Winter Supermarket Salads
You wouldn’t believe what’s hiding in the produce aisle!
Around this time of year, things get a bit dreary, don’t they? Here on the East Coast, it’s soooo cold. Unlike the past few winters, this January means business. It’s barely been above freezing all month, and needless to say, local vegetables are not really a thing right now. But I’m happy to report that there is still plenty of worthy produce in the supermarket that you can use to make bright and refreshing salads.
In fact, I went to the supermarket yesterday, scouring the produce department for good winter salad ingredients, and I’m here to share what I came up with. Instead of just recipes, I’m giving you some solid ideas for salad combinations, including three stand-out salads I made recently, plus three dressing recipes, each with their own distinct personalities and applications. I encourage you to mix and match from the categories below, and switch things out depending on your preferences or what’s available. I have confidence in you to figure out the exact quantities!
These bowls can brighten your mood with their beautiful colors and crunchy textures. They’re also great as side dishes or lunch starters (just add a protein) — and if you’re in a roasted vegetable rut, they can offer a way out.
One of the nice things about winter salads is that they tend to hold up well. Some even get better as they sit, and make good next-day leftovers. Hardy greens like escarole and kale are prime examples.
Build Your Own Winter Salad
Mix and match from the categories below to build your ultimate winter salad. These ingredients all store well, so you can have them at the ready; they may even be at their peak this time of year. Many — like apples, pears, fennel, and celery — are sweet and juicy enough to add brightness to a winter meal.
Start with a base of leafy greens (choose 1):
Escarole
Radicchio
Belgian Endive
Arugula (preferably the leafy kind that comes in a bunch)
Kale
Vegetable additions:
Celery (sliced)
Fennel (sliced paper thin)
Radish (sliced paper thin)
Beets (grated or sliced paper thin)
Carrots (grated or sliced thin using a vegetable peeler)
Fruit additions:
Pears
Apples
Avocado
Citrus
Embellishments:
Toasted nuts and seeds
Toasted buckwheat groats (a personal favorite)
Torn croutons
Pickled onions
Pomegranate arils
Shaved hard cheese (like parmesan, aged gouda, etc.)
Crumbled soft cheeses like goat, feta, blue
Dried fruit
Crisp bacon
If you want more specific direction, keep reading for three stand-out salads to try, each with its own delicious homemade dressing.
