Hot Girl Winter Salad

Featured in: Lighter Choices

This vibrant winter salad combines roasted carrots, beets, and sweet potato with mixed winter greens and crunchy walnuts. The citrus-based dressing with lemon, orange, and a touch of maple syrup adds a refreshing tang, balanced by creamy feta cheese on top. It's an easy, nourishing dish that highlights seasonal vegetables and bright flavors, perfect for colder months when you want to stay energized and glowing.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:06:00 GMT
Hot Girl Winter Salad with colorful roasted vegetables and a bright citrus dressing, ready to enjoy. Save
Hot Girl Winter Salad with colorful roasted vegetables and a bright citrus dressing, ready to enjoy. | tastybattle.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.

I first served this salad during a chilly winter evening and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its vibrant colors and delicious taste

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 2025 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.
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| tastybattle.com

This salad brings back warm family memories of enjoying fresh, healthy meals together during the winter holidays

Required Tools

Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Mixing bowls, Whisk

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (feta cheese) and Tree nuts (walnuts). For dairy-free, omit or substitute the cheese. For nut-free, use seeds instead of walnuts. Always check ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Nutritional Information

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

Vibrant Hot Girl Winter Salad bursting with flavor, featuring roasted root vegetables and juicy pomegranate. Save
Vibrant Hot Girl Winter Salad bursting with flavor, featuring roasted root vegetables and juicy pomegranate. | tastybattle.com

This winter salad is a delicious and healthy way to brighten up your cold season meals

Recipe Questions

What vegetables are roasted for this salad?

Carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes are peeled, cubed, tossed with olive oil and seasoning, then roasted until tender.

Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, omit the feta or substitute it with a vegan alternative to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

What kind of greens work best as the base?

A mix of winter greens like kale, arugula, or baby spinach provides a hearty and nutritious foundation.

How is the dressing prepared?

The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper whisked together to a bright, balanced flavor.

Are there recommended protein additions?

For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or chickpeas to enhance satiety and nutrition.

Hot Girl Winter Salad

Nutrient-packed winter salad featuring roasted vegetables, crisp greens, pomegranate, and a bright citrus dressing.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Modern American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

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, substitute with 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

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare root vegetables: Toss carrots, beets, and sweet potato with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Make dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Phase 05

Assemble salad base: Combine mixed winter greens, red cabbage, pomegranate arils, and toasted walnuts in a large salad bowl.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Add cheese and serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). Omit cheese for dairy-free and substitute seeds for nut-free.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 285
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 6 g