“Winter Salads” Do Not Have to Be Sad

“Spring mix” doesn’t always appeal during winter. That pile of romaine might look a little sad,  and as much as you love radicchio, wouldn’t a similarly reddish-purple chilled beet salad be even better? Why not take a break from leafy vegetables in favor of in-season, one-ingredient-focused salads that bring a lot of shine to the table?

If you’re not yet convinced: A close friend of mine once showed me a fast and easy method for chopping carrots into a shape I’ve since considered “shards,” and I return to it regularly for a relatively simple but beautiful salad with ginger-miso vinaigrette. My husband, Sam, has been known to enjoy seasoned and gently steamed broccoli I often make for myself, which inspired a dressed-up salad featuring fried onion clusters and a sweet chili sauce. And anyone hesitant about beets is bound to change their mind when they see and taste them amid layers of marinated feta, sliced red onion, and toasted and chopped-up pistachios.

In terms of “leaves,” I’ll still look toward beloved herbs like chives, cilantro, and mint for freshness. From creamy cheese to crunchy sesame seeds, mix-ins also provide a special touch. When the weather is cold but you’re still in search of something bright for a balanced meal, the following recipes will have you covered.