This Winter Chopped Salad is made with lettuce, chicken, Honeycrisp apple, red onion, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and feta, topped with a tangy balsamic mustard dressing. It is a vibrant and hearty blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients, perfect for the colder months! If you are on a salad kick (that will also fill you up), I have a Blackberry Chicken Salad you will love, too.

Wooden bowl of Winter Chopped Salad with lettuce, apples, pomegranate, chicken, and feta on a wooden table.

Why Is It Called A Winter Salad?

It’s all about the ingredients that give this salad its ‘winter’ name. It is filled with cozy, seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, and crisp apples—just right for the colder months. These hearty, winter-friendly elements come together to create a satisfying, refreshing dish that’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Dressing: The dressing is a balsamic Dijon vinaigrette. It is a perfect (and flavorful) balance of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and Dijon mustard, with a hint of sweetness from honey and a touch of garlic powder. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you could use yellow mustard. But, I would add a bit more honey to the dressing if using yellow mustard.
Chicken: I love the convenience of using rotisserie chicken in recipes. It is already cooked, and I can sometimes find it already shredded at the grocery store! Or, any leftover cooked chicken would be delicious, like my shredded chicken. If you don’t have chicken, try adding leftover turkey, deli turkey, ham, or cooked and crumbled bacon.
Apples: While apples are available year-round, I love Honeycrisp apples! They are known for their crisp texture and balance of sweetness, making them a great winter choice! But, you could certainly use your favorite kinds of apples. I think Granny Smith apples would be delicious, too.
Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds are bright, juicy seeds–a winter favorite! If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, you could use cranberry seeds, red grapes (cut in half), cherries, or raisins.
Dried Cranberries: Dried cranberries (Craisins) are a classic winter ingredient, so it makes sense to add them to a winter salad!
Candied Pecans: Often enjoyed during the holiday season, candied pecans give the salad a sweet crunch. You can make your own (but just don’t eat them all before assembling the salad😉). Candied walnuts or candied almonds would also be delicious!
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor and crumbly texture to balance the sweetness of the fruit in the salad. If you don’t have feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheese, or shredded mozzarella.

CLose up of Winter Chopped Salad with lettuce, apples, pomegranate, chicken, and feta on a wooden table.

Best Fruit Additions For Winter Chopped Salad

You can add a variety of fruits to this salad for extra flavor (although I love the combination as-is). You could try adding pears, oranges, grapefruit, mandarin oranges, or red grapes, all of which would be delicious options!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. You can also prep the ingredients and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will last about 1-2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly, with the dressing kept separate. The lettuce and fruits may begin to wilt or get soggy after that, so it’s best to enjoy it within a couple of days for the best texture.

Bowls of Winter Chopped Salad with lettuce, apples, pomegranate, chicken, and feta on a wooden table.

Can I Make A Winter Chopped Salad Without Chicken?

Yes, you can make the Winter Chopped Salad without chicken for a vegetarian version. You can add extra ingredients like roasted chickpeas, tofu, or another plant-based protein to make it more filling, or simply enjoy it as a lighter salad!

How To Store Winter Chopped Salad

To store this winter chopped salad, store the dressing separately from the salad. The dressing will last up to a few days in the refrigerator, while the salad mixture will last about 1-2 days, depending on how fresh the ingredients are. For best results, add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp.