Hot Girl Winter Salad

Featured in: Healthy Crunch Ideas

This winter salad combines roasted carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes with crisp mixed greens like kale and arugula. Pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts add bursts of flavor and texture. A zesty dressing made with olive oil, fresh lemon and orange juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup ties the ingredients together, delivering a refreshing balance of tang and sweetness. Finished with crumbled feta cheese, this salad offers a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish perfect for chilly days.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:49:00 GMT
Vibrant Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables, citrus bursts, and creamy feta cheese. Save
Vibrant Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables, citrus bursts, and creamy feta cheese. | collationspot.com

A vibrant, nutrient-packed winter salad featuring roasted root vegetables, crisp greens, tangy citrus, and a zesty dressing—perfect for staying energized and glowing through the colder months.

This salad has become my go-to during chilly days when I need a boost of color and flavor on my plate.

Ingredients

  • Roasted Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced, 2 small beets peeled and diced, 1 small sweet potato peeled and cubed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salad Base: 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale arugula or baby spinach), 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/2 cup pomegranate arils, 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit or substitute with vegan feta for dairy-free)
  • Dressing: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Toss carrots beets and sweet potato with olive oil salt and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3:
Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes stirring halfway until tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 4:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice orange juice Dijon mustard maple syrup salt and pepper to make the dressing.
Step 5:
In a large salad bowl combine winter greens red cabbage pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts.
Step 6:
Add the cooled roasted vegetables and gently toss with the dressing.
Step 7:
Top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Fresh, colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad, drizzled with zesty orange-lemon dressing, ready to enjoy. Save
Fresh, colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad, drizzled with zesty orange-lemon dressing, ready to enjoy. | collationspot.com

My family loves gathering around this salad especially after a long day when we want something light yet satisfying.

Notes

For added protein top with grilled chicken or chickpeas. Swap walnuts for pecans or use seeds for a nut-free version. Substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, chefs knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk.

Nutritional Information

Calories 285, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 6 g per serving.

A beautiful bowl with Hot Girl Winter Salad: crisp greens, warm roasted veggies, and toasted walnuts. Save
A beautiful bowl with Hot Girl Winter Salad: crisp greens, warm roasted veggies, and toasted walnuts. | collationspot.com

This winter salad is a perfect blend of warm and fresh elements that brighten up any meal.

Recipe Help

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta or substitute it with a plant-based vegan cheese alternative.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower can be great nut-free options to maintain crunch.

How do I roast the vegetables properly?

Toss peeled and chopped root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Yes, topping with grilled chicken or chickpeas enhances protein content while complementing flavors.

What drinks pair well with this salad?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus notes complements the salad’s fresh and zesty profile.

Hot Girl Winter Salad

A colorful winter salad featuring roasted roots, fresh greens, citrus, nuts, and a zesty dressing.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Roasted Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
02 2 small beets, peeled and diced
03 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad Base

01 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, baby spinach)
02 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
03 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
04 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
05 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional or substitute vegan feta for dairy-free)

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 1 teaspoon maple syrup
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How-To

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare vegetables for roasting: Combine sliced carrots, diced beets, and cubed sweet potato with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast vegetables: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 05

Assemble the salad base: In a large bowl, combine mixed winter greens, sliced red cabbage, pomegranate arils, and toasted walnuts.

Step 06

Combine salad and roasted vegetables: Add the cooled roasted vegetables to the salad base and gently toss with the dressing to coat evenly.

Step 07

Finish with cheese and serve: Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Gear Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). Use vegan feta and seeds as alternatives for allergies.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 285
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 6 g