Winter can leave us feeling sluggish and lacking in motivation, particularly when it comes to healthy eating. However, despite being cold outside, you can still enjoy fresh and healthy produce straight from your garden. Some of the best winter salads you can make using ingredients from your garden. These easy-to-make dishes are packed with flavour and are guaranteed to lift your spirits!
🥬Winter Greens Salad 🥬
Winter greens like kale, chard and spinach are packed with nutrients and are perfect for a hearty winter salad. To make this salad, start by rinsing and drying some winter greens, tear them into bite-sized pieces and top with your favourite seeds (pumpkin seeds work really well). For extra flavour and texture, add some slices of juicy oranges or pomegranate seeds. Finally, drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top and enjoy.
🥬Roasted Beet Salad🥬
Roasting root vegetables like beets brings out their natural sweetness and makes them perfect for a winter salad. Start by roasting some beets in the oven for around 45 minutes, until they are soft. Meanwhile, rinse and dry some salad greens and place them in a bowl. Once the beets are done, cool them slightly, peel the skin off and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add these to the salad bowl along with some walnuts and goat cheese. Finally, drizzle some balsamic vinegar and honey over everything and toss.
🥬Winter Citrus Salad 🥬
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are at their best during winter, so why not use them to add some zest to your salad? Begin slicing some firm but juicy oranges and grapefruits into rounds, and layer the slices on a bed of lettuce. Add some roughly chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts and dress with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
🥬Warm Quinoa Salad 🥬
Warm salads do wonders in the winter, they can even satiate a hearty winter appetite. Cook some quinoa following the packet instructions, then toast some walnuts or pine nuts for added texture and crunch. Chop up some red onion, radish, tomato, and kale or any other winter greens. Toss all the ingredients with a generous amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and serve with a slice or two of crusty bread.
🥬Broccoli Salad🥬
Broccoli is not only healthy but also great for adding colour to your winter garden salads. Chop up some broccoli florets and mix them with some sweet diced apple, boiled egg, and sunflower seeds. Toss everything together with some mayonnaise or plain yoghurt until everything is coated. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.
Don’t let the cold and dreary weather, dampen your love of fresh food. By using fresh produce from your own garden and local farmer’s markets, you can make some of the most colourful, flavourful and healthful salads out there. The salad recipes we have outlined above are great for any occasion and are perfect for bringing some cheer and energy into your winter diet. Remember to start with healthy greens, add some colour with fruits and veggies, spice things up with toppings, dress with oils and vinegars, and watch the taste and nutrition infusion happen.
Happy salad making! 💚😊
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Further Reading: Harvest More, Waste Less with Successional Planting