If the lack of light and freezing temperatures are giving you the blues, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can fight back against the winter blues with healthy, nutritious salads—and it’s much cheaper than paying for therapy! Salads provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help boost your mood and health.
This article puts together 15 salad recipes that will help you feel refreshed and energized. With colorful vegetables, satisfying proteins, and bold flavors, and prep times of 10 to 40 minutes, they are easy to make any day of the week. Read on to discover new salad ideas to brighten up your winter days.
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a zesty blend of oranges and grapefruits that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s speckled with red chili for heat and crunchy pistachios for a satisfying texture. The salad offers a refreshing and invigorating taste that’s ideal for perking up a dreary winter day. This dish is a colorful and nutritious choice to boost your vitamin C intake.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Tomato Avocado Salad with Dukkah Seasoning
The Tomato Avocado Salad with Dukkah Seasoning combines ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado with the nutty crunch of dukkah in just 15 minutes. It’s a fresh and easy dish that delivers a burst of vibrant flavors and textures. This salad is a great source of healthy fats and vitamins, perfect for a quick lunch. Its Egyptian-inspired taste will bring a touch of the exotic to your table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad with Dukkah Seasoning
Roasted sweet potato salad
The Roasted Sweet Potato Salad is a warm, comforting dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It features tender sweet potatoes, mixed greens, and a tangy dressing. This salad is not only filling but also packed with antioxidants and fiber. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a hearty winter favorite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted sweet potato salad
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs
In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs that’s brimming with the flavors of parsley, dill, and chives. It’s a protein-packed option that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of fresh herbs and lemon gives this salad a bright and zesty taste. It’s a quick and healthy choice for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs
Spicy Moroccan carrot salad
The Spicy Moroccan Carrot Salad is ready in 20 minutes and offers a bold combination of grated carrots, aromatic spices, and a kick of heat. It’s a vibrant and healthful dish that caters to paleo dietary preferences. The salad’s spicy and sweet flavors are reminiscent of Moroccan cuisine. It’s a great way to spice up your meal routine while keeping it nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Moroccan carrot salad
Fried Halloumi Salad
A Fried Halloumi Salad can be ready in just 25 minutes and is a delightful mix of crispy halloumi cheese, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the saltiness of the cheese complementing the salad’s freshness. This dish is a great way to add protein to your meal in a unique and tasty way. The salad’s Mediterranean flair will surely please your palate.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Root Vegetable Salad
With a prep time of 35 minutes, the Root Vegetable Salad is a robust and earthy choice. It showcases a variety of root vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes, making it rich in nutrients and fiber. The salad has a comforting taste with a hint of tanginess from the pickles and sauerkraut. It’s a filling and flavorful option for those seeking a hearty salad.
Get the Recipe: Root Vegetable Salad
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard takes about 20 minutes to put together and is a crisp, refreshing mix of fennel, fruit, and a zesty mustard dressing. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that’s rich in vitamins and fiber. The unique anise-like taste of fennel pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pears and apples. This salad is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of fresh produce.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Faux Potato Salad
The Faux Potato Salad is a clever, low-carb alternative that’s ready in 30 minutes. It uses cauliflower instead of potatoes, mixed with traditional creamy dressing and crunchy celery. This salad has a taste and texture similar to classic potato salad but with fewer carbs. It’s a satisfying choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad is a hearty dish that can be prepared in 30 minutes. It combines pearl couscous with herbs, almonds, and dried fruit for a sweet and savory taste. This salad is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal on its own. The Moroccan spices bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils
Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils is a colorful creation that takes 15 minutes to make. It’s a blend of sweet berries, peppery arugula, and crunchy nuts, all tied together with a tangy dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also a powerhouse of antioxidants. Its sweet and savory flavor profile makes it a delightful choice for a nutritious snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils
Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango
Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango is a zesty dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. It features a citrusy marinade that cooks the seafood, complemented by the sweetness of pear and mango. This salad has a refreshing and light taste with a hint of South American flair. It’s an excellent choice for a high-protein, low-fat meal.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango
Salmon Salad with Bagel
The Salmon Salad with Bagel is an innovative dish that can be ready in just 15 minutes. It pairs flaky salmon with cream cheese and capers atop a toasted bagel. This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and a rich, satisfying taste. It’s a perfect brunch option that combines the best of a bagel with lox and a fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad with Bagel
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta is a fresh, herby dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. It’s a mix of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous amount of parsley, all topped with crumbly feta cheese. The salad has a lemony and herbaceous flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Middle Eastern dish with a cheesy twist.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful combination of crunchy kale, sweet apples, and rich dressing, ready in just 20 minutes. This salad is a great way to enjoy leafy greens with a creamy and slightly tangy dressing. It’s packed with vitamins and fiber, and the poppy seeds add a subtle nuttiness. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors for a healthy, tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing