30 Festive Christmas Salads That Are Perfect for the Holiday Season

Felicia Lim
·7 min read
5

Manadarin Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye!

If you're like me, you start preparing way before the actual day, your Christmas dinner menu is practically to go at this point. Ham and roast beef? Check! Christmas charcuterie board? Check! With the mains, the appetizers - plus, cookies (on cookies on cookies) - taken care of, it's always handy to have a few trusty sides up your sleeve—like these fresh, vibrant, and crisp 30 Christmas salad recipes.

Related: 13 Christmas Eve-Worthy Recipes to Impress Your Guests

For me, I love a good, hearty salad plate as a side all year round, and at the Christmas family dinner table, it is no different. Plus, serving a bright, jewel-colored salad for the holiday season is always going to bring extra cheer to the table!

Related: 18 Delicious Side Dishes for the Holidays

To make salads more in line with fall and winter, simply use seasonal produce. Ingredients like cranberries, Brussels sprouts, apples, butternut squash, pomegranate seeds and pumpkin seeds will turn a boring bowl of greens into a fancy Christmas salad instantly.

Related: How Many Bags of Fresh Cranberries Per Person?

Best Christmas Salad Recipes

From fruit salads and Jell-O salads, to veggie-forward bowls like cranberry almond broccoli salad, fennel-apple salad and roasted delicata squash salad, have your pick from our collection of the 30 of the best Christmas salad recipes.

<p>Callie Blount</p><p>Studded with pomegranate arils and walnuts, this recipe transforms store-bought salad mix into a company-worthy companion for holiday entrees. The easy homemade vinaigrette perfectly balances the oil-vinegar with rosemary, thyme and garlic. Feta cheese adds the finishing touch!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1100562/parade/holiday-greens-salad-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Holiday Greens Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Holiday Greens Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Sarah Walker Caron</p><p>This cilantro lime quinoa salad with sweet potatoes would make a wonderful holiday side because it's so easy. You get a lot of flavor and the beautiful orange color of the sweet potatoes with minimal effort. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842800/kathyhester/cilantro-lime-quinoa-salad-with-sweet-potatoes-perfect-holiday-side/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>London Brazil</p><p>This beautiful broccoli salad with pumpkin seeds and cranberries is full of fall flavors, and tastes great warm or cold. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842499/communitytable/broccoli-salad-with-pumpkin-seeds-cranberries/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Broccoli Salad with Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberries;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Broccoli Salad with Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberries</a></strong></p>
<p>Martha Stewart</p><p>Pressure-cooked butternut squash is seasoned with a spiced vinaigrette, then scattered with pumpkin seeds, cilantro and scallions. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/718653/rachelweingarten/martha-stewarts-warm-butternut-squash-salad-with-pumpkin-seeds/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Warm Butternut Squash Salad with Pumpkin Seeds;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Warm Butternut Squash Salad with Pumpkin Seeds</a></strong></p>
<p>Dish by Dish</p><p>This 10-minute fennel and apple salad is a healthy side dish for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.dishbydish.net/fennel-and-apple-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fennel and Apple Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fennel and Apple Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Fashionable Foods</p><p>Festive, fun and fresh describe my Christmas salad perfectly! This beautiful salad makes a perfect side dish for just about anything you’ll be serving this holiday—it’s full of flavor and texture and it’s light, but filling. Plus, it can be made completely ahead of time!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://fashionablefoods.com/2017/12/08/christmas-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Christmas Salad with Orange Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Christmas Salad with Orange Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>Julia's Album</p><p>Creamy and crunchy salad with peas, bacon and pecans—an easy side dish that will go with many different kinds of meals!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://juliasalbum.com/pea-bacon-pecan-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pea Bacon Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pea Bacon Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Julia's Album</p><p>Cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing is an easy recipe that a whole family would love! It's a great side dish or light dinner. This salad makes a wonderful meal for the holiday menu, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://juliasalbum.com/cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Life Made Simple Bakes</p><p>Sweet cranberries, toasted pecans, Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt are the secret ingredients that make this chicken salad a fall favorite! It's perfect for special occasions, lunch or even dinner!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Delicious Cranberry Pecan and Chicken Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Delicious Cranberry Pecan and Chicken Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Simple Joy</p><p>This fall salad with apples and pecans is perfect for fall.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.simplejoy.com/apple-pecan-fall-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Pecan Fall Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Pecan Fall Salad</a></strong></p>

Simple Joy

This fall salad with apples and pecans is perfect for fall.

