25+ Nutritious January Vegetarian Salad Recipes to Start Your Year

As the new year begins, many of us focus on healthy eating to kickstart our goals.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet is by enjoying vibrant, seasonal salads.

January offers a bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits perfect for creating hearty, flavorful vegetarian salads.

Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing to balance out rich holiday meals, or you’re in need of a warm, comforting salad for chilly days, there’s a salad for every taste and occasion.

In this collection, we’ve curated over 25 mouthwatering vegetarian salad recipes that showcase the best of January’s seasonal produce.

From hearty roasted vegetables to tangy citrus and crisp greens, these salads are packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor.

25+ Nutritious January Vegetarian Salad Recipes to Start Your Year

Eating healthy in January doesn’t have to be a chore—these 25+ vegetarian salad recipes prove that it can be both delicious and satisfying.

Whether you’re in the mood for a bright, citrusy salad to boost your immune system or a warm, cozy option to enjoy on a cold winter day, there’s something here for everyone.

Not only will these recipes help you incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, but they also make the most of the fresh, seasonal ingredients that January has to offer.

With an array of textures, flavors, and colors, these salads will keep your meals exciting and nourishing all month long.

So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to enjoy a fresh start to the year with these delightful, wholesome salads!

Winter Citrus and Kale Salad

Bright and zesty, this salad combines seasonal citrus with hearty kale to create a refreshing yet nourishing dish. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it’s a perfect winter salad to keep your immune system strong.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
• 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup toasted almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Massage the kale with a tablespoon of olive oil for 1-2 minutes to soften.
2. Arrange the kale on a plate and top with orange and grapefruit segments.
3. Add sliced avocado, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

This salad balances the bitterness of kale with the sweetness of citrus and pomegranate, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. It’s a visual delight and a nutritional powerhouse.

Roasted Sweet Potato and Arugula Salad

Warm roasted sweet potatoes meet peppery arugula in this cozy winter salad. The addition of cranberries and walnuts adds a festive touch, making it ideal for a January gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups arugula
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cranberries, and walnuts.
3. Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

The roasted sweet potatoes provide a warm contrast to the crisp arugula, while the cranberries and walnuts offer a festive flair and texture. This salad is hearty, satisfying, and full of winter flavors.

Beet and Quinoa Salad with Herb Dressing

This vibrant salad pairs earthy roasted beets with protein-rich quinoa, all topped with a tangy herb dressing. It’s a wholesome dish that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, roasted and diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the beets at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, peel, and dice once cooled.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mixed greens, roasted beets, and crumbled feta.
3. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

This salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The earthy beets pair beautifully with nutty quinoa and tangy feta, while the herb dressing ties it all together for a refreshing winter dish.

Brussels Sprout and Apple Slaw

This crunchy and refreshing salad combines shredded Brussels sprouts with crisp apples, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory. It’s a perfect January salad to enjoy seasonal produce with a tangy Dijon dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Brussels sprouts, thinly shredded
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• ¼ cup dried cherries or cranberries
• ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, sliced apple, dried cherries, and pecans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

This salad is light yet filling, with the sweetness of apples complementing the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts. The dried cherries and toasted pecans add texture and bursts of flavor, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your winter table.

Spinach, Pear, and Walnut Salad

Simple yet elegant, this salad brings together tender spinach leaves, juicy pears, and crunchy walnuts for a winter-inspired treat. A creamy balsamic vinaigrette ties all the elements together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a salad bowl, layer baby spinach, pear slices, walnuts, and blue cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat.

This salad is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures, with sweet pears and tangy blue cheese complementing the earthiness of spinach. It’s light yet indulgent, making it perfect for a cozy winter meal or as a side dish.

Warm Lentil and Carrot Salad

This hearty warm salad combines earthy lentils with sweet roasted carrots and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s satisfying and packed with plant-based protein, ideal for a nourishing winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or black)
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and roasted
• 2 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice carrots into sticks, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin, and roast for 20-25 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, roasted carrots, and mixed greens.
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

This salad is warm, hearty, and comforting with the sweetness of roasted carrots perfectly balanced by the zesty lemon dressing. The lentils add protein, making it a complete and satisfying winter dish.

Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Tahini Dressing

This vibrant salad combines crunchy cabbage and carrots with a creamy tahini dressing, making it a light yet filling dish. Perfect for a January lunch, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh, crunchy vegetables with a rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well-coated.
4. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

This salad is crunchy and satisfying, with a creamy tahini dressing that complements the earthiness of the cabbage and the sweetness of the carrots. The addition of seeds provides a nice texture, making this a refreshing and nutritious option for the winter months.

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

A comforting, roasted winter salad, this dish combines the earthiness of cauliflower with the protein-packed goodness of chickpeas, all brought together by a lemony tahini dressing. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful January meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets and chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower is golden and chickpeas are crispy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas with mixed greens.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add a little water if necessary to reach a smooth consistency.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

The roasted cauliflower brings a smoky flavor to the salad, while the chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and protein boost. The tahini dressing adds creaminess and tang, making this salad a perfect filling yet light winter meal.

Fennel and Orange Salad with Mint Dressing

This fresh and citrusy salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors. The combination of fennel and orange creates a refreshing, crisp texture, while the mint dressing adds a burst of freshness, ideal for a January pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
• 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced fennel and orange segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, mint, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the fennel and orange mixture, and toss gently.
4. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.

This salad is a refreshing and aromatic option for the colder months. The crunchy fennel pairs beautifully with the juicy oranges, while the mint dressing adds a cooling note, making it a perfect light and healthy dish for January.

Sweet Potato, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

This warm and hearty salad combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with creamy avocado and fresh spinach, making it a comforting yet nutritious dish for the winter months. The tangy lemon dressing brings everything together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. In a large bowl, toss the fresh spinach with avocado slices and sunflower seeds.
3. Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

This salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado, while the lemon dressing adds a fresh and zesty note. It’s both filling and nourishing, making it an ideal winter salad.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Walnuts

A combination of crisp pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy walnuts makes this salad both rich and refreshing. Perfect for a light winter lunch or as an elegant side dish, this salad is full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pear slices, crumbled Gorgonzola, and toasted walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

This salad is a beautiful blend of flavors—the sweetness of pears balances the sharpness of Gorgonzola, and the walnuts provide a delightful crunch. The balsamic dressing ties everything together, making it a flavorful and satisfying salad.

Chickpea and Avocado Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

This vibrant and protein-packed salad features creamy avocado, protein-rich chickpeas, and a tangy lemon tahini dressing. It’s a filling yet fresh dish that’s perfect for a healthy January lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

This salad is a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, with the creaminess of avocado complementing the crunch of fresh vegetables and the protein of chickpeas. The lemon tahini dressing adds a tangy, rich finish, making this salad both nourishing and satisfying.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This earthy and tangy salad is a perfect winter option, featuring roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a tangy balsamic glaze. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors makes this a festive and nutritious dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Once cooled, peel and slice the beets.
2. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, sliced roasted beets, and crumbled goat cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and top with candied pecans or walnuts.

This salad is both visually striking and delicious. The sweetness of the roasted beets pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, while the candied nuts add a delightful crunch. The balsamic dressing provides the perfect balance, making this a memorable winter salad.

Apple and Celery Salad with Walnut Dressing

This refreshing yet hearty salad combines crisp apples and celery with a crunchy walnut dressing. It’s a lighter winter salad that’s full of texture, perfect as a side dish or a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples and celery.
2. In a small skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the walnut dressing over the apple and celery mixture and toss gently. Top with toasted walnuts just before serving.

The crispness of the apples and celery provides a fresh, crunchy base, while the walnut dressing adds a rich, nutty flavor. This salad is light yet satisfying and brings a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for the colder months.

Avocado and Chickpea Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing

This hearty yet light salad combines creamy avocado and chickpeas, paired with a zesty cumin lime dressing. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for a January meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced avocado, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the cumin lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

The creamy avocado and chickpeas provide a hearty base, while the cumin lime dressing adds a warm, spicy kick with refreshing citrus notes. This salad is a flavorful and nourishing dish, perfect for any winter meal.

Note: More recipes​ are coming soon!