Festive Christmas Salads! These easy holiday salads are fresh, festive, and perfect for any celebration.
Festive Christmas salads for your holiday table!
These fun and vibrant salads are perfect for busy hosts looking for easy, crowd-pleasing sides during the hectic holiday season.
Easy Christmas salad recipes, fresh holiday salads quick to make, Christmas salads for a crowd, holiday salad recipes healthy, festive side dishes for Christmas dinner, simple salads for holiday potlucks, stress-free holiday cooking, holiday salads for winter, and creative Christmas side ideas—all in one place!
The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind, with packed schedules, endless to-dos, and family to please.
Pair that with the heavy richness of traditional holiday meals, and we all need something fresh and light to bring balance to the table.
So, let’s keep it simple and festive!
I put together a list of the best Christmas salads that will be the star of your holiday menu all season long.
These easy salads will take the stress out of side dishes because they:
- Are quick and simple to prepare
- Use seasonal, affordable ingredients
- Add fresh, festive flavors that everyone will love
From roasted beet salads and winter panzanella to ambrosia classics and crunchy Brussels sprout dishes, there’s something for every taste and every occasion.
Let’s make your holiday meals shine—starting with these must-try salads!
1. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad is a show-stopping, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, avocado, and crunchy nuts come together for a salad that’s both indulgent and healthy.
It’s easy to make and totally customizable by adding your choice of protein, making it ideal as a light lunch, colorful side dish, or elegant appetizer.
2. Brussels Sprout Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a fresh, crisp, slightly sweet, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
With crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts and a zesty lemon-maple syrup vinaigrette, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like nuts, dried fruit, or cheese.
You’ll love how quick and simple it is to prepare, and everyone will enjoy its bright, vibrant flavors!
3. Mandarin Orange Salad
Mandarin Orange Salad is a fresh and vibrant crowd-pleaser!
Juicy mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and crunchy almonds combine with crisp greens and baby spinach, all tossed in a sweet, tangy homemade orange-poppy seed dressing.
Perfect for holidays or a quick lunch, it’s ready in just 10 minutes and easy to customize with toppings like avocado or grilled chicken!
4. Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
The tart sweetness of cranberries, crisp apples, fresh celery, and nutty quinoa come together with a light sweet and sour vinaigrette for a refreshing, wholesome salad.
Customize it with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy how easy it is to prepare.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or holiday gatherings!
5. Pear Salad
Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a quick, 15-minute recipe perfect for fall!
Featuring juicy pears, crunchy candied walnuts, tart cranberries, salty parmesan, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Elegant and customizable, it’s ideal for dinner parties or as a fresh, seasonal side dish everyone will love!
6. Ambrosia Salad
The BEST Ambrosia Salad is a nostalgic, refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
With a creamy blend of pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, coconut, and marshmallows, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday celebration, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!!
7. Crunchy Detox Salad
Crunchy Detox Salad is the perfect refreshing meal to recharge your body!
Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and no cooking required, this salad is a breeze to prepare.
Enjoy crisp vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, crunchy nuts, and tangy lemon ginger dressing in every bite.
Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s both delicious and nourishing!
8. Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing
Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is a quick, 30-minute recipe that’s packed with crunchy vegetables, chow mein noodles, roasted cashews, edamame, and the protein of your choice.
Tossed in a creamy sesame dressing, it’s the perfect balance of healthy, delicious, and satisfying.
Easily customizable for any dietary preference, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
9. Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Fennel Salad
Avocado, Grapefruit, and Fennel Salad with grapefruit and balsamic vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
With tangy grapefruit, creamy avocado, crisp fennel, and salty parmesan this salad is light yet full of flavor.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that pairs beautifully with any meal or works as a standalone healthy and delicious option.
10. Lolita’s Kale Salad
Parmesan Pistachio Kale Salad is a quick 20-minute recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and simple.
With just a few ingredients—kale, Parmesan, olive oil, and pistachios—this salad is perfect for a light side dish or a quick lunch.
The creamy Parmesan dressing adds a rich and tangy touch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal!
11. Chimichurri Chicken Salad
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad is the perfect healthy, flavorful meal!
Tender grilled chicken, zesty chimichurri sauce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado come together for a fresh, satisfying dish.
Easy to make with minimal prep, it’s customizable to suit your taste and perfect for quick dinners or a light lunch. Chimichurri is not just for marinating anymore!
12. Sweet Potato Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing is a flavorful and vibrant salad perfect for any occasion.
Earthy and sweet roasted sweet potatoes, creamy goat cheese or feta, crunchy pecans, and crispy bacon are tossed with peppery arugula and a tangy honey lemon dressing.
It’s an easy, healthy dish that’s crowd-pleasing, customizable, and perfect for holiday feasts or a hearty meal on its own!
13. Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette is a flavor-packed, healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Roasting the cauliflower with paprika, garlic, and chili flakes, enhances its natural sweetness, while the creamy vinaigrette adds the right balance of tang.
Quick, easy, and versatile, this salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a side with dinner!
14. Farro Salad
Greek Farro Salad is a fresh, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Packed with wholesome farro, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, roasted red pepper, and tangy feta, it’s a quick and easy recipe to make.
This customizable salad is great for meal prep and works for gluten-free or vegan diets.
A vibrant and satisfying addition to your menu!
15. Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad
Chinese-inspired chicken Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s quick to prepare and full of crunchy veggies, toasted almonds, fresh cilantro, and juicy mandarin oranges.
The sesame-garlic-ginger dressing adds the perfect touch of flavor.
Versatile, healthy, and customizable, this salad is Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, making it perfect for any gathering or meal prep.
16. Halloumi Salad
Grilled Halloumi Salad is a quick and easy 20-minute dish that combines crispy grilled halloumi with fresh veggies, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil for a light, yet satisfying meal.
Perfect for a healthy lunch or refreshing dinner, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Whether you’re vegetarian or just craving something delicious, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
17. Warm Roast Potato Salad
The Original (and BEST!) Roasted Potato Salad is a crispy, creamy, and irresistible side dish.
Roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them, brings out a delicious golden crunch, while the creamy dill dressing ties it all together.
Perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, and holidays, this easy-to-make potato salad is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite every time!
18. Amazing Kale Salad
Amazing Kale Salad is a healthy, vibrant, 6-ingredient side dish full of flavor!
Packed with nutrient-rich kale, sweet apples, and roasted almonds, this salad is both satisfying and delicious.
Tossed in a simple garlic lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
Quick to prepare and easily customizable—your new favorite go-to salad!
19. Waldorf Salad
Classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery and walnuts in a creamy mayo and cream dressing.
This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for a light lunch, dinner side, or holiday gathering.
Versatile and flavorful, it’s a timeless favorite that everyone will enjoy!
20. Southern-Style Sweet Potato Salad
Southern-Style Sweet Potato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Cajun spice roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado combine
with a tangy buttermilk dressing for a dish that’s fresh, bold, and satisfying.
Ready in just 10 minutes of prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
21. Couscous Salad
Combining sweet roasted and fresh cherry tomatoes, chewy Israeli couscous, cucumbers, and crunchy roasted chickpeas with a garlic-lemon-thyme vinaigrette, it’s a fresh, herb-packed dish bursting with flavor.
Perfect for summer picnics or meal prep, it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to impress.
A light, wholesome twist on Mediterranean-inspired flavors!
22. Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
This 30-minute meal is packed with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, sharp red onion, and sweet mango, all tied together with a tangy Dijon-honey vinaigrette.
Crunchy toasted almonds add the perfect finish.
It’s healthy, vibrant, and easy to customize, making it the perfect dish for weeknights or impressing guests!
23. Antipasto Salad
Antipasto Salad is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser!
Loaded with savory salami and prosciutto, fresh veggies, creamy fresh mozzarella cheeses, and briny olives, it’s tossed in a zesty Italian dressing for the perfect bite.
Quick to assemble and customizable, it’s ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or party starter.
Easy, vibrant, and delicious—everyone will love it!
24. Blistered Baby Pepper Salad
Charred Baby Bell Peppers with Burrata is a fresh and flavorful crowd-pleaser!
Grilled baby bell peppers tossed in a zesty pistachio honey vinaigrette pair perfectly with creamy burrata, fresh herbs, and crusty ciabatta bread.
This 25-minute summer appetizer is simple to make, stunning to serve, and versatile enough to enjoy warm or cold— perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual dinners!
25. Balsamic Roasted Beets
Roasted beets are a vibrant-colored guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze and honey adds a caramelized, tangy finish.
Serve them as a side dish, or salad topping, or pair them with garnishes like goat cheese.
Healthy, vibrant, and easy to make, they’re perfect for weeknights or holiday feasts!
26. Christmas Cobb Salad
Chicken Cobb “Christmas Tree” Holiday Salad is a show-stopping festive centerpiece!
With tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, red and yellow peppers, and tangy blue cheese, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Styled like a Christmas tree, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Guests will love customizing their toppings, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to assemble for a stress-free holiday treat!
27. Pumpkin and Spinach Salad
Roast pumpkin, spinach, and feta salad are guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
The sweet roasted pumpkin, fresh baby spinach, creamy feta, and sweet balsamic vinaigrette create a perfect balance of flavors.
It’s easy to customize with nuts or seeds, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or a potluck.
You’ll love how simple and versatile this vibrant salad is to prepare!!
28. Classic Potato Salad Recipe
THE BEST Potato Salad is a must-have side dish!
Tender potatoes, crisp celery, and hard-boiled eggs are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with just the right amount of seasoning.
It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy dinners.
Customize with your favorite add-ins like bacon or herbs, and enjoy a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser and so simple to make!
29. Mango Chicken Salad
Mango Chicken Salad is a refreshing, healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Featuring juicy grilled chicken, sweet mango, crisp cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a tangy honey Dijon dressing, it’s a quick and satisfying dish.
Ideal for meal prep or a light dinner, this salad is both nutritious and delicious, making it a family favorite!
30. Mixed Potato Salad with Pickled Onion Dressing
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is the perfect summer side dish!
Crispy, golden potatoes are smashed for a crunchy exterior and creamy inside.
Topped with garlicky yogurt vinaigrette and pickled red onions, it’s packed with fresh, bold flavors.
Easy to make, vegan, and gluten-free, this potato salad is a guaranteed hit at any BBQ or gathering!
31. Green Salad with Mango
Mediterranean-style mango Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
With ripe mango, fresh spinach, red bell pepper, and a tangy lime dressing with pomegranate seeds, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors.
This healthy, versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood, making it a great choice for any meal!
