The warmth of roasted vegetables tossed over a bed of crisp spinach is the kind of comfort we all crave in the winter months. There’s something about the contrast of tender, caramelized root vegetables with the fresh, peppery bite of spinach that makes this salad truly special. I love how the sweetness from roasted carrots and beets melds so beautifully with the earthiness of the greens. It’s a balance of flavors that feels nourishing and satisfying—yet light enough to leave you feeling refreshed. Adding a sprinkle of crunchy toasted nuts or seeds can take this dish to the next level, giving it that extra pop of texture that’s simply irresistible.
What really elevates this salad, though, is the dressing. A tangy vinaigrette with a hint of mustard or a splash of citrus can pull everything together in the most magical way. It cuts through the richness of the roasted vegetables and adds a zesty punch to the salad. A good dressing is like the final touch of a masterpiece—without it, something feels missing. Sometimes, I’ll even make extra to drizzle over other dishes throughout the week because it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients in Winter Spinach Salad
This salad is all about balance—flavors, textures, and colors coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Every ingredient plays an important role in building that harmony, so let’s take a closer look at what makes this winter spinach salad truly shine.
- Spinach
Fresh, crisp spinach forms the base of this salad, offering a peppery bite and a nutrient-packed foundation. It brings color and freshness to the dish, making each forkful feel vibrant and light. - Carrots
Roasted carrots add a natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the more savory elements. Their caramelized edges bring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite feel indulgent. - Beets
Earthy, sweet beets not only add a beautiful pop of color to the salad but also a rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the greens. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by roasting, making them a hearty addition. - Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp bite and a touch of sweetness when roasted, giving the salad an extra layer of depth. It adds balance to the richness of the vegetables while still holding its own in terms of flavor. - Toasted Nuts or Seeds
A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds brings much-needed crunch to the salad, creating a delightful contrast to the softness of the roasted vegetables. I love using walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for this, but feel free to mix and match based on what you have. - Olive Oil
Rich and smooth, olive oil is the perfect base for roasting the vegetables. It enhances their natural flavors and ensures that they caramelize beautifully in the oven, giving them that irresistible golden hue. - Balsamic Vinegar
This tangy, slightly sweet vinegar adds a burst of acidity to balance the roasted vegetables’ sweetness. It’s a key ingredient in the dressing, and its depth of flavor really ties everything together. - Mustard (Dijon or Whole Grain)
Mustard in the vinaigrette adds a subtle kick and a bit of tang, cutting through the richness of the roasted veggies and providing a zesty element to the dressing. It’s the kind of flavor that lingers on your taste buds. - Citrus (Lemon or Orange)
A splash of citrus brightens up the salad, giving it a refreshing lift. Lemon is my go-to for a tangy punch, but orange works beautifully if you want to bring in a touch of sweetness alongside the acidity. - Honey
A touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar and citrus, adding a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad. It’s just the right amount of sweetness to bring all the ingredients together.
How to Make Winter Spinach Salad
- STEP 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting the vegetables and getting them nice and caramelized. - STEP 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and slice your carrots into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. For the beets, peel them and cut them into wedges. Slice the red onion thinly. Lay all the vegetables out on a baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer so they roast evenly. - STEP 3: Roast the Vegetables
Drizzle the prepared vegetables with olive oil, making sure each piece is coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots and beets are tender and caramelized at the edges. Give them a stir halfway through for even roasting. - STEP 4: Toast the Nuts or Seeds
While the vegetables roast, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add your choice of nuts or seeds (walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are all great options). Toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. - STEP 5: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a squeeze of citrus (either lemon or orange). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a bit more honey if needed. - STEP 6: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, lay down your fresh spinach leaves. Once the roasted vegetables are done, let them cool for a few minutes before adding them on top of the spinach. Scatter the toasted nuts or seeds over the salad for that perfect crunch. - STEP 7: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the tangy dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure the spinach wilts slightly from the warmth of the roasted vegetables. - STEP 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your winter spinach salad right away, either as a hearty side dish or a light main course. Enjoy the delightful balance of warm and cool, sweet and savory, crunchy and tender in every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Winter Spinach Salad
1. Pair with Grilled Chicken or Salmon
If you’re looking to make this salad a complete meal, top it off with some grilled chicken or salmon. The smoky, savory flavors of the protein complement the earthy sweetness of the roasted veggies, creating a satisfying, wholesome dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
2. Serve with Warm Crusty Bread
There’s nothing quite like mopping up the last bits of tangy dressing with a piece of warm, crusty bread. A rustic baguette or sourdough loaf will soak up all those delicious flavors and give the salad an extra comforting touch.
3. Add Crumbled Goat Cheese or Feta
For a little creaminess and tang, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top of the salad just before serving. The salty, creamy contrast to the sweet roasted vegetables and the fresh spinach is a match made in heaven!
How to Store Winter Spinach Salad
If you happen to have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. To start, it’s best to keep the spinach and roasted vegetables separate. The warm vegetables can wilt the spinach if they sit together too long. So, once your salad is assembled, you can store the roasted veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
As for the spinach, it can also be stored in a separate airtight container, but you’ll want to make sure it’s dry to avoid any sogginess. If you’ve already dressed the salad, I recommend finishing it within a day, as the dressing can cause the greens to become limp. For longer storage, just keep the dressing in a separate jar, and add it when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers. If you’re preparing the salad in advance for a meal prep, storing the dressing separately will keep everything fresh for a few days.
When you’re ready to eat, just toss the roasted veggies and spinach together, drizzle the dressing over the top, and you’ll have a salad that tastes like it was just made!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a winter spinach salad that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re preparing it as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to become a favorite during the colder months. The roasted vegetables, crisp spinach, and zesty dressing come together in such a satisfying way, making it a dish that feels nourishing yet refreshingly light.
I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s one of those dishes that you can really make your own, so feel free to experiment with different veggies or toppings based on what you love. If you have any questions, feedback, or just want to share how it went, I’d love to hear from you. Cooking is all about having fun and making it your own, so I can’t wait to hear about your version of this winter salad!
Winter Spinach Salad
Description
A cozy blend of tender spinach, roasted squash, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. The warmth of roasted veggies perfectly complements the freshness of the greens, creating a satisfying, winter-perfect dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, removing any tough stems or wilted leaves.
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Place the spinach in a large salad bowl, ensuring it's evenly spread out.
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Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the spinach, distributing them evenly across the leaves.
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Add the sliced almonds to the bowl, spreading them evenly on top of the salad.
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Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and scatter it over the salad.
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Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad, distributing it evenly.
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Toss in the dried cranberries, ensuring they are spread throughout the salad.
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In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
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Whisk the dressing ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed.
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Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
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Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
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Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for a short time if needed.
Note
- Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems to avoid bitterness.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey or add a touch of maple syrup.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a pan before adding them to the salad.
- For a more robust flavor, try using goat cheese instead of feta.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
