THE BEST WINTER SALAD
When the weather turns cold, a hearty salad can be just the thing to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. This winter shrimp salad combines the warmth of roasted vegetables with the freshness of crisp greens and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. The tender, seasoned shrimp add a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of winter produce. It’s a balanced, nutrient-packed meal that’s as comforting as it is refreshing — ideal for those chilly days when you’re craving something light yet filling.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Red Leaf Lettuce
- Honeycrisp Apple
- Avocado
- Red Onion
- Pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
- Walnuts
- Dried Cherries or Dried Cranberries
- Feta
- Dijon Mustard
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Italian Herbs
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
This quick and delicious recipe comes together with just a basic list of ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. Tender shrimp are sautéed and served over a bed of crisp red leaf lettuce, sweet apple slices, creamy avocado, and crunchy red onion. Pepitas, walnuts, and dried cherries add texture and a hint of sweetness, while crumbled feta brings a savory touch. A tangy apple cider vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and Italian herbs ties it all together, making this a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
The Best Winter Salad
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Method: Stovetop
This fresh and vibrant salad combines tender shrimp with crisp red leaf lettuce, sweet apples, and creamy avocado. Crunchy pepitas, walnuts, and tart dried cherries add texture and balance, while a tangy apple cider vinaigrette brings it all together. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying—perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy weeknight meal!
What You Will Need
Glass cutting board
Paring Knife
Frying Pan
Colander
Large Mixing Bowl
Small Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
16 oz Key West Pink Shrimp
2 Large Bunches of Red Leaf Lettuce
1 Honeycrisp Apple
1 Avocado
1 Red Onion
1/4 cup Pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup Walnuts
1/4 cup Dried Cherries or Dried Cranberries
1 cup Feta
2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Italian herbs
2 tsp Sea Salt
2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
1. Add 2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a frying pan and bring to medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until tender.
2. Chop the Red Leaf Lettuce for the base of the salad. Be sure to clean you lettuce. Its easiest to toss the chopped lettuce in a colander under running water. Add the clean, chopped lettuce to a large mixing bowl.
3. Based on your preference, slice or dice the Honeycrisp Apple, Avocado, and Red Onion. Add to the mixing bowl.
4. Add the Pepitas, Walnuts, Dried Cherries or Dried Cranberries, and Feta to the mixing bowl.
5. For the dressing, add the, Dijon Mustard, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Italian Herbs, Sea Salt, Black Pepper into a small mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly mixed. Add the dressing to the large mixing bowl.
6. Add the Shrimp to the large mixing bowl.
7. Toss the salad ingredients.
8. Enjoy!
The Power of Ingredients
Key West Pink Shrimp
If you’ve never had Key West pink shrimp, you’re missing out! These naturally sweet, tender shrimp are high in lean protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like selenium and iodine, which support thyroid health and metabolism.
Red Leaf Lettuce
Red leaf lettuce adds a delicate crunch and vibrant color to salads. It’s packed with vitamins A and K, supporting eye health and bone strength, while its mild flavor lets the other ingredients shine.
Honeycrisp Apple
I love the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples in a salad. They’re not only refreshing but also high in fiber and vitamin C, which supports immune health and digestion. The balance of sweet and tart makes them the perfect contrast to savory flavors.
Avocado
Avocado adds richness and a buttery texture that makes every bite more satisfying. It’s full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, helping to keep you full and energized.
Red Onion
A few thin slices of red onion add a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast. Red onions are packed with antioxidants and quercetin, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Pepitas
Pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) bring a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. They’re rich in magnesium and zinc, which support muscle recovery and immune function.
Walnuts
Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, earthy flavor. They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health.
Dried Cherries or Cranberries
I love adding a handful of dried cherries or cranberries for a burst of sweetness. They’re rich in antioxidants and natural sugars, which help balance out the savory and salty notes in the salad.
Feta
A little feta goes a long way! This tangy, salty cheese is not only delicious but also a great source of calcium and protein. It adds the perfect creamy contrast to any dish!
Dijon Mustard
A little Dijon mustard in the dressing gives it a bold, zesty flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the avocado. It’s also known for aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
There’s a reason EVOO is a staple in Mediterranean diets! It’s full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and support brain health. Drizzling it over roasted veggies or using it in dressings instantly elevates any dish.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the apples and dried fruit. It’s known for supporting gut health and aiding digestion.
Italian Herbs
A sprinkle of Italian herbs adds depth and warmth to the dressing. The blend of oregano, thyme, and basil provides both flavor and immune-boosting benefits.
Sea Salt
Good quality sea salt contains trace minerals like magnesium and potassium that help with hydration and electrolyte balance. A little sprinkle enhances flavors beautifully—just be mindful of overdoing it!
Black Pepper
Black pepper isn’t just for seasoning—it actually helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively, especially curcumin from turmeric. Plus, its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a small but mighty addition to meals.
Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~23g
- Carbohydrates: ~21g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~145mg
- Sodium: ~560mg
Nutritional Highlights
- High protein – Shrimp is the primary protein sources.
- Healthy fats – From olive oil, avocado, walnuts, and pepitas.
- Balanced carbs – From apple and dried cherries / cranberries.
- Lower sodium – Adjust seasoning or feta to reduce further.
- Good fiber – Thanks to leafy greens, apple, and nuts.
Hi there, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m Kaitlyn, and I am so excited to have you here. The Live Lueur blog is fueled by my personal journey toward healing my thyroid by living a healthier, more balanced life, and to inspire you one step at a time, through small, sustainable changes.
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