Mediterranean winter salad recipe | A Spanish chef's cozy comfort bowl
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on 120+ home cooking experiences)
👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 15 minutes
🥘 Servings: 4
📊 Difficulty Level: Easy
As a Spanish chef living in London, I've learned to embrace the beauty of winter ingredients while maintaining the Mediterranean spirit in my cooking. This winter salad recipe is my love letter to the colder months, combining the robust flavors of Spanish ingredients with seasonal produce that brightens even the darkest winter day.
It's not your typical winter salad recipe UK households might expect – it's a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that brings warmth to your table without requiring any cooking.
What is a Spanish Winter Salad?
A winter salad is more than just a combination of cold-weather vegetables; it's a thoughtful arrangement of ingredients that provide comfort and nourishment during the chilly months. This easy winter salad recipe features a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, from the bitter notes of chicory to the rich, briny olives that remind me of my childhood in Madrid.
Ingredients
150g of mixed Spanish olives
1 small tin of sardines in oil
1 small jar of artichoke hearts
2 purple chicory endives
A splash of Sherry vinegar
A pinch of salt flakes
Preparation
Start by draining and quartering the artichoke hearts
Separate and wash the chicory leaves, then pat them dry
Arrange the chicory leaves on a serving platter as your base
Distribute the artichoke quarters evenly across the leaves
Break the sardines into bite-sized pieces and scatter them throughout
Add the mixed olives
Finish with a drizzle of Sherry vinegar and a sprinkle of salt flakes
Professional Tips
As someone who's prepared countless winter salad vegetables over my career, I've learned that the key to an exceptional winter salad lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here are my professional insights:
Allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before serving
Don't overdress the salad – let each ingredient shine
Choose high-quality Spanish olives for authentic flavor
Store leftover ingredients properly to maintain freshness
What to serve with
This winter salad recipe easy enough for everyday meals, yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. I love serving it alongside:
Fresh crusty bread
A glass of crisp Spanish white wine
Jamón Ibérico for an extra special touch
Warm roasted vegetables for a heartier meal
Remember, cooking is about sharing love and creating memories. This winter salad recipe has sparked countless conversations around my table, and I hope it does the same for you and your loved ones.
¡Buen provecho!