3 Simple Winter Salads That Will Actually Fill You Up January 17, 2019
Afternoon snack cravings, be gone. These wholesome winter salads are guaranteed to keep you satisfied alllllll afternoon long.
If you’re thinking… hmmm, these look familiar, you’re right. Back in the summer, we published recipes for three hearty, warm weather salads that layer perfectly in portable mason jars. And today, we’re doing the same — except with wintery greens (think spinach and kale), veggies (squash, beets, carrots, cauliflower and Brussels), and fruit (dried cranberries, avocado, and pomegranate seeds).
And the “actually fill you up” part? Well we can thank protein-packed quinoa, healthy fat-packed salmon, and lean steak for that.
And remember, the dressing should sit strategically at the bottom with delicate greens closer to the top. This way, you can avoid any and all soggy situations. And when you’re ready to dig in, flip the jars upside down so the dressing spreads evenly throughout, then unscrew the cap and empty into a bowl.
As you’ll notice, there aren’t specific measurements for these winter salads (except for the dressings). We’re not telling you to put 1/2 cup roasted cauliflower, or four pieces of seared steak, because everyone’s jars are different sizes. What might fill our jars up to the brim might only fill yours halfway, or vice versa. The important part is that all layers are present.
1. Quinoa Cauliflower Salad with Walnuts and Pomegranate Seeds
We’re bulking up this salad with a grain duo of quinoa and wild rice, then tossing in the colorful accompaniments — roasted cauliflower florets, kale, carrots, and a combo of crunchy walnuts and juicy poms.
Apple Cider Dijon Dressing:
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Layers (from bottom to top):
- Dressing
- Carrots, sliced into ribbons
- Mix of Cooked Quinoa and Wild Rice
- Roasted Cauliflower Florets
- Kale
- Walnuts
- Pomegranate Seeds
READ MORE: Guide to Gluten-Free Grains
2. Steak and Citrus Salad with Blue Cheese and Dried Cranberries
Citrus and spinach go together like salt and pepper. They just work. But to add an extra “oomph” we added lean, seared steak and sweet cranberries. And, of course, the requisite dose of blue cheese to round it all out.
Orange Dijon Dressing:
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Honey
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Layers (from bottom to top):
- Dressing
- Seared Steak, sliced thin
- Roasted Squash (delicata or butternut would work)
- Orange segments
- Spinach
- Blue Cheese
- Dried Cranberries
READ MORE: Difference Between Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. Brussels ‘n’ Beets Salad with Salmon and Avocado
This winter salad harkens back to the days of autumn thanks to the classic combo of shredded Brussels sprouts and cubed apple. We also tossed in some salmon and avocado, because healthy fats. And flavor.
Maple Dijon Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Maple Syrup
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Layers (from bottom to top):
- Dressing
- Cooked Beets, cut into small pieces
- Raw Brussels Sprouts, shredded
- Apple, cubed
- Cooked Salmon, shredded
- Avocado, cubed
- Arugula
Once you’ve scarfed down those winter salads, turn your attention to dessert. These healthier dessert recipes, to be exact.