There's a widespread assumption that salads are only suitable for springtime, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, winter has its own unique produce and salad options that can add some much-needed freshness to our diets.
When I think of winter salads, I'm reminded of my childhood in a household where food was never seasonally limited. My mother would make simple salads with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lemons, all drizzled with salt and served alongside homemade curries, spiced rice, and steamed fish fillets wrapped in banana leaf parcels. The salad transcended the seasons; it offered a bit of relief from the heat during warmer months and provided some much-needed freshness – and equilibrium between cooked and uncooked food – during the colder winter months.
In fact, I believe that salads are an absolute necessity during the winter season. Eating raw salads year-round was commonplace in my household, and we were unwittingly partaking in a sort of quiet rebellion against traditional notions of cold-weather cuisine. By including salads in our winter diet, we could enjoy vibrant colors, textures, and flavors – all while maintaining balance between cooked and uncooked food.
The truth is that there's an abundance of delicious winter produce to explore beyond the usual comfort foods like mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie, and casserole. Take kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, or even winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, or delicata) – all of which are perfect for sturdier winter salads that can last a few days.
When I'm stuck inside on a gloomy day after a snowstorm, what I crave most is a warm and nourishing bowl of fresh salad. I find myself living off frozen meals like Trader Joe's cheese-filled eggplant pasta and home-cooked slow-cooker chili, but there's just something about the crunch and color of a well-crafted salad that hits the spot.
Recently, I came across food writer Susan Spungen's Substack post "Winter Salads Are the Best Salads," which made me rethink my stance on winter salads. She argues that there's so much delicious produce available in the winter that can be used to create hearty and balanced salads – ones that are full of contrast, architecture, and comfort.
To make a go-to winter salad recipe, I start by preparing warm ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, followed by layering with leafy greens (kale and arugula) and adding simple yet readily available toppings. The result is an abundant and satisfying salad that feels perfect for the season.
Ultimately, it's time to break free from the notion that salads are only suitable for springtime and give winter produce its due respect. By embracing salads during the colder months, we can add some much-needed vibrancy, texture, and flavor to our diets – and make healthy eating a little more exciting.
When I think of winter salads, I'm reminded of my childhood in a household where food was never seasonally limited. My mother would make simple salads with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lemons, all drizzled with salt and served alongside homemade curries, spiced rice, and steamed fish fillets wrapped in banana leaf parcels. The salad transcended the seasons; it offered a bit of relief from the heat during warmer months and provided some much-needed freshness – and equilibrium between cooked and uncooked food – during the colder winter months.
In fact, I believe that salads are an absolute necessity during the winter season. Eating raw salads year-round was commonplace in my household, and we were unwittingly partaking in a sort of quiet rebellion against traditional notions of cold-weather cuisine. By including salads in our winter diet, we could enjoy vibrant colors, textures, and flavors – all while maintaining balance between cooked and uncooked food.
The truth is that there's an abundance of delicious winter produce to explore beyond the usual comfort foods like mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie, and casserole. Take kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, or even winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, or delicata) – all of which are perfect for sturdier winter salads that can last a few days.
When I'm stuck inside on a gloomy day after a snowstorm, what I crave most is a warm and nourishing bowl of fresh salad. I find myself living off frozen meals like Trader Joe's cheese-filled eggplant pasta and home-cooked slow-cooker chili, but there's just something about the crunch and color of a well-crafted salad that hits the spot.
Recently, I came across food writer Susan Spungen's Substack post "Winter Salads Are the Best Salads," which made me rethink my stance on winter salads. She argues that there's so much delicious produce available in the winter that can be used to create hearty and balanced salads – ones that are full of contrast, architecture, and comfort.
To make a go-to winter salad recipe, I start by preparing warm ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, followed by layering with leafy greens (kale and arugula) and adding simple yet readily available toppings. The result is an abundant and satisfying salad that feels perfect for the season.
Ultimately, it's time to break free from the notion that salads are only suitable for springtime and give winter produce its due respect. By embracing salads during the colder months, we can add some much-needed vibrancy, texture, and flavor to our diets – and make healthy eating a little more exciting.
! I mean, who says you can't have a warm bowl of fresh salad on a snowy day? 
My fave combo is roasted sweet potatoes + kale + arugula + some crunchy nuts... it's like a party in my mouth 
. And trust me, I know what I'm talking about - I used to live off frozen meals and takeout all the time during the winter months 
. But then I discovered this crazy-delicious kale salad with lemon-tahini dressing... game. changer. 
Now I'm all about making my own slow-cooker chili and serving it on top of a fresh salad, even on the snowiest days 
.
u r absolutely right about wintertime salads 
. my fave winter salad combo is roasted sweet potatoes, arugula, and toasted almonds 
- the sweetness & crunch are everything 
. gotta try Susan Spungen's recipe ASAP! 
I mean, what about all the people who are literally freezing outside? When it's -20°C outside, the last thing you wanna do is eat a salad that's just gonna give you wind 
and make your teeth chatter 
. Give me a warm bowl of oatmeal or something any day 
️
while only 42% believe they're only for springtime 
winter produce like kale (92% eaten by us citizens) collard greens (78%) and swiss chard (65%) offer a pop of color & freshness 
! And don't even get me started on the beauty of roasted butternut squash in salad form 
️... trust me, it's a game-changer! I'm definitely gonna have to try Susan Spungen's recipe for that slow-cooker chili salad, sounds like just what I need on a cold winter's day 
It's not just about adding a bit of freshness to our diet, it's about creating balance - between cooked and uncooked food, warm and cool textures... Winter salads are the unsung heroes of our culinary world. We need more people like Susan Spungen who's all about celebrating the beauty of winter produce. And honestly, when I'm feeling cooped up on a snowy day, there's no better thing than a hearty salad to lift my spirits 
, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, mustard greens, or even winter squash 
. It's time to ditch the usual winter blues and get creative with our salads! 
. Roasted sweet potatoes add a nice crunch and sweetness to any salad 
. And don't even get me started on citrus - lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are perfect for brightening up a gloomy winter's day 
. I've been experimenting with different combinations, and it's amazing how a simple salad can be the ultimate comfort food 
. Plus, who needs fancy-schmancy recipes when you can just throw some frozen veggies in a bowl and call it a day? 
Just kidding, but seriously, salads are the way to go during winter. They're refreshing, nutritious, and can be made in minutes 
.
. Like, who says you can't have a juicy winter salad with all the fixin's? I mean, sure, spring might be the time for asparagus and strawberries, but that doesn't mean we should give up on winter squash and kale 
. I'm all about those roasted sweet potatoes and hearty toppings – it's like a hug in a bowl 
. And can we talk about how underrated kale is? It's like the winter's BFF 
, especially when you have a bunch of cool-season greens like kale & collard greens just waiting to be tossed together with some roasted sweet potatoes 