Green Salads

Winter Greens Salad

Name: Winter Greens Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, arugula); 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh carrots; 1/4 cup chopped fresh celery; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup tahini; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Tessa Thornbury · June 19, 2026 · Green Salads

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total50 min

Serves4

As the winter months approach, I find myself craving fresh and vibrant salads to balance out the richness of the season's hearty dishes. This Winter Greens Salad is one of my favorites, made with a mix of peppery kale, sweet spinach, and crunchy arugula, all tossed in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.

I love making this salad because it's not only delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to customize with your favorite winter greens and vegetables. Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, this salad is the perfect base to build upon.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to create a beautiful and flavorful Winter Greens Salad that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its simple yet elegant ingredients, this salad is sure to become a staple in your winter recipe repertoire.

One of the things I appreciate most about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make it a main course, or even use it as a topping for a warm and crispy flatbread. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you so you can start experimenting and making it your own.

So let's get started and dive into the world of winter greens! With this recipe, you'll learn how to select the freshest and most flavorful ingredients, how to prepare them for the perfect salad, and how to bring everything together with a delicious and easy-to-make dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is easy to make and requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The combination of winter greens, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a flavorful and refreshing salad that's sure to become a favorite.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients and make it your own.
The salad is perfect for special occasions, such as holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
The use of seasonal ingredients makes the salad sustainable and nutritious.
The lemon-tahini dressing is a unique and delicious twist on traditional salad dressings.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Winter Greens Salad is in the balance of flavors and textures. By combining the bitterness of the kale with the sweetness of the spinach and the peppery flavor of the arugula, we create a salad that's both refreshing and engaging. The crunch of the vegetables adds a satisfying depth to the dish, while the creamy tahini dressing brings everything together.

Another important aspect of this salad is the use of seasonal ingredients. By choosing winter greens that are at their peak freshness and flavor, we ensure that our salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and sustainable. This approach to cooking also allows us to connect with the natural world and appreciate the changing seasons.

The lemon-tahini dressing is a crucial component of this salad, as it adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the earthy sweetness of the greens. By using a combination of lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and olive oil, we create a dressing that's both creamy and refreshing, with a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Finally, the key to a great salad is in the preparation and presentation. By taking the time to carefully wash and dry the greens, slice the vegetables into thin and uniform pieces, and arrange the ingredients in a beautiful and visually appealing way, we create a dish that's not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Winter Greens Salad, you'll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including a mix of winter greens, crunchy vegetables, and a few key components for the lemon-tahini dressing. Be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for the greens, look for a mix of kale, spinach, and arugula that's fresh and free of wilting or brown leaves. For the vegetables, choose a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the salad. Finally, be sure to have all the necessary ingredients for the dressing on hand, including lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and olive oil.

4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, arugula)Choose a mix of fresh and flavorful greens that are free of wilting or brown leaves. You can also customize the mix to your liking, adding or subtracting different types of greens to suit your taste.
1 large red bell pepper, thinly slicedThe sweetness of the red bell pepper adds a nice contrast to the bitterness of the kale and the peppery flavor of the arugula. You can also use other colors of bell pepper, such as green or yellow, if you prefer.
1 large cucumber, thinly slicedThe crunch of the cucumber adds a nice texture to the salad, while its mild flavor helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use other types of cucumbers, such as English or hothouse, if you prefer.
1/2 cup chopped fresh carrotsThe sweetness of the carrots adds a nice depth to the salad, while their crunch provides a satisfying texture. You can also use other types of carrots, such as baby or purple, if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped fresh celeryThe freshness of the celery adds a nice brightness to the salad, while its crunch provides a satisfying texture. You can also use other types of celery, such as stalk or leaf, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe pungency of the garlic adds a nice depth to the dressing, while its flavor helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use other types of garlic, such as roasted or elephant, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceThe brightness of the lemon juice adds a nice acidity to the dressing, while its flavor helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use other types of citrus, such as lime or orange, if you prefer.
1/4 cup tahiniThe creaminess of the tahini adds a nice richness to the dressing, while its flavor helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use other types of nut or seed butter, such as peanut or sunflower, if you prefer.
1/4 cup olive oilThe richness of the olive oil adds a nice depth to the dressing, while its flavor helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to tasteThe seasoning of the salad is important to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to taste the salad as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWhisk

How to Make Winter Greens Salad

1
In a large bowl, combine the mixed winter greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, and celery.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil until smooth.
3
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or edible flowers if desired.
9
To make the salad more substantial, you can add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon, or some crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds.
10
To make the salad more flavorful, you can add some diced onion or shallot, or some grated ginger or citrus zest.

Expert Tips

Be sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly before using them in the salad.
Use a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the salad.
Don't overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Consider adding some creamy elements like avocado or feta cheese to the salad for extra richness and flavor.
If you're using a pre-washed and pre-cut mix of greens, be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using them in the salad.
To make the salad more portable, consider using a container with a lid or a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not washing and drying the greens thoroughly before using them in the salad.
Overdressing the salad, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Not letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding.
Not using a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the salad.
Not seasoning the salad adequately, which can make it taste bland and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make the salad more substantial.
Add some crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds to add texture and flavor.
Use different types of greens, such as kale or spinach, to change the flavor and texture of the salad.
Add some diced onion or shallot to add a pungent flavor to the salad.
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, to change the flavor of the dressing.

What to Serve With Winter Greens Salad

This Winter Greens Salad is perfect for serving as a side dish or adding some protein to make it a main course. You can also use it as a topping for a warm and crispy flatbread or as a filling for a fresh and crunchy wrap.

Some other ideas for serving the salad include adding some grilled chicken or salmon, using it as a topping for a bed of quinoa or brown rice, or serving it as a side dish for a hearty and comforting bowl of soup.

Serve the salad as a side dish for a hearty and comforting bowl of soup.Use the salad as a topping for a warm and crispy flatbread.Add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make the salad more substantial.Serve the salad as a filling for a fresh and crunchy wrap.Use the salad as a base for a hearty and satisfying bowl of quinoa or brown rice.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Winter Greens Salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

If you're making the salad ahead, be sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. You can also add some fresh herbs or edible flowers to the salad just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

To freeze the salad, simply prepare it as directed, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving.

Reheating the salad is not recommended, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of greens should I use for this salad?

You can use a mix of winter greens, such as kale, spinach, and arugula, or choose a single type of green that you like best. Be sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly before using them in the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What type of dressing should I use for this salad?

The lemon-tahini dressing is a great choice for this salad, as it adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the earthy sweetness of the greens. You can also use other types of dressing, such as vinaigrette or creamy dressing, if you prefer.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add protein to this salad to make it more substantial. Some good options include grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. Simply cook the protein as directed and add it to the salad just before serving.

How do I store this salad in the freezer?

Can I use different types of citrus for the dressing?

Yes, you can use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, to change the flavor of the dressing. Simply substitute the lemon juice with the juice of your preferred citrus and adjust the amount to taste.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, be sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly before using them in the salad. You should also avoid overdressing the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the salad to make it more flavorful and interesting. Some good options include diced onion or shallot, grated ginger or citrus zest, or crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds. Simply add the ingredients to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.

The Full Recipe

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