Hearty Winter Beef Salad: 5 Comforting Recipes to Savor

Hearty Winter Beef Salad is the perfect way to warm yourself up during the chilly months. This delicious and easy winter salad features Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing that brings each ingredient to life. It’s not just a side dish; it can be a light lunch that keeps you satisfied. With its colorful ingredients and robust flavors, it’s a meal that you’ll look forward to preparing time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Winter Beef Salad

This hearty beef salad offers numerous benefits. First, it’s packed with nutrients from seasonal ingredients, making it a great choice for winter meals. The combination of Brussels sprouts and beef ensures a good source of protein, perfect for those cold days when you need comfort food. Plus, the dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. If you’re looking for winter beef salad recipes that are easy to make, this one stands out. You can prepare it in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s a delicious winter beef salad option that’s both nutritious and comforting.

Ingredients for Hearty Winter Beef Salad

Gather these items:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces cooked shredded beef

How to Make Hearty Winter Beef Salad Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the tough outer leaves and the bottom end. Thinly slice them lengthwise or use a mandoline for a uniform chop.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and cooked shredded beef. If desired, lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined. This creates the zesty dressing.
4. Step 4: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the salad marinate at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sprouts to soften.
5. Step 5: After marinating, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If needed, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for deeper flavor. Toss well before serving if chilled.

Pro Tips for the Best Hearty Winter Beef Salad

Keep these in mind:

• For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate longer if you have the time.
• Consider adding other seasonal vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes for extra warmth.
• This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can swap out the goat cheese for feta or blue cheese depending on your preference.

Best Ways to Serve Hearty Winter Beef Salad

This salad is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, making it an ideal meal for a cozy dinner. For those looking for a beef salad for winter, consider adding a warm component by serving it with a hot soup.

How to Store and Reheat Hearty Winter Beef Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for 2-3 days. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat the beef before adding it to the salad components to avoid wilting the Brussels sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Winter Beef Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Hearty Winter Beef Salad?

The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients and allowing the salad to marinate, enhancing the flavors. Fresh, seasonal produce will elevate your dish.

Can I make Hearty Winter Beef Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hearty Winter Beef Salad?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t over-dress the salad. Start with less dressing, as you can always add more if needed. Taste as you go!

Variations of Hearty Winter Beef Salad You Can Try

Consider trying a warm beef salad with winter vegetables by roasting carrots and parsnips. You can also switch up the protein by using grilled chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

For more delicious recipes, check out our salad category or try our Pappardelle with Beef Ragu for a hearty meal. If you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of seasonal ingredients, read more about seasonal eating.

Hearty Winter Beef Salad: 5 Comforting Recipes to Savor

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A delicious and easy winter salad featuring Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese with a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.

• Author: Andrew
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces cooked shredded beef

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the tough outer leaves and the bottom end. Thinly slice them lengthwise or use a mandoline for a uniform chop.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and cooked shredded beef. If desired, lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined. This creates the zesty dressing.
4. Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the salad marinate at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sprouts to soften.
5. After marinating, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If needed, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for deeper flavor. Toss well before serving if chilled.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 40mg