If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients, this Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and savory notes with a satisfying crunch from the warm candied walnuts and the fresh burst of pomegranate seeds. Whether you want something fresh to brighten up your holiday table or a satisfying salad that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to serve during the colder months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each ingredient brings something unique — from the sweet warmth of maple syrup on the walnuts to the bright, juicy punch of pomegranate seeds. The balance of textures and flavors will make every bite feel like a little celebration in your mouth.
- Fig preserves: Adds a luscious sweetness to the dressing that pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a rich, tangy complexity that brightens the salad’s overall flavor.
- Olive oil: Creates a smooth, silky dressing base that ties all ingredients together.
- Maple syrup: The secret to perfectly candied walnuts with a warm, natural sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that enhances the nutty notes of the walnuts.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the savoriness in the salad.
- Walnuts: The star of the show, offering a crunchy texture and rich, buttery flavor once candied.
- Mixed greens: Fresh and crisp, they serve as a vibrant foundation for the salad.
- Pomegranate seeds: Bursting with juicy tartness, they add color and a refreshing contrast.
- Bartlett pear: Sweet and tender pear pieces that lend juiciness and softness.
- Dried cranberries: Introduce a chewy texture with a sweet-tart zing.
- Crumbled goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it rounds out the flavors with a delightful richness.
How to Make Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375° F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfect candied walnuts without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Coat the Walnuts
In a mixing bowl, combine the walnuts with maple syrup, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir well to ensure the walnuts are evenly coated with a glossy, spice-infused layer of sweetness that will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake the Walnuts to Perfection
Spread the coated walnuts on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle any leftover syrup from the bowl over them. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Then gently toss the walnuts and return them to the oven for another 4 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye during this final window since they can brown quickly but you want that gorgeous caramelization without burning.
Step 4: Cool and Break Apart
Remove the pan from the oven and let the walnuts cool at room temperature. Once cooled, break apart any clusters so that you have perfectly crunchy, individual candied walnuts ready to elevate your salad.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
While your walnuts are baking, make your salad dressing by shaking or whisking together fig preserves, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. This combination adds a sweet and tangy punch with a silky texture that complements the salad perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl and pour about three-quarters of the dressing over them. Toss gently to coat the greens evenly. Then add diced Bartlett pear, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and your cooled candied walnuts on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and give everything another gentle toss just before serving for maximum flavor harmony.
How to Serve Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of extra goat cheese or a few whole candied walnuts on top for visual appeal and added texture. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavor profile subtly, balancing the sweet and tart elements nicely.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty soup for a well-rounded meal. Its fresh and bright flavors work as a refreshing counterpart to richer main dishes, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the salad in individual clear glasses or small bowls layered with greens, cheese, and toppings for a pretty presentation. Alternatively, arrange the whole salad on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cheese wedges and slices of crusty bread to make a dazzling winter-inspired appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the greens from wilting and the walnuts from losing their crispness. Toss together just before serving again.
Freezing
Because of its fresh ingredients, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The walnuts can be stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature for several days but avoid freezing to keep their crunch intact.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you plan to use any leftovers as a side, simply toss again with fresh dressing and serve fresh rather than warming.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as substitutes for walnuts in this recipe, offering a similar texture and a delicious nutty flavor when candied.
What if I don’t have fig preserves?
If you don’t have fig preserves on hand, you can substitute with apricot jam or honey to maintain that sweet complexity in the dressing.
How do I ensure the walnuts don’t burn?
The key is to keep a close watch during the last few minutes of baking and toss them halfway through cooking. Walnuts can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly, so don’t walk away.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply leave out the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
Is this salad suitable for holiday entertaining?
Absolutely! The Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe is perfect for holiday parties and special occasions thanks to its festive colors and elegant combination of flavors that guests love.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Salad with Candied Walnuts Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate seasonal ingredients and bring some sparkle to your dining table. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfectly balances sweet and savory in every bite. Give it a try — once you do, you’ll find yourself reaching for this delightful salad whenever you want to impress your family and friends with something fresh and heartwarming.
