Winter Salad with Oranges, Goat Cheese & Walnuts

Winter salad is the perfect way to bring freshness and vibrant flavor to chilly days. This delightful recipe blends crisp field greens with juicy orange fillets, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. A simple honey mustard dressing ties it all together for a balanced, refreshing, and nutrient-rich meal. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light main, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy winter produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧡 Packed with flavor and color
• 💪 Full of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants
• 🕒 Quick to make – ready in just 15 minutes
• 🧀 Sweet and savory balance from fruit and cheese
• 🥗 Vegetarian and gluten-free

Ingredients

• 100g field salad (lamb’s lettuce), washed and dried
• 2 medium oranges, peeled and filleted
• ½ pomegranate, seeds removed
• 80g soft goat cheese, crumbled or sliced
• 40g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp light balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 4 tbsp fresh orange juice (from the fillets)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: whole grain bread, to serve

Instructions

1. Prep the greens
   Wash and dry the field salad. Set aside.
2. Segment the oranges
   Peel the oranges and carefully cut out the fillets between the membranes. Catch any juice in a bowl for the dressing.
3. Remove pomegranate seeds
   Cut the pomegranate in half and gently remove the seeds in a bowl of water to avoid mess. Drain well.
4. Toast the walnuts
   Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Let cool and chop coarsely.
5. Make the dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, and orange juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the salad
   Toss the field salad with dressing. Plate and top with orange fillets, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and chopped walnuts.
7. Serve
   Enjoy immediately, optionally with slices of whole grain bread.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 539 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 35g
  (Values are approximate.)

Tips & Variations

• 🥬 Substitute arugula or spinach for field salad if preferred.
• 🍯 Try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan twist (and swap cheese).
• 🐔 Add grilled chicken breast for a protein boost.
• 🍏 Try adding thinly sliced apples or fennel for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes—prep the ingredients in advance but add dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

What’s the best goat cheese for this?
Soft, creamy goat cheese works best. If unavailable, try feta or fresh mozzarella.

Is this winter salad gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure your optional bread is gluten-free if needed.

Winter Salad

A bright, refreshing winter salad with creamy goat cheese, juicy fruit, and crunchy walnuts—tied together by a sweet and tangy dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 539

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 100g field salad
• – 2 oranges filleted
• – ½ pomegranate seeds only
• – 80g goat cheese crumbled
• – 40g walnuts toasted
• – 1 tbsp light balsamic vinegar
• – 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• – 1 tsp honey
• – 4 tbsp orange juice
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• – Salad spinner
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• – Whisk or fork

Method

 

1. Wash and dry the field salad.
2. Segment the oranges, collecting juice.
3. Remove pomegranate seeds.
4. Toast walnuts and chop.
5. Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
6. Toss salad with dressing and top with fruit, cheese, and nuts.

Notes

Best served fresh. You can prep components in advance but dress just before serving.

Conclusion

This winter salad is everything you want in a cold-weather dish—fresh, bright, satisfying, and nourishing. It’s quick to prepare and looks as good as it tastes. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a festive starter, it brings a healthy glow to your winter table.