I am fully aware that winter time is not the time where your thoughts are immediately drawn to thinking “let’s eat salad”. Let’s try to change that narrative today with this super warming, delicious, and absolutely divine Warm ingWinter Salad.
When I say this warm winter salad is ah-mazing, please believe me. In fact, anyone who knows me knows that I do not like to joke about my food 🤣. This recipe has everything:
- Dark leafy greens, for some extra antioxidant power;
- Crunch and texture in the form of sunflower and pomegranate seeds (also adding a nice dose of healthy fats and vitamin C);
- Onions and garlic for some additional immune system power;
- Roasted sweet potatoes for that dose of earthy deliciousness, and of course that vitamin A power, which also supports our immune system (amongst other things);
- Feta cheese for some salty deliciousness;
- All closed out by a beautiful, yet simple dressing of pumpkin seed oil, mustard, and some apple cider vinegar.
Sincerely speaking, you can thank me later 😉. Whether you like winter salads or not, let this be the recipe to “convince” you. You can totally have this dish as a starter, as part of your main alongside a protein of choice, or on its own. The world is your oyster with this one 🙌🏻.
Why is this Warming Winter Salad good for you?
Pomegranate
Because I do not think I have ever covered it before, I thought it would be fun to talk about pomegranates today. Pomegranates are usually harvested between October and January, which make them perfectly seasonable right now. The little edible seeds inside a pomegranate are called arils. They are juicy, vibrant in color, and provide a great crunch. These seeds are also awesome health providers. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. They are also a great source of fiber. Pomegranate seeds are also an excellent source of antioxidants. As I say time and time again, antioxidants are so supportive for our bodies and overall health. They are needed in order to reduce free radicals, and thereby – overall – reduce oxidative stress.
Thought research is currently limited, pomegranate seeds may also have some further really cool, potential, benefits. In several test-tube studies, one of the antioxidants was identified to have great anti-inflammatory properties. This evidence is also supported by research that shows inflammation markers are going down, when drinking pomegranate juice. The anti-inflammatory properties may also have a direct anti-tumor effect. Again, test tube studies have shown that pomegranate slowed down the growth of tumor and cancer cells. Last but not least, said anti-inflammatory benefits are also beneficial for your heart health. They help to lower your blood pressure and also avoid build-up of plaque that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Altogether, although research is still developing, not too bad for such a small mighty seed!!
How can I adjust this Warm Winter Salad to my dietary requirements?
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free. If you would like to make it paleo or vegan, simply leave out the feta cheese. You can also swap the feta for vegan feta.
Similar Recipes on the Blog
Once I have convinced you to enjoy salads all year round, also be sure to try these beauties:
- Jackfruit Fajita Salad
- Spicy Peanut Butter Noodle Salad
- Roasted Veggie Salad with Almond Butter Dressing
- Fig and Arugula Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella
Also, be sure to check out my posts about how to transition your salads from summer to winter for some easy swaps and tricks to turn all salads into winter salad recipes. And that is it for this week, I hope you enjoyed this delicious excursion of a warming winter salad! As always, do let me know how you like the recipe by either leaving a comment below and/or rating the recipe. I love hearing from you! Happy warm salad recipe making!!
Warming Winter Salad
Course: MainsCuisine: Gluten-free cookingDifficulty: Easy4
servings25
minutes10
minutes35
minutesThis Warming Winter Salad has everything – crunch, texture, sweet, spicy, and pungent notes. You will be surprised at this deliciousness!
Ingredients
- For the sweet potato
1 1 sweet potato (ca. 350 gr.)
2 tsp 2 olive oil
1 tsp 1 salt
- For the Warming Winter Salad
1 1 red onion
2 cloves 2 garlic
1 tsp 1 olive oil
175 gr. 175 lambs lettuce
3 tbsp 3 sunflower seeds
70 gr. 70 crumbled feta
1/2 1/2 pomegranate (seeds)
Pepper to taste
- For the salad sauce
1 tbsp 1 mustard
3 tbsp 3 pumpkin seed oil
3 3 apple cider vinegar
How to
- For the sweet potato
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit). Set aside a large baking form
- Wash and cut the sweet potato into small cubes. Add the olive oil and salt. Toss to combine. Put into the oven and bake for 15 minutes before turning and baking for another 20 minutes
- For the Warming Winter Salad
- Peel and finely cut the onion and garlic (you can also use a garlic press). Heat a pan to medium-heat. Add the oil along with the onion and garlic and fry off until translucent, stirring constantly
- Wash and dry the lambs lettuce. Add to a large salad bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, and pepper to taste
- For the salad sauce
- Add the mustard, pumpkin seed oil, and apple cider vinegar to glass jar, shake, shake shake
- To assemble
- Add the fried off onions and baked sweet potatoes to the salad, as well as the salad sauce. Toss everything to combine. This salad serves two as a main or four as a side. Enjoy!!
