Winter Greens & Citrus Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing
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A bright bowl of renewal for December days.
🌿 Introduction
When the world outside feels muted and the garden sleeps under winter’s hush, this salad becomes my way of welcoming color and light back to the table. Tender greens meet the brightness of citrus — a gentle reminder that even in the quietest seasons, new life is already stirring.
I first made this salad on a Sunday afternoon after church, using the last kale leaves I’d trimmed before a cold snap. I tossed them with slices of orange and a simple honey-lemon dressing, and it tasted like hope — fresh, zesty, and full of grace.
It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t compete with the season’s heavy meals but complements them — a pause for breath, a taste of brightness, a reflection of what’s still growing beneath the surface.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A burst of citrusy freshness in the middle of winter.
- Simple, nourishing, and beautiful enough for holiday gatherings.
- Perfect use for kale, spinach, or winter greens still thriving in cooler weather.
- Naturally gluten-free and easily dairy-free.
- Balances sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors effortlessly.
🕰️ Quick Reference Snapshot
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Equipment: Large salad bowl, small whisk or jar for dressing
Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free adaptable
🍊 Ingredients
(US + Metric)
For the Salad
- 4 cups (120 g) mixed winter greens — kale, arugula, or spinach
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 small grapefruit, segmented
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (30 g) toasted almonds or pecans
- ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or mint leaves for garnish
For the Honey-Lemon Dressing
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
🌱 Seasonal Swaps
- Substitute blood oranges or mandarins for a festive twist.
- Use pomegranate seeds instead of nuts for color and crunch.
- Swap honey for maple syrup if your pantry runs sweetly local.
🌿 From My Garden
The kale in my garden is often the last to bow to the cold. Its deep green leaves become sweeter after a frost — proof that resilience can taste beautiful. A few sprigs of rosemary snipped from a winter pot add quiet fragrance, grounding the salad in both earth and memory.
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare
- Wash and dry greens thoroughly, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange on a large platter or shallow bowl.
- Layer orange and grapefruit slices over the greens.
- Add red onion, nuts, and feta (if using).
Dress
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Drizzle over salad just before serving.
Finish
- Garnish with rosemary or mint leaves.
- Serve immediately while the citrus is still glistening and bright.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or fish.
- Makes a refreshing side for heavier holiday meals.
- Add grilled shrimp or leftover turkey for a light lunch.
- Serve with a slice of Garden Herb Popover for a full winter brunch.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store dressing separately in a jar for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Salad components can be prepped a day ahead; assemble just before serving.
- Leftovers will keep for 1 day — though best enjoyed fresh for crispness.
✨ Final Thoughts
This salad is a quiet celebration of winter’s grace — the sweetness that follows the frost, the light that breaks through stillness. As you slice citrus and whisk honey into gold, may you remember that even in resting seasons, God is renewing the soil of your soul.
Taste and see — light still lingers here. 🌤️
🤝 Community & Connection
- Instagram — Daily garden moments & behind-the-scenes; tag your dish so I can cheer you on! 🌿📸
- Subscribe — Fresh recipes, seasonal tips, and printable freebies delivered weekly. ✉🍂
- Join FB Group — Ask questions, swap ideas, and share what’s growing with a kind, garden-loving community. 🌱🫶
🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours
(Some of these links are affiliate links. That simply means if you decide to order, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Southern Soil Sunshine—it helps me keep sharing recipes from my kitchen and garden with you. 💛)
- Citrus zester — a small joy for bright flavors.
- Glass salad bowl — because beauty belongs on the table.
- Whisk & pour jar — for easy, everyday dressings.
🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine
- Golden Garden Vegetable Broth — A cozy foundation for all your winter cooking.
- Harvesting Herbs: How and When — Learn to gather and store your fragrant greens.
- How to Freeze Basil Without Losing Flavor — Keep summer’s essence through the cold months.
