Name: Winter Green Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar; 2 tsp. country-style Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 tsp. honey; 1/4 cup olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 small head frisée (3 oz.), trimmed and torn into small pieces; 1 head Boston or Little Gem lettuce (7 oz.), leaves torn into pieces; 2 heads red endive, leaves separated; 1 head Castelfranco radicchio (6 oz.), trimmed and leaves torn; 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped; 2 oz. aged Gouda, shaved

Winter green salad is the perfect combination of crisp greens, creamy aged Gouda, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy homemade sherry vinaigrette. This vibrant and flavorful salad is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being deceptively simple to prepare in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for easy winter salad with greens to brighten your table or searching for a wholesome side dish, this recipe has you covered.

We developed this recipe with busy, health-conscious home cooks in mind. Packed with nutrient-dense greens like frisée and radicchio, it works beautifully as part of a balanced meal or a standalone dish when paired with crusty whole-grain bread. Testing several variations, we ensured every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures: crunchy, creamy, and tender. It’s one of our favorite healthy winter salad recipes, and we’re confident it might become yours too.

Why This Winter Green Salad Is Good for You

High in fiber: Greens like frisée and radicchio support digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
Rich in antioxidants: Ingredients like radicchio and endive help fight inflammation and boost immunity during colder months.
Heart-healthy fats: The olive oil in the vinaigrette is a great source of monounsaturated fats.
Gluten-free friendly: This salad contains no gluten, making it a safe bet for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Vegetarian: Packed with plant-based ingredients and cheese for a satisfying taste without meat.

Wholesome Ingredients for This Winter Green Salad

This dish features a lineup of nutritious, high-quality ingredients that make it both flavorful and good for you:

Frisée: This curly lettuce adds a slightly bitter flavor and crunch while being high in vitamin A for skin and eye health. If unavailable, arugula is a great substitute.
Boston or Little Gem lettuce: A tender, mildly sweet base that balances out the stronger greens. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves when shopping.
Aged Gouda: Packed with calcium and protein, this creamy cheese also adds a nutty richness to the salad. Swap it with Parmesan or skip it entirely for a vegan option.
Candied pecans: These add sweetness and crunch while providing healthy fats and magnesium. Use plain roasted pecans for a lower-sugar variation.

Winter Green Salad Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Salad

Nutrition per serving: 139 calories, 11 g fat (2.5 g saturated), 7 g carbs, 3 g protein

Winter Green Salad Ingredients

3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
2 tsp. country-style Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp. honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 small head frisée (3 oz.), trimmed and torn into small pieces
1 head Boston or Little Gem lettuce (7 oz.), leaves torn into pieces
2 heads red endive, leaves separated
1 head Castelfranco radicchio (6 oz.), trimmed and leaves torn
1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
2 oz. aged Gouda, shaved

How to Make Winter Green Salad

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
As you whisk, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Stir in the sliced red onion and let it sit for 15 minutes to mellow the flavor.
Meanwhile, prepare the greens by gently tossing the frisée, Boston lettuce, endive, and radicchio in a large bowl (or divide into two bowls if needed).
Pour the prepared dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat evenly.
Top the salad with candied pecans and shaved Gouda for the final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, vibrant dish!

How to Customize This Winter Green Salad for Your Diet

Vegan-friendly: Omit the aged Gouda and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Keto option: Swap candied pecans with plain roasted pecans for a lower-carb variation.
Nut-free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Higher protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more filling version.
Lower calorie: Reduce the amount of olive oil in the dressing to lighten up the dish.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Winter Green Salad

Use fresh, high-quality greens: Look for bright and crisp leaves with no wilted edges to ensure maximum freshness.
Balance your flavors: The hint of sweetness from honey and candied pecans complements the tart sherry vinaigrette beautifully.
Prep in advance: Make the vinaigrette and chop the greens the day before for easy assembly.
Storage: Keep leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but note that some greens may soften.
Enhance crunch: Add thinly sliced pears or apples for extra texture and a touch of sweetness.

Winter Green Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the greens and make the dressing in advance, but toss everything together just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

Is this a keto-friendly recipe?

With a small adjustment—like replacing candied pecans with plain roasted pecans—this salad becomes keto-friendly.

What can I substitute for aged Gouda?

Parmesan, Gruyere, or even a crumbly feta are great substitutes for aged Gouda.

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can replace sherry vinegar, though the flavor will differ slightly.

What are some protein options for this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based proteins like baked tofu or roasted chickpeas work well in this dish.

This winter green salad not only tastes amazing but also delivers incredible health benefits, all while being quick to prepare. Which dietary adaptation are you most excited to try? Share your tips or favorite variations in the comments below and let us know!