Winter Salads
During the winter, it's easy to feel trapped in a meal rotation of heavy comfort foods. Those are delicious but can sometimes leave you feeling tired & bloated. Incorporating a winter salad into your weekly lineup can provide a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, all while keeping the spirit of winter alive on your dinner table. It is such an easy meal to put together with a few dishes involve; do you need more convincing?? I said LESS DISHES. Hot and cold salads offer balance and creativity to your family meals: PLAY MY FRIEND, PLAY As you experiment with these recipes! Notice how the act of preparing and sharing food together becomes a cherished ritual that strengthens your family bonds. Embrace the process and enjoy breaking bread together!
A Versatile Dining Experience
In the pursuit of meals that leaves you feeling energized & fueled; incorporate seasonal ingredients that suit your family's palate. Here’s a breakdown of how to creatively prepare.
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Spend a little time on the weekend prepping ingredients. Roast multiple portions of root vegetables at once and store them in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights. (Click here for my recipe)
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Engage your family in the kitchen by letting them help wash, peel, or mix the salad components. This not only develops your children’s culinary skills but also allows them to play & learn lifelong skills. If your family is grown, this is a great meal to do together since it does not require to be on top of the stove & in each other’s space. Spread out and make a “Winter Salad Bar”.
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Take the kids to the farmers market and let them choose what root vegetables they want to try next.
Play a guessing game with them. Ask them what they think the veggies will taste like, will they be bright in color or will they have seeds? Including the kids in the shopping helps them understand where food comes from and the importance of agriculture & shopping local. It also gives them a glimpse into the invisible mental load of making a meal. It starts way before the parents say: “Time to eat”. It starts with a field, a farmer, a son and so on. Educating the next generation is our responsibility and it is key to help them eat a variety of food.
Create your Winter Salad, one step at the time:
Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, or arugula serve as the base. These hearty greens are packed with vitamins. If you choose to use kale, be sure to cut it into small bites and massage it with olive oil before layering it in your bowl. This technique will soften its texture, making it more enjoyable to eat. Additionally, consider incorporating complementary ingredients that balances out the kale's natural bitterness.
Grains and Legumes: Add cooked and chilled (not cold but not piping hot either) quinoa, barley, rice or millet. About 1/2-1/3 cup of grains per bowl.
Root Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets add natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. Roasting brings out their flavors and makes them a warm addition to your salad. See my recipe here.
Protein: Add grilled chicken, baked salmon, chickpeas, tofu or steak bites to create a well-rounded dinner high in protein. One of my favorite Winter salads is made with cooked Italian sausages.
Sausages: To make meal prep even easier, a great strategy is to cook sausages and roast vegetables at the same time. Begin by boiling the sausages for 10 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked before transferring them to the roasting pan. Roast the sausages for about 5 minutes per side, keeping a close eye on their progress. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Monitor the roasting closely to prevent them from cooking too quickly; turn the sausages once they achieve a golden-brown look.
Nuts and Seeds: Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds offer a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
Cheese (optional): Tangy cheese gives such a great touch to any Winter Salads. My favorites are crumbled Feta or crumbled Goat cheese. You can also choose to add freshly grated parmesan or blue cheese.
Dressings: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard can bring the whole dish together. For a seasonal twist, you might also consider a citrus-based dressing, or any “Simply Dressed” dressings (see below). I also love to drizzle balsamic glaze; quick and easy!
Bold touch; Citrus Fruits: Slices of orange, grapefruit, or pomegranate seeds add a refreshing zing and a burst of color, balancing the earthiness of the greens and roasted vegetables.
With easy-to-follow techniques and intentional ingredient choices, you can create a dish that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Winter salads provide warmth and comfort, making them ideal for cooler evenings. They can transform simple ingredients into a hearty dish, I truly hope that you try & adopt. Let me know!!
Keep the ingredients separately for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
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