Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

A vibrant, fresh salad might not be the first thing that comes to mind in the middle of winter—but this Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette will change that. Bursting with sweet ripe pears, tangy cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy blue cheese, all tossed in a zippy white wine vinaigrette, this salad brings balance and beauty to cold-weather meals. It’s quick to prep, full of flavor, and festive enough for holiday tables—yet simple enough for a healthy weekday lunch.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something crisp and seasonal, this winter salad is a must-try.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Packed with texture and flavor: Crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and juicy fruit
• Healthy and refreshing during heavier winter meals
• Perfect side dish for holidays or potlucks
• Customizable with endless ingredient swaps
• Quick prep—ready in 15 minutes or less!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 10 oz winter greens (spinach, arugula, endive, or a mix)
• 3 ripe pears, chopped (Bosc or Anjou recommended)
• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/feta)

For the Homemade Vinaigrette:

• 6 tbsp white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼ tsp sugar (to mellow acidity)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, Dijon, salt, and sugar (if using). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
2. Assemble the salad
   In a large serving bowl, combine winter greens, chopped pears, cranberries, and pecans.
3. Dress and toss
   Pour vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
4. Finish with cheese
   Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top and serve immediately.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American, Seasonal

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx.)

Calories: 415
Fat: 34g
Carbs: 28g
Sugar: 19g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 223mg

💡 Tips & Variations

Ingredient Swaps:

• Use feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese for milder flavor
• Sub apple slices or pomegranate seeds for pears
• Use candied pecans or walnuts for a touch of sweetness

Salad Add-Ins:

• Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes
• Shaved brussels sprouts or radicchio for more crunch
• Grapefruit or orange segments for brightness

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep the vinaigrette and store in fridge up to 1 week
• Chop pears just before serving to prevent browning
• Toast pecans in advance and store in an airtight container

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade vinaigrette is fresher and takes just minutes to make.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a plant-based crumble alternative.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your vinegar and mustard to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Q: Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Absolutely—try grilled chicken, salmon, or lentils for a heartier option.

Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

A fresh, festive winter salad with sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy pecans—tossed in a zippy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for holidays and cold-weather meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 415

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Salad:**
• – 10 oz winter greens spinach, arugula, endive
• – 3 ripe pears chopped
• – 2 cups pecan halves toasted
• – 1 cup dried cranberries
• – ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• **Vinaigrette:**
• – 6 tbsp white wine vinegar
• – 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• – ½ cup olive oil
• – ¼ tsp salt
• – Optional: ¼ tsp sugar

Equipment

• – Salad bowl
• – Small whisk or jar
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and emulsified.
2. In a large bowl, combine greens, pears, pecans, and cranberries.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled blue cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

– Substitute apples or pomegranate for pears.
– Feta or goat cheese can replace blue cheese.
– Add protein for a complete meal.
– Chop pears last to prevent browning.

🎁 Conclusion

This Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette brings balance and brightness to chilly days. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats at a holiday dinner or enjoying it as a light lunch, it’s a delicious way to eat seasonally without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With bold textures, seasonal fruits, and a zingy dressing, this salad will earn a spot in your cold-weather recipe rotation.