This Winter Chopped Salad is a delicious medley of crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, Honeycrisp apples, red onions, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a tangy balsamic mustard dressing, it’s a hearty yet refreshing dish perfect for the colder months.
Why Is It Called a Winter Salad?
The name comes from its seasonal ingredients. Pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and apples are winter staples that make this salad ideal for the season. These cozy, hearty additions pair beautifully, creating a vibrant dish that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dressing: The balsamic Dijon vinaigrette combines balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder for a flavorful balance. If you don’t have Dijon, substitute with yellow mustard and add a touch more honey for sweetness.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick, convenient choice, but shredded cooked chicken, turkey, deli turkey, ham, or even crumbled bacon make great alternatives.
- Apples: Honeycrisp apples shine with their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, but Granny Smith or your favorite apple variety can work just as well.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These juicy, ruby-red seeds are a winter favorite. Red grapes (halved), cherries, raisins, or cranberry seeds are excellent substitutes.
- Dried Cranberries: Classic for winter, these add a sweet and tangy note.
- Candied Pecans: These add a festive crunch. Swap for candied walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Feta Cheese: The tangy, creamy feta balances the salad’s sweetness. Goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheese, or shredded mozzarella can be used as substitutes.
Fruit Additions for Winter Chopped Salad
Feel free to customize this salad by adding other winter fruits like pears, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, or red grapes for extra bursts of flavor.
Can You Make Winter Chopped Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prep the ingredients and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. The salad will stay fresh for 1-2 days, but for the best texture, enjoy it within that time.
Storing Winter Chopped Salad
To store, keep the salad and dressing separate. The dressing will last up to a week in the refrigerator, while the salad mixture is best consumed within 1-2 days. Adding the dressing right before serving ensures the salad stays fresh and crisp.
This Winter Chopped Salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfect for any gathering or as a quick and satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of winter at its finest!
Winter Chopped Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, chicken, apple, red onion, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Right before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.
This recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Winter Chopped Salad.
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