Winter Jewel Salad with Radicchio & Citrus

Winter Jewel Salad with Radicchio, Citrus, Figs & Pomegranate

Written by Dietitian & Mom: Elis Halenko

A bold, beautiful salad that brings brightness and balance to winter eating

Winter salads don’t have to be boring—and this one proves it. With bitter radicchio, juicy citrus, sweet dried figs, and bursts of tart pomegranate, this Winter Jewel Salad is a vibrant celebration of cold-weather produce.

It’s rich in antioxidants, fiber, and color, and it plays beautifully as a holiday side, a light lunch, or the star of a cozy dinner paired with roasted salmon or chickpeas. Tossed in a simple vinaigrette and topped with nuts or cheese (if you’d like), it’s the salad that’ll make people go back for seconds—yes, salad.

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

A beautiful balance of sweet, bitter, juicy, and crunchy
Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and plant-based antioxidants
Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan
Perfect for holiday meals, meal prep, or elevated weekday dinners

Comes together in 15 minutes, no cooking required

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 small head of radicchio, thinly sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
2–3 citrus fruits (like blood orange, cara cara orange, grapefruit), peeled and sliced into rounds
4–6 dried figs, sliced or quartered
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pistachios (optional)
Optional: crumbled goat cheese or feta, or shaved Parmesan
Handful of baby arugula or greens (optional)

Citrus Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Pinch of salt and pepper
Optional: 1 tsp orange zest for extra brightness

Instructions

1. Prep the Produce

Slice the radicchio and citrus. Quarter or slice the figs. Remove pomegranate seeds (or buy ready-to-use for ease).

2. Make the Dressing

Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl or shake in a jar.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer:

Radicchio + any greens
Citrus slices
Figs
Pomegranate seeds
Nuts and cheese, if using

Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently toss just before serving.

Dietitian Notes

This salad brings deep flavor and functional benefits:

Radicchio: high in antioxidants, supports digestion, and adds bitter complexity
Citrus: loaded with vitamin C for immunity and glow
Figs & pomegranate: bring natural sweetness, gut-friendly fiber, and blood-sugar balance
Olive oil: adds healthy fat to help absorb all those fat-soluble nutrients

Make it a full meal: Add lentils, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas for protein.

Pairing Ideas

With roast chicken, salmon, or a cozy grain dish
As a starter for your next dinner party
Tucked into a wrap with hummus or goat cheese
On a holiday spread next to root veggies and stuffing

Show Me Your Winter Salad!

If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram @thefoodstylistrd — I love seeing how you style your salads and which winter produce combos you lean into. Bonus points for using blood oranges or fig halves with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses!