It’s hearty with cooked lentils and cranberries, all tossed in a lemon dijon dressing. This salad is a great lunch or side, especially during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel.
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chopped salad is a winter winner with its crispy chicken, citrus, pine nuts, and Tuscan kale. The orange dijon dressing ties it all together for a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a winter day.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Honey mustard chicken and brussels sprouts salad on plates.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This winter salad brings chicken, Brussels sprouts, apples, and pomegranates together in a tasty honey mustard dressing. It’s a hearty choice for a flavorful and filling winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Persimmon Salad

Persimmon salad with greens, prosciutto, cranberries and pecans on a white serving platter.
Persimmon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a hearty winter salad with persimmons, greens, prosciutto, cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans. It’s a great choice for those who want something filling and refreshing at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Salad

Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

A bowl filled with broccoli, carrots and cranberries.
Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This winter-friendly broccoli salad includes roasted cranberries and butternut squash, adding a warm touch to your meal. Topped with croutons, almonds, and pepitas, it’s a filling and tasty option for salad lovers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cranberry Broccoli Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Winter root vegetable salad on a plate with fresh rosemary and sage.
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience a hearty winter salad with spiralized beets and parsnips, combined with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles. This salad, finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar, offers a rich mix of seasonal flavors, perfect for a fulfilling winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

A salad with grapefruit, fennel and arugula.
Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pickled fennel citrus salad is a unique winter choice, blending grapefruit, pomegranates, and quick-pickled fennel. Tossed in an orange dijon vinaigrette, it provides a refreshing yet substantial option for those seeking a diverse flavor profile in their winter salads.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Bulgur Salad

A bowl of bulgur and peas on a wooden table.
Bulgur Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try this high-protein bulgur wheat salad, dressed with a sweet orange and tangy dijon mustard dressing for a hearty winter meal. It’s a great choice for a satisfying and nutritious salad, offering a delicious alternative to traditional winter dishes.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad

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