7 Bright Winter Salads

We know, we know. The last thing you want to do in winter is nibble on lettuce leaves, dressing on the side. Rest assured that here at Food52, we'll never subject you to such culinary blasphemy, regardless of the season.

But as much as you want to spend a few months curled under a blanket eating something a) warm b) cheesy c) carbohydrate-laden or d) all of the above, it's a shame to miss out on this season's perfect vegetables (not to mention, all of your necessary nutrients). What makes these salads so ingenious is that they're raw, or nearly so, without being frigid. Serve them up as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner -- you'll be pleased to find that each bite is intensely flavorful. All brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.

• Try pairing with soup for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Check out our best root vegetable sides for more ideas on how to use in-season vegetables.
• Got a kitchen question? Hit up the Food52 Hotline.