Hot Girl Winter Salad

Featured in: Everyday Treats

This vibrant winter salad combines caramelized roasted carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes with mixed kale, arugula, and red cabbage. The addition of pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts adds texture and sweetness, while a zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup ties the flavors together. Finished with crumbled feta, it offers a bright and nourishing option to stay energized and glowing during colder months. Adaptable with protein toppings or nut-free variations.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:47:00 GMT
A colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables, citrus, and a vibrant dressing. Save to Pinterest
A colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables, citrus, and a vibrant dressing. | flourhollow.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.

This salad became my go-to during chilly months when I needed something fresh yet hearty to keep me fueled.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Vegetables:
Toss carrots beets and sweet potato with olive oil salt and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Vegetables:
Roast vegetables for 20 25 minutes stirring halfway until tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Make Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice orange juice Dijon mustard maple syrup salt and pepper to make the dressing.
Combine Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl combine winter greens red cabbage pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts.
Add Vegetables & Toss:
Add the cooled roasted vegetables and gently toss with the dressing.
Serve:
Top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
This delicious Hot Girl Winter Salad shows a medley of roasted vegetables and fresh greens, drizzled with dressing. Save to Pinterest
This delicious Hot Girl Winter Salad shows a medley of roasted vegetables and fresh greens, drizzled with dressing. | flourhollow.com

My family eagerly awaits this salad at our winter dinners it has become a staple for both flavor and nutrition.

Nutritional Information

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

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (feta cheese) 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.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Chefs knife Cutting board Mixing bowls Whisk

Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Hot Girl Winter Salad, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Hot Girl Winter Salad, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. | flourhollow.com

This vibrant salad is a delicious way to enjoy nutrient-rich winter vegetables with a refreshing citrus twist.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables are roasted for this salad?

Carrots, beets, and sweet potato are peeled, cubed, and roasted to bring out natural sweetness and a tender texture.

What greens are used in the salad base?

Mixed winter greens like kale, arugula, and baby spinach create a crisp and fresh foundation.

How is the dressing prepared?

The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper whisked until smooth.

Can this salad be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the feta or substitute with a vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

Top the salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost while maintaining the balance of flavors.

Are there nut-free alternatives for this salad?

Swap toasted walnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to make it suitable for nut-free diets.

Hot Girl Winter Salad

A nutrient-packed winter mix of roasted veggies, crisp greens, tangy citrus, and zesty dressing for a refreshing boost.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cook Duration
25 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern American

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

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 or vegan substitute 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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine salad: Add the cooled roasted vegetables and toss gently with the dressing until evenly coated.

Step 07

Add cheese and serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts). For dairy-free, omit or substitute cheese; for nut-free, use seeds instead of walnuts.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 285
  • Fat content: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein Amount: 6 g