10+ Christmas Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Holiday Table

Christmas is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. A festive meal wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant salad that adds color and flavor to your holiday table.

Christmas salad recipes are perfect for adding a fresh and tasty touch to your holiday feast.

These salads can be filled with seasonal ingredients, making them not only beautiful but also nutritious.

From mixed greens topped with fruits and nuts to creative dressings that enhance the flavors, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you are planning a holiday dinner or a casual gathering, these salads will impress your guests and bring joy to your festivities.

1) Mixed Greens with Pomegranate and Feta

This festive salad combines mixed greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta cheese. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday table.

Start by washing and drying your mixed greens. Then, add pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta on top for a burst of color and taste.

You can also include toasted pecans for extra crunch. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• Dressing of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the mixed greens and dry them.
2. Place the greens in a large bowl.
3. Add the pomegranate seeds and feta cheese.
4. Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the toasted pecans to the salad.
6. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and toss gently before serving.

2) Maple-Roasted Walnut Salad

This Maple-Roasted Walnut Salad is a festive treat for your holiday table. The combination of sweet, crunchy walnuts and fresh greens makes it a delightful addition. You will love the flavor of maple syrup paired with roasted walnuts.

To make your salad pop, add some juicy pomegranate seeds. The bright color and sweet taste will make the dish even more appealing. You might also include crumbled goat cheese for a creamy touch.

This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It can be served as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup maple-roasted walnuts
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss walnuts with maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and goat cheese.
5. Top with roasted walnuts and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy!

3) Traditional Christmas Waldorf Salad

The Traditional Christmas Waldorf Salad is a festive treat for your holiday table. This salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes. The addition of walnuts adds a nice crunch.

You can use a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and a hint of lemon juice. This salad not only tastes great, but it also looks beautiful with its bright colors.

To make it even more special for Christmas, consider adding pomegranate seeds. They add both sweetness and a splash of red to your dish.

Ingredients

• 2 green apples, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. If using, add pomegranate seeds and give it a gentle mix. Serve chilled.

4) Arugula and Spinach with Pears and Pecans

This salad combines the peppery taste of arugula and the mild flavor of spinach. Adding sweet, ripe pears and crunchy pecans makes it a delightful choice for any holiday gathering.

The fresh arugula and spinach create a vibrant base. Thinly sliced pears add a touch of sweetness. Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that ties everything together.

For dressing, a simple vinaigrette works well to enhance the flavors. You can use olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic touch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups baby arugula
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pecans, chopped and toasted
• ¼ cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and spinach.
2. Add sliced pears and toasted pecans.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

5) Honey Mustard Fruit and Cheese Salad

This Honey Mustard Fruit and Cheese Salad is a delightful mix of flavors. You’ll enjoy juicy fruits paired with creamy cheese.

Start with a base of mixed greens. Add sliced apples, juicy pears, and some pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Top it off with crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for added creaminess. Drizzle your salad with a homemade honey mustard dressing for a sweet and tangy finish.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 pear, sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, pear slices, and pomegranate seeds.
2. Add crumbled cheese on top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

6) Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Mix

This refreshing salad combines sweet mandarin oranges and tangy cranberries. The bright colors make it perfect for holiday tables. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many dishes.

To start, you’ll need fresh or canned mandarin oranges. Drain them well to avoid excess liquid. Next, add dried cranberries for sweetness and texture.

You can enhance the flavor with chopped pecans or walnuts. A light dressing of olive oil and a splash of vinegar will tie everything together nicely.

Enjoy this salad as a side or a light main dish. It’s a cheerful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain mandarin oranges and place them in a large bowl.
2. Add dried cranberries and nuts.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

7) Citrus Vinaigrette Tossed Salad

A Citrus Vinaigrette Tossed Salad is a bright and refreshing dish perfect for the holidays. You can use a mix of greens, such as spinach or arugula, for a lovely base. Adding colorful fruits like oranges and pomegranates gives the salad a festive touch.

To make the dressing, combine fresh citrus juice with olive oil and a bit of honey. This dressing enhances the flavors and makes the salad even more delicious.

Top your salad with nuts or seeds for extra texture and crunch. Feta cheese can be a great addition too, adding a creamy element that pairs well with the fruity flavors.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens (spinach, arugula)
• Orange segments
• Pomegranate seeds
• Olive oil
• Fresh citrus juice (orange, lemon)
• Honey
• Nuts or seeds (optional)
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix your greens.
2. Add orange segments and pomegranate seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, citrus juice, and honey.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss.
5. Top with nuts and feta if desired.

8) Romaine with Grilled Chicken

Romaine with grilled chicken is a delicious and healthy choice for Christmas. The crispness of the romaine pairs well with tender, grilled chicken. This salad is colorful and full of flavor.

To make it extra tasty, you can add a dressing of your choice. A simple lemon vinaigrette or creamy Caesar dressing works great. Top it off with some Parmesan cheese for added richness.

This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings. It adds a refreshing touch to your Christmas meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head of romaine lettuce
• 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Brush romaine halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill romaine for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
4. Slice grilled chicken if not done already.
5. Assemble the salad by placing romaine on plates and topping with chicken.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving.

9) Festive Beet and Piñata Salad

This colorful salad brings together vibrant beets and a fun piñata twist. You’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Start with cooked beets, diced into bite-sized pieces. Then, add green apples for a crisp sweetness. A sprinkle of walnuts will give a delightful crunch.

For a creamy touch, you can include feta cheese. Toss everything together with a light vinaigrette for extra flavor.

This salad not only looks great but tastes amazing too!

Ingredients

• 2 medium cooked beets, diced
• 1 green apple, diced
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced beets and green apple.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately. If you prefer, chill for 30 minutes before serving.

10) Goat Cheese and Blue Cheese Delight

This Christmas salad brings together the creamy textures of goat cheese and blue cheese for a delicious treat. Adding both cheeses enhances the flavor profile and makes the salad feel festive.

Start with a mix of fresh greens. You can use spinach, arugula, or any greens you love.

Next, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and blue cheese on top. Add some sliced pears or apples for sweetness.

Toss in a handful of walnuts for extra crunch. Then, drizzle with a simple balsamic vinaigrette to tie everything together.

This salad looks beautiful on any holiday table. It’s not only tasty but also colorful and inviting.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup sliced pears or apples
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens.
2. In a large bowl, combine the greens, goat cheese, and blue cheese.
3. Add the sliced pears or apples and walnuts.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately for best flavor.