A holiday table needs a little brightness to balance all the rich, heavy dishes, and that’s exactly what these 15 Christmas salad recipes deliver. From citrusy greens to hearty roasted vegetable bowls, there’s a fresh side here for every kind of holiday spread.
Many of these come together in minutes and can be made ahead, so you can spend less time chopping and more time with your guests. Scroll through, pick your favorites, and click “Get the Recipe” to grab the full instructions for each.
1. Winter Pear and Pomegranate Salad
Juicy pear slices and ruby pomegranate seeds sit over greens with a light vinaigrette for a salad that’s as pretty as it is refreshing. It’s a bright, not-too-sweet side that balances out a heavy holiday spread.
2. Cranberry Orange Spinach Salad
Baby spinach gets tossed with dried cranberries, orange segments, and toasted nuts for a salad full of holiday color. A citrusy vinaigrette ties it all together in minutes.
3. Apple Cider Harvest Salad with Candied Pecans
Crisp apples, candied pecans, and greens come together with a warm apple cider vinaigrette for a true taste of fall and winter. It’s a crunchy, slightly sweet salad that pairs well with just about any main course.
4. Fresh Brussels Sprout and Bacon Shaved Salad
Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts get tossed with crispy bacon and a tangy dressing for a hearty, texture-packed salad. It holds up well ahead of time, making it an easy make-ahead side for a busy holiday table.
5. Fresh Winter Citrus and Fennel Salad
Juicy citrus segments and shaved fennel bring a bright, palate-cleansing crunch to the holiday table. It’s a light, refreshing counterpoint to all the rich dishes on the menu.
6. Roasted Beet Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Tender roasted beets get tossed with greens and a tangy maple Dijon dressing for an earthy, slightly sweet salad. It’s an elegant side that looks stunning on any holiday spread.
7. Fresh Holiday Wedge Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
A crisp wedge of lettuce gets topped with creamy dressing, crumbled cheese, and a scatter of ruby pomegranate seeds for a festive twist on the classic. It’s simple to plate and always looks impressive.
8. Healthy Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Fluffy quinoa gets tossed with a medley of roasted vegetables for a warm, hearty salad that works as a lighter side. It’s a nutritious option that still feels special enough for the holiday table.
9. Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans
Hearty kale gets massaged tender and tossed with pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and a bright dressing. It’s a sturdy salad that holds up well if made a little ahead of time.
10. Fresh Holiday Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad
Crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts come together over greens for a crunchy, well-balanced salad. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that pairs with nearly any holiday main.
11. Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Christmas Salad
Sweet pear slices, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese make an elegant, flavor-packed salad for the holiday table. A simple vinaigrette lets each ingredient shine.
12. Fresh Festive Holiday Cranberry Coleslaw
Crisp cabbage slaw gets tossed with dried cranberries and a creamy-tangy dressing for a festive spin on a classic side. It’s a make-ahead option that only gets better as it chills.
13. Fresh Fig Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad
Peppery arugula gets topped with sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and toasted nuts for an elegant, restaurant-worthy salad. It comes together fast and always looks special on the table.
14. Fresh Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad
Protein-packed quinoa gets tossed with dried cranberries, orange zest, and fresh herbs for a light, bright side dish. It’s a great make-ahead option that holds up well in the fridge.
15. Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad
A modern spin on the classic Waldorf, this salad tosses crisp apples, celery, and walnuts with cranberries in a creamy dressing. It’s a nostalgic, crunchy side that always earns a spot at the holiday table.
More Christmas Recipes to Explore
Hungry for more holiday inspiration? Browse our full collection of Christmas Recipes and check out our Salads and Dressings for more fresh sides.
Kitchen Gear for This Recipe
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Heavy-Duty Sheet Pan Set
- Glass Mixing Bowl Set
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