Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

Winter Salad Recipe with Maple Dijon Dressing has winter flavors using sweet potato, pecans and pomegranate seeds tossed in a festive maple dressing.

This seasonal and festive salad is an excellent accent to a meal or can be the main meal. I know, I know! Winter comes and you want hearty soups and stews and comforting casseroles, but that doesn't mean salads should be forgotten.

In fact, winter offers some incredible flavors, textures, and colors with in season vegetables and fruit. I often entertain during the holidays, and I love to having a small saucer of this salad at each plate setting to start off a meal.

If you're looking for more holiday side dish inspiration, my Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad, Broccoli and Bacon Salad, and Pear and Pecan Salad are all festive and delicious!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Light Yet Satisfying: After heavy holiday meals, many people crave lighter options. This wintery salad offers a satisfying meal without feeling overly heavy, making it a popular choice for those seeking balance and moderation.
• Easily Customizable: Winter salad recipes allow for creativity. You can add dried fruits for sweetness or include creamy cheeses for richness. You can add or leave off protein as well.
• Make-Ahead Ease: It's an excellent side dish or appetizer that you can prepare ahead of time and refrigerate until serving, saving precious oven space and time, especially during busy holiday seasons.
• Flavors that Taste and Feel Like the Holidays: A roasted sweet potato salad with maple mustard dressing boasting bright seasonal flavors from the cinnamon, pomegranate arils and pecans makes this an instant holiday hit!

Ingredients in Winter Salad

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Leafy Green Lettuce: Provide a nutritious base, adding a mildly bitter or peppery flavor and a hearty texture.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Add creaminess, saltiness, and umami.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly pungent flavor.
• Granny Smith Apple: Adds a delicious crunch with a hint of tartness and sweetness.
• Pomegranate Arils: Introduces a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.
• Toasted Pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch, healthy fats, and proteins. Spice them up with these cinnamon Air Fryer Pecans.
• Sweet Potatoes: Add sweetness, earthiness, and warmth to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Coats the sweet potatoes, preventing them from drying out during roasting. It also helps in achieving a crispy exterior and enhances the natural flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Pairs well with the cinnamon and the natural sugars in it caramelizes during roasting, creating a delectable sweet glaze on the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon: Elevates and adds aromatics to the sweet potatoes by adding warmth and sweetness.
• Cooked Chicken, optional: Makes the salad a complete meal, offering more satisfaction. It can be grilled or roasted.

Ingredients in Maple Dijon Dressing

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and thickness to the dressing. It also acts as an emulsifier.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a bold, tangy taste with a slight heat. It acts as an emulsifier, helping the ingredients blend together seamlessly.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a rich, natural sweetness with subtle caramel notes. It also balances the sharpness of Dijon mustard and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Orange Juice: Adds acidity and brightness.
• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, silky texture to the dressing, and provides a rich, savory element that balances the sweetness and acidity.

Tools You'll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Paring Knife
• Half Size or 12"x17" Sheet Pan
• Small Jar or Bowl with Fitted Lid
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Winter Salad Recipe with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

1. Preheat oven to 425˚F.
2. On an aluminum-foil or parchment paper lined sheet pan, toss together sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and black pepper. Spread in an even layer. Bake 30-35 minutes, tossing in between. Allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.

3. For the dressing, in jar or small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, dijon mustard, maple syrup, orange juice, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Once well emulsified, taste for balance of flavors and adjust if desired.

4. On a large serve tray or on individual salad plate, layer lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, apple, pomegranate arils and pecans. Add chicken on top (if using), followed by the cooled roasted sweet potatoes.

5. When it's time to serve, drizzle dressing over the top or serve on the side.

Tips and Substitutions

• Incorporate Whole Grains: Whole grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice add heartiness to your salad. They're also excellent sources of protein and fiber, making your salad more filling and nutritious.
• Leafy Greens: Instead of a leafy greens mix, you can use sturdy greens like kale or spinach. They hold up well against hearty ingredients and stay crisp in dressings.
• Fruit Substitutes: Instead of or in addition to the apple and pomegranate arils in this salad, you can use pears or orange segments.
• Protein Variations: Opt for proteins like grilled shrimp, salmon, or even leftover roasted turkey from holiday meals for variety. These proteins add richness and warmth to your salad.
• Cheese Options: Goat cheese, feta, Gorgonzola, or blue cheese are other bold cheeses that work great for this salad.
• Dressing Tweaks: Experiment with different vinegar bases (like apple cider vinegar) or infused oils (such as walnut oil) can create unique dressings. Adjust the sweetness or acidity based on personal preference.

What to serve with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

With addition of extra protein on top such as chicken, shrimp, shrimp, steak, or tofu this salad can be served as a meal itself. It can also served as a starter to a meal or side item. We love pairing it with Mississippi French Dip Sandwiches or French Onion Chicken and Rice.

Make this a soup and salad combo kind of meal with this healthy and delicious Weight Watchers Pumpkin Soup!

Another salad that's great for the fall and winter season is this Autumn Chicken Cobb Salad!

Storage

This salad will stay fresh and crisp longer if the dressing isn't already incorporated into it. If it's possible, dress the salad only on what you plan to serve.

If the salad is already dressed, try to separate the dressing from the salad. Excess moisture can make the greens soggy. Place the salad in an airtight container. It's best to consume within 1-2 days. The crispness of the vegetables and nuts will lessen the longer it's stored.

FAQs

Try these other Winter Recipes

• Easy Vegetable Soup
• Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
• Crockpot Beef and Noodles
• Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup