One of the few redeeming things about the dark, cold days of winter is the bright, zingy fresh citrus that takes center stage this time of year. These citrus-packed salads are all about bringing bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table, proving that winter meals don’t have to be heavy or dull. Juicy oranges, tangy grapefruits, and crisp greens come together to make salad the brightest part of your day.
Carrot Citrus Salad
Roasted rainbow carrots and citrus get tossed in a mustard vinaigrette for a bold, bright side dish that’s perfect with poultry.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Citrus Salad
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Rotisserie chicken, Tuscan kale, citrus, and pine nuts get tossed in a zippy orange Dijon dressing. It’s crunchy, hearty, and great for winter dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Citrus Salad
Grapefruits, oranges, and mandarins tossed in a honey Dijon dressing over greens with feta and onions. This salad knows how to lift the winter gloom in a single bowl.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad
Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad
Grapefruit, pomegranate, and quick-pickled fennel come together in an orange Dijon vinaigrette. It’s sharp, refreshing, and just right for the season.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad
Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus
Packed with lentils, quinoa, spinach, and fresh citrus, this salad means business. It’s hearty enough to carry you through a busy day, while still letting that vibrant citrus shine.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus
Pomegranate Spinach Salad
Spinach, oranges, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and those jewel-like pomegranate seeds team up for a quick, no-stress salad. The tangy dressing seals the deal.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Spinach Salad
Harvest Salad
Sweet persimmons, crisp apples, roasted sweet potatoes, and pomegranate seeds meet up with a honey Dijon dressing. This salad knows how to show off the best of winter produce without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad
Arugula Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Grapefruit, tangelos, and blood oranges? Yes, please. Toss in some pistachios for crunch, and you’ve got a salad that’s as bold as it is simple.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Grapefruit Kale Salad
Grapefruit adds a burst of freshness to sturdy kale, making this one crunchy, colorful, and downright great for brightening up those winter blues.
Get the Recipe: Grapefruit Kale Salad
Avocado Grapefruit Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy grapefruit team up with almonds to make this salad a perfect showcase for winter’s best produce. Throw it on a bed of greens, and you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Grapefruit Salad
Citrus Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Sumo citrus, Marcona almonds, and a quick poppy seed dressing make this salad stand out without stealing your whole afternoon. It’s quick, crunchy, and just what winter ordered.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Roasted beets and fresh oranges are the stars here, laid over a bed of greens and topped with a quick orange vinaigrette. Bright, earthy, and ready to go in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Greek Spinach Salad with Feta and Lemon Dressing
Spinach, feta, and olives make this salad a breeze to throw together in just 10 minutes. It’s fresh, fast, and straight-up Mediterranean greatness.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spinach Salad with Feta and Lemon Dressing
Pomegranate Feta Salad with Spinach and Clementines
Clementines and pomegranate bring bold colors and fresh flavors to this quick salad. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit and greens without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Feta Salad with Spinach and Clementines
Cucumber Radish Salad
Cucumbers and radishes keep things fresh and simple here, with just a touch of ginger to keep it interesting. It’s crisp, quick, and perfect as a side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Radish Salad
Spinach and Mandarin Orange Salad
Sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and fresh spinach keep this salad simple but great. No chopping or slicing means it’s on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Mandarin Orange Salad
Citrus Salad with Fennel, Pistachios & Poppyseed Dressing
Fresh citrus, shaved fennel, and crushed pistachios meet a creamy poppy seed dressing in this salad. It’s bright, crunchy, and practically begs to be shared.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad with Fennel, Pistachios & Poppyseed Dressing
Winter Fruit Salad
Cranberries, oranges, and pomegranate arils come together with a Maple Dijon dressing for a colorful dish that cuts through winter’s dreariness. It’s easy to prep and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad
Mixed Citrus Green Salad
Crisp greens and bold citrus fruits make this salad a refreshing pick-me-up for any meal. It’s light, bright, and quick to toss together.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Citrus Green Salad
Pomegranate Wild Rice Salad
Earthy wild rice, tart pomegranate seeds, and a zippy orange dressing make this a great option for holiday tables—or any time you want to switch things up.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Wild Rice Salad
Citrus Winter Farro Salad
Packed with whole grains, citrus, and crispy Brussels sprouts, this salad delivers fresh flavor with every bite. It’s hearty enough to keep you full without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Winter Farro Salad
Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad
Baby spinach and mandarin oranges paired with almond slivers and a quick Dijon vinaigrette make this a simple and easy side that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad
Winter Citrus Fruit Salad
Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges shine here, with an avocado dressing that adds creaminess and depth. Add a protein like shrimp or chicken, and it’s a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Winter Citrus Fruit Salad
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.