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Winter Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Winter Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
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Winter Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant, crisp, and refreshing salad that combines hearty winter greens with a tangy lemon poppy seed dressing. This easy-to-make recipe features seasonal vegetables, nutty crunch, creamy feta, and a bright citrus dressing that energizes chilly-day meals with color, texture, and nutrition. Perfect as a light lunch or colorful side dish, it brings a fresh twist to winter produce and delights your taste buds with every zesty bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, or Swiss chard), rinsed and dried
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greens: Rinse and thoroughly dry your mixed winter greens such as kale or spinach. Chop or tear large leaves into bite-size pieces to create a perfect base for your salad.
  2. Add Veggies and Toppings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped greens with shredded carrots, pomegranate seeds, and toasted nuts. These layers introduce vibrant color and a balance of flavors and textures.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified with a bright, creamy texture.
  4. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the lemon poppy seed dressing evenly over the salad mixture and gently toss everything until all ingredients are lightly coated and the flavors blend beautifully.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving to add a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the salad further.

Notes

  • Fresh is key: Use the freshest greens and freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize flavor.
  • Dry thoroughly: Make sure your greens are dry after washing so the dressing doesn’t get watery.
  • Toast nuts: Lightly toasting pecans or walnuts brings out rich, nutty flavors and crunch.
  • Adjust sweetness: Start with a small amount of honey or maple syrup and add more to balance the tartness to your liking.
  • Serve immediately: This salad tastes best when served fresh to maintain crisp textures and vibrant colors.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter salad, lemon poppy seed dressing, kale salad, healthy winter recipe, gluten free salad, fresh greens salad, seasonal salad

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/winter-salad-with-lemon-poppy-seed-dressing/