25 Best Christmas Salad Recipes (2024)

You’ve probably got your holiday menu ready. But have you thought about Christmas salad recipes?

They’re the perfect side dish to heavy meat and potatoes. And they’re super varied, to boot.

Whether you go for pasta salad or leafy greens, no holiday dinner is complete without them.

25 Best Christmas Salads

These Christmas salads are full of season’s greetings and festive flavors. I’m talking juicy pomegranate, citrusy dressings, roasted veggies, and more.

And some are so hearty, they could even work as a main course!

Seriously, you’ll want to make more than one of these tasty dishes. They’re bright, healthy, and sure to please.

1. Apple Salad with Raisins and Walnuts

Saving room for a big Christmas dinner? This salad is the perfect lunch solution.

Apple slices and pomegranates keep the mood festive while walnuts add a protein boost.

If you don’t feel like de-seeding a pomegranate, dried cranberries will also do.

What I love most is that this salad takes only 15 minutes. That way, you can save all your energy for prepping the main event.

2. Caprese Salad Christmas Wreath

I know that Caprese salad isn’t festive in the traditional sense. And it’s probably not what first comes to mind when you think of Christmas side dishes.

But you have to admit, it makes a lovely little wreath!

Better still, it’s a breeze to make. Just a handful of ingredients you can get all year, and a nice big plate. It’s foolproof.

3. Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad

Sneaking greens into a holiday meal is easy with this recipe.

Toss a hefty amount of spinach with dried cranberries, almond slices, and a tangy sesame seed dressing.

I love serving up this salad family-style with a big Christmas dinner.

4. Warm Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad

With Brussels sprouts in season, I like to swap out my leafy greens with this hearty winter veggie.

Shredded Brussels sprouts act as the bed of greens while pears and cranberries add a burst of cheer.

This salad is super filling, so you can serve it up as a side or main course if you like.

5. Cranberry Chicken Salad

Chicken salad may sound like an odd choice for a festive Christmas salad, but hear me out.

It’s creamy, meaty, and wonderfully cool. I think it’s a terrific extra to have on your holiday plate.

Especially when it’s loaded with chewy cranberries!

6. Pomegranate Mandarin Salad with Avocado and Feta

This is a sensational salad to serve with a Christmas feast!

Creamy avocado, crumbly feta, crunchy walnuts, and juicy mandarin oranges add a whirl of textures. Meanwhile, the pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor.

With such wonderful flavors and colors, this impressive bowl is sure to delight even the biggest Christmas salad grinch.

7. Cranberry Jell-O Salad

It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a jovial mold of giggly jello salad.

This recipe uses raspberry gelatin, crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, and orange zest.

For the final touch, dollop a scoop of whipped cream and add a sprig of mint on top.

Take a bite, and you’ll feel like a kid at grandma’s house on Christmas Eve all over again.

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8. Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette

What’s not to celebrate about this salad?

It’s got tender greens, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, pistachios, and oranges. It even gets an extra dose of vitamin C with a citrus-champagne vinaigrette.

Serve this salad with the dressing in the middle and ingredients on top of the greens to make it look just like a Christmas wreath.

9. Roasted Beet and Kale Salad

If you want a Christmas salad that is simple yet impressive, this one’s for you.

Roasted beets add a hearty winter touch while candied walnuts add some Christmas spirit.

Serve this on a bed of kale with some fresh goat cheese and everyone will be eating salad tonight.

If you really want to keep things easy, ditch the roasting and buy store-bought roasted beets instead.

10. Fig and Pomegranate Salad

Between the sweet figs and juicy pomegranate seeds, this salad is an explosion of Christmas cheers.

The creaminess of the goat cheese and the complexity of the balsamic complement all the fresh flavors.

This salad is so light and refreshing, you’ll want to eat it even after Christmas has come and gone.

11. Holiday Crunch Salad

Why not mix things up a bit and serve a powerhouse vegan lunch full of holiday fare?

Quinoa makes for a filling and protein-packed base just waiting to be dressed up with all the trimmings.

This recipe uses sliced almonds, chopped avocado, juicy pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley.

For a seasonal twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and allspice.

12. Apple Fennel Salad

When I want a yummy dish that’s also easy on the waistline, I whip up this fennel salad.

It’s refreshing, light, and I could eat it all Christmas season long.

You’ll want to use a mandolin slicer to get the apple slices just right.

I also recommend making a bigger batch of dressing so you can have extra on hand.

And don’t forget the honey-roasted walnuts! They add a sweet, nutty kick that truly makes this dish.

13. Quinoa Salad With Roasted Squash, Dried Cranberries, and Pecans

When I think of a salad for a snowy Christmas day, this is precisely what I imagine.

Quinoa serves as the salad bed, while delicata squash, dried cranberries, pecans, and kale ribbons make up the hearty fillings.

You can serve this dish hot or cold. Either way, it would make an excellent side or entree on Christmas day.

14. BLT Pasta Salad

Between the bright red tomatoes and the green onions on top, this pasta salad is surprisingly festive.

And the flavors of ranch and bacon and always a hit.

I usually serve this with Christmas lunch. But I’m sure plenty of people would enjoy it with a plate of pigs in blankets and roasted spuds!

15. Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad

This salad will be your new holiday tradition for years to come.

Butternut squash and wheat berries give arugula a hearty oomph, while apples add a fresh crunch.

The best part, though, is the warm cinnamon-maple pecans and zesty ginger dressing. Now, this is a bowl full of absolute yum!

16. Bacon Broccoli Raisin Salad

Not all Christmas salads have to be completely healthy. After all, it is the holidays.

So why not give the family what’s really on their Christmas list and prepare some bacon with their salads?

Salty bacon bites are a terrific pairing with chopped broccoli florets and a creamy mayo dressing. And don’t skip the raisins!

17. Apple Pecan Feta Spinach Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette

Left in charge of the Christmas salad? Don’t worry, I have just the recipe.

This spinach salad is a foolproof classic that everyone will devour.

All you need to do is toss spinach, feta, apple, pecans, and red onion into a bowl. Then, when it’s time to serve, coat the salad in a maple cider vinaigrette.

See, it’s super easy and stress-free!

18. Beet, Carrot and Pomegranate Salad

I apologize now for all that hard work you’ll put into roasting prime rib because this salad will steal the show!

This colorful salad is a dazzling display of joyful tidings. It’s even full of seasonal ingredients.

Elegantly plate slices of beets and carrots with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and pistachios.

Then, top the plate with a drizzle of a simple red wine vinegar dressing.

19. Kale Caesar Salad

I don’t know why kale is so popular in winter, but here we are.

And to be honest, I actually prefer it in a Caesar salad. The dark colors and the extra texture make this classic salad something special.

That said, feel free to make this with whatever greens you have.

20. Sweet Potato Salad with Feta

Leave the sweet potato casseroles for Thanksgiving. Because come Christmas, you’ll want to eat this dish!

Roast sweet potatoes to fork-tender perfection with red onion, pepitas, and a dash of Christmas spice.

When you’re ready to serve, toss this with a bed of arugula and maple-lime dressing.

21. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

I happen to love sprouts. But if you and yours don’t – but still want to keep up with traditions – try this recipe.

It looks fantastic and the flavors are incredible.

You’ll roast bacon, rosemary, brown sugar, maple, and cayenne. Then add walnuts and butter so they’re sweet, spiced, and toasty.

Add them to the shaved sprouts, and you won’t even notice the greens are there.

22. Ambrosia Salad

There’s something enchanting about ambrosia that brings out the magic of Christmas time.

Perhaps it’s the mini marshmallows or fluffy frozen whipped topping. Or maybe it’s the tropical shredded coconut and delightful fruit filling.

Whatever it is, everyone will have a very merry Christmas with a side of ambrosia salad.

23. Mexican Christmas Salad (Ensalada Navideña)

Feliz Navidad wouldn’t be the same without this little Christmas miracle.

Ensalada Navideña is a Mexican Christmas salad full of fruit and creamy dressing. It’s very similar to ambrosia salad, except it’s marshmallow-free.

To make this salad, you’ll need some fresh apples, canned pineapple, maraschino cherries, pecans, coconut, and raisins.

For the dressing, use Mexican crema and condensed milk. If you can’t find crema, sour cream will do.

24. Christmas Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a fun and colorful way to have extra goodness with your holiday dinner.

This one is kind of a cross between a few dessert salads.

There’s mandarins, pineapple, and marshmallows, like ambrosia salad. Plus cherries, grapes, and a bit of citrus.

Serve it with nuts for crunch, and it’ll vanish in a flash.

25. Cherry Fluff Salad

Hear that? Sleighbells must be ringing because cherry fluff is on the table.

This sweet treat calls for Cool Whip, condensed milk, marshmallows, pineapples, and cherry pie filling.

However you serve it, the kids will come running for this whimsical fluff.

25 Best Christmas Salads for the Holidays

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Calories

255

kcal

Chill Time

60

Try these Christmas salad recipes to kick off your holiday feast. They’re all winners. But no Christmas dinner is complete without this layered festive Christmas salad!

Ingredients

• For the Salad

• 1 cup diced red cabbage

• 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained

• 1 cup cooked pasta (fusilli or rotini)

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1 cup chopped lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 cup diced cucumbers

• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

• For the Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• 2 -3 tablespoons milk, to thin the dressing to desired consistency

• Optional garnishes: fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), shredded cheese, or diced bell peppers

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well blended.
• Add the olive oil and white wine vinegar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the fresh dill, parsley, chives, and dried oregano. Mix until all the herbs are evenly distributed.
• Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• If the dressing is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time. It should be pourable but not too runny.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Choose a clear glass bowl to showcase the salad layers.
• Place the red cabbage on the bottom, add the corn next, followed by the pasta.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta, then add the red onions and a generous layer of chopped lettuce.
• Top it off with the diced tomatoes and cucumbers, and the sliced green onions.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or additional veggies if desired.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Right before serving, gently toss the salad to coat everything in the dressing.

Nutrition

• Calories: 255kcal
• Protein: 2.8g
• Fat: 22.6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Potassium: 154mg
• Fiber: 0.9g
• Sugar: 2.8g
• Calcium: 37mg
• Iron: 1mg