Winter Salad

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Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy you crunchy and colorful Winter Salad. This hearty earthy salad has a base of brussels sprouts, radicchio, and kale lightly dressed topped with sharp parmesan, caramelized nuts, crunchy pomegranate, and sweet roasted butternut squash and red onion all topped with velvety balsamic vinaigrette.

My family loves to try different variations of this recipe. If you don’t have pomegranate arils, try using dry cranberries or use feta cheese instead of parmesan. Winter salad is my favorite wholesome lunch or side for cozy days, and it goes great with hot soup and crusty bread!

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Butternut Squash Winter Salad

First assemble the following ingredients:

  • Butternut squash (2 cups, peeled and cubed) – Roasted butternut squash brings a sweet, caramelized richness that balances the hearty greens.
  • Red onion (½ medium) – Thinly sliced red onion adds a touch of sharpness and color contrast that brightens the salad.
  • Curly kale (6 leaves) – Curly kale provides a sturdy, earthy base with a pleasant chew and vibrant green flavor.
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing – A tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette ties the salad together with warmth and depth.
  • Radicchio (½ small, thinly sliced) – Radicchio adds a slightly bitter, peppery edge that complements the sweetness of the squash.
  • Brussels sprouts (6, thinly sliced) – Shaved Brussels sprouts bring a crisp, nutty crunch and seasonal heartiness.
  • Candied nuts (¾ cup) – Candied pecans lend sweetness and crunch that enhance the salad’s festive winter character.
  • Pomegranate arils (1/3 cup) – Pomegranate arils or cranberries add juicy bursts of tartness and jewel-toned color.
  • Shaved Parmesan (1/3 cup) – Shaved Parmesan provides salty, nutty richness that balances the sweet and bitter notes.
  • Fresh Ground Salt and Pepper – A sprinkle of salt and pepper sharpens every flavor and brings the salad into perfect balance.
A bowl of cubed butternut squash is surrounded by bowls of sliced red cabbage, brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, cheese slices, nuts, and kale—perfect for creating a vibrant winter salad on a white surface.

Prep

Assemble all the ingredients. Peel and cube the butternut squash and quarter the red onion.

A baking sheet with diced butternut squash and sliced red onions, with chopped kale on the side—perfect for preparing a hearty winter salad.

Roast Squash and Onion

Place the squash and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat, sprinkle salt and pepper on it and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes (shift them on the pan halfway through). Let cool slightly.

A vibrant winter salad with mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, red onion, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, and shaved cheese on a white plate. A mortar with peppercorns sits nearby.

Assemble

Rub the kale with some of the dressing to soften kale edges. Top with the roasted veggies and the remaining ingredients and toss in dressing. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Kale, Onion, and Squash Salad

Use a mix of kale types — Combining curly kale and lacinato (dinosaur) kale adds visual and textural contrast.

Remove tough stems — Strip leaves from the fibrous stems before chopping; this keeps the salad tender and pleasant to eat.

Let it sit — Kale holds up well, so you can dress the salad 15–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Cool before mixing — Slightly cooled squash keeps the kale from wilting too much and maintains a better salad structure.

Use red or shallots for mildness — They bring sweetness without overpowering the salad.

Quick-pickle for brightness — Soak thin slices in vinegar, honey, and salt for 10 minutes to add tang and color contrast.

Mix up the Cheese – Crumbled goat cheese or feta are great alternative options if you don’t want to use parmesan.

Roasted Winter Salad FAQs

What type of onion should I use?

Red onions or shallots work best; they add sweetness and color without overpowering the other flavors.

What’s the best dressing for a winter kale salad?

A maple-Dijon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette works perfectly—the sweetness complements the roasted squash while the acidity brightens the hearty greens.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad holds up well. Dress it up to 30 minutes before serving, or keep ingredients separate and combine just before eating for maximum freshness.

Can I serve it as a main dish?

Absolutely—add a protein like roasted chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to make it a hearty and complete winter meal.

What kind of squash works best for this salad?

Butternut, acorn, or delicata squash are all excellent—each roasts beautifully and develops a caramelized, sweet flavor that balances the earthy kale.

More Salad Recipes

This salad goes really well with some of my favorite soups like Turkey Butternut Squash Soup or Traditional Butternut Squash Soup. Make it a meal by making my favorite easy focaccia bread!

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Winter Salad

By: Katherine
Servings: 6 salads
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
A plate of winter salad with kale, roasted butternut squash, red onions, purple cabbage, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and shaved cheese.
My hearty winter salad is kale packed with roasted butternut squash and onions, candied nuts, and fresh pomegranate arils all dressed in my favorite balsamic vinaigrette!

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the butternut squash and red onion on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 35 minutes, or until tender.
  • Place the kale in a large bowl and massage a small amount of the dressing into it, this helps soften the sharp edge of the kale.
  • Add the radicchio, Brussels sprouts, roasted squash, onions, and remaining dressing. Toss well, then top with the pecans, pomegranates, and cheese. Taste and top with salt and pepper as needed, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 246mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5104IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!
A fork lifts kale, roasted vegetables, pomegranate seeds, and cheese from a colorful winter salad. Text on image reads "Roasted Winter Salad"—a delicious twist on your favorite winter salad.

About Katherine

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