Get the recipe: Apple Pecan Fall Salad

<p>Lemon Tree Dwelling</p><p>Apple cranberry coleslaw is the perfect way to mix things up for fall! Loaded with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts and green onions, this coleslaw is crunchy, sweet and so delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.lemontreedwelling.com/apple-cranberry-coleslaw/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Cranberry Coleslaw;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Cranberry Coleslaw</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking Classy</p><p>Mandarin pomegranate spinach salad is a festive, colorful, fruit-filled salad that’s perfect for holidays and parties! Spinach is layered with oranges, pomegranate arils and avocado, and topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/mandarine-pomegranate-spinach-salad-poppy-seed-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mandarin Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mandarin Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: 20 <a href="https://parade.com/864810/sarahhardy/20-easy-low-carb-recipes-that-make-spinach-delicious/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Low Carb Recipes that Make Spinach Delicious;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Low Carb Recipes that Make Spinach Delicious</a></strong></p>
<p>Inside the Rustic Kitchen</p><p>A flavor-packed salad made with baby spinach, red apple, creamy Gorgonzola cheese and candied walnuts that are crunchy, sweet and spicy. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.insidetherustickitchen.com/winter-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts</a></strong></p>
<p>Five Heart Home</p><p>The best German potato salad is a hot potato salad recipe featuring tender red potatoes and bacon in a tangy dressing for the ultimate side dish, from summer grilling to Oktoberfest!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fivehearthome.com/german-potato-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:German Potato Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">German Potato Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipe Girl</p><p>The cranberry almond broccoli salad is tossed lightly in a mayo-sour cream based dressing, but I’d say the flavor highlights in this one are the dried cranberries, toasted almonds and crispy prosciutto.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.recipegirl.com/cranberry-almond-broccoli-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Two Peas and Their Pod</p><p>This apple pecan salad with creamy lemon dressing is a fall favorite and always a hit at potlucks, Thanksgiving and dinner parties!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/apple-pecan-salad-with-creamy-lemon-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Sum of Yum</p><p>This pear salad with fresh baby spinach and homemade honey balsamic dressing is healthy and super yummy! It’s perfect for the fall season or any time of the year!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://sumofyum.com/pear-salad-with-honey-balsamic-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pear Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pear Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipe Runner</p><p>This cranberry apple quinoa salad is easy to make and perfect to serve as a side dish or for lunch. Tons of crunchy texture and pops of sweetness from the apple and dried cranberries!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://reciperunner.com/cranberry-apple-quinoa-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>From a Chef's Kitchen</p><p>This gorgeous show-stopping roasted beet salad with walnuts, goat cheese and honey balsamic dressing is perfect for any occasion! Once the beets are roasted (which you can do well ahead of time), the salad comes together quickly.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/roasted-beet-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Striped Spatula</p><p>This easy-to-prepare pear salad with homemade maple-bacon vinaigrette is a beautiful dish to serve for lunch or as a first course during the fall and winter months. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://stripedspatula.com/pear-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pear and Blue Cheese Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pear and Blue Cheese Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Dish by Dish</p><p>An all-rounded fall salad perfect for the holidays: sweet dried cranberries and roasted delicata squash, spicy paprika and chili flakes, creamy gouda and fresh, crunchy greens.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.dishbydish.net/roasted-delicata-squash-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Delicata Squash Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Delicata Squash Salad</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: 40 <a href="https://parade.com/1385140/felicialim/delicata-squash-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Stunning Delicata Squash Recipes from Salads to Soups;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Stunning Delicata Squash Recipes from Salads to Soups</a></strong></p>
<p>Two Peas and Their Pod</p><p>This easy Brussels Sprouts salad is the perfect side dish for any fall or holiday meal.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/shaved-brussels-sprouts-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Cookie and Kate</p><p>This gorgeous green salad recipe is bursting with fresh pomegranate, Bartlett pear and Honeycrisp apple! This salad will brighten up your holiday table, and liven up a regular weeknight dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookieandkate.com/pomegranate-pear-green-salad-with-ginger-dressing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pomegranate and Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pomegranate and Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>A Farm Girl's Dabbles</p><p>This warm German potato salad recipe features tender red potatoes and bites of bacon in a tangy bacon, vinegar and mustard dressing. It’s a family favorite that we enjoy all year long!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/german-potato-salad-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Warm German Potato Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Warm German Potato Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Dish by Dish</p><p>A healthy, protein-filled salad—fluffy tri-color quinoa with roasted butternut squash and sautéed kale, dressed in salt, olive oil and fresh lemon juice. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.dishbydish.net/quinoa-butternut-squash-and-kale-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Quinoa, Butternut Squash and Kale Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Quinoa, Butternut Squash and Kale Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Dish by Dish</p><p>This is a warm and filling salad filled with protein-rich quinoa, roasted butternut squash, avocado and fresh arugula leaves. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.dishbydish.net/warm-quinoa-salad-butternut-squash-avocado-arugula/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Warm Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash, Avocado and Arugula;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Warm Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash, Avocado and Arugula</a></strong></p>
<p>I Heart Naptime</p><p>Apple cranberry spinach salad filled with greens, crisp apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese and a delicious honey dijon dressing. An easy salad recipe that’s full of flavor!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/spinach-salad/?20190520" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Apple Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Apple Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>This delicious roasted beet salad with arugula, apple, cranberries and feta looks stunning and is tossed in an easy balsamic dressing.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.wellplated.com/beet-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Balsamic Beet Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Balsamic Beet Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Five Heart Home</p><p>This gorgeous holiday honeycrisp salad is full of flavor and texture, with fresh apple slices, crunchy toasted pecans, chewy dried cranberries, zippy blue cheese and a tangy-sweet apple cider vinaigrette. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fivehearthome.com/holiday-honeycrisp-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Holiday Honeycrisp Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Holiday Honeycrisp Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Chelsea's Messy Apron</p><p>This seasonal pear pomegranate salad starts with mixed greens tossed with candied pecans, fresh Bartlett pears, pomegranate arils, sweetened dried cranberries and feta cheese. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/candied-pecan-pear-pomegranate-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Candied Pecan Pear Pomegranate Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Candied Pecan Pear Pomegranate Salad</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: 12 <a href="https://parade.com/844700/felicialim/12-gorgeous-pear-recipes-to-impress-your-guests/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gorgeous Pear Recipes to Impress Your Guests;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gorgeous Pear Recipes to Impress Your Guests</a></strong></p>

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