Hot Girl Winter Salad

Featured in: Seasonal Glow Eats

This vibrant winter salad combines roasted carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes with mixed greens like kale and arugula. Pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts add bursts of sweetness and crunch. A bright dressing made from lemon, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup ties all the flavors together. Finished with crumbled feta cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors to keep you energized during colder months.

The roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth, while the citrus-infused dressing adds a refreshing zest. This easy-to-make dish suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets and serves four. Optional protein toppings and nut-free swaps provide versatility. Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling water for a complete seasonal experience.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:52:00 GMT
Vibrant, colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables and a bright citrus dressing. Save
Vibrant, colorful Hot Girl Winter Salad featuring roasted root vegetables and a bright citrus dressing. | sizzlebloom.com

A vibrant, nutrient-packed winter salad featuring roasted root vegetables, crisp greens, tangy citrus, and a zesty dressing—perfect for staying energized and glowing through the colder months.

I love making this salad during winter as it keeps me energized and my skin glowing, plus it's always a hit at family dinners.

Ingredients

  • Roasted Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced, 2 small beets peeled and diced, 1 small sweet potato peeled and cubed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salad Base: 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale arugula or baby spinach), 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/2 cup pomegranate arils, 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit or substitute with vegan feta for dairy-free)
  • Dressing: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare vegetables:
Toss carrots beets and sweet potato with olive oil salt and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast vegetables:
Roast vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes stirring halfway until tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Make dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice orange juice Dijon mustard maple syrup salt and pepper to make the dressing.
Combine salad base:
In a large salad bowl combine winter greens red cabbage pomegranate arils and toasted walnuts.
Add roasted vegetables:
Add the cooled roasted vegetables and gently toss with the dressing.
Serve:
Top with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
A large bowl of the delicious Hot Girl Winter Salad, ready to eat with roasted root veggies. Save
A large bowl of the delicious Hot Girl Winter Salad, ready to eat with roasted root veggies. | sizzlebloom.com

This salad always brightens up our family meals especially during cold months when fresh vegetables are scarce.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, chefs knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (feta cheese) and Tree nuts (walnuts). For dairy-free omit or substitute the cheese. For nut-free use seeds instead of walnuts.

Nutritional Information

Calories 285 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 33 g Protein 6 g per serving

Freshly tossed Hot Girl Winter Salad with pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Freshly tossed Hot Girl Winter Salad with pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta, ready to serve and enjoy. | sizzlebloom.com

This winter salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy seasonal vegetables packed with flavor.

Common Questions

What vegetables are best for roasting in this salad?

Carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes are ideal for roasting as they develop a tender, caramelized texture and enhance the salad's warmth.

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts or seeds?

Yes, pecans or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds work well for similar crunch and flavor, especially for nut-free preferences.

How can I make the salad dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative to keep the vibrant flavors intact.

What dressing ingredients create the zesty flavor?

Lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup combine to form a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that complements the roasted vegetables.

How long does it take to prepare the roasted vegetables?

Roasting the carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes typically takes 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Hot Girl Winter Salad

Nutrient-packed winter salad with roasted roots, crisp greens, citrus, and zesty dressing for a fresh seasonal boost.

Setup Duration
20 min
Heat Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
45 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Seasonal Glow Eats

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Modern American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Roasted Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
02 2 small beets, peeled and diced
03 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad Base

01 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, or baby spinach)
02 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
03 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
04 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
05 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit or substitute for dairy-free)

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 1 teaspoon maple syrup
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method Steps

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare vegetables: Toss carrots, beets, and sweet potato with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Phase 03

Roast vegetables: Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Phase 04

Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Phase 05

Assemble salad base: In a large bowl, combine mixed winter greens, sliced red cabbage, pomegranate arils, and toasted walnuts.

Phase 06

Combine salad: Add the cooled roasted vegetables to the salad base and gently toss with the dressing until evenly coated.

Phase 07

Garnish and serve: Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts).

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 285
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 6 g