24+ Fresh Christmas Salad Recipes

When it comes to holiday meals, we often think about roasts, pies, and all the cozy comfort foods. But I’ve found that a fresh, colorful salad can be just as important on the Christmas table. It balances out the richness of all those hearty dishes and adds a pop of brightness that feels festive and refreshing.

Christmas salads aren’t boring side dishes—they can be show-stoppers on their own. Think vibrant greens topped with cranberries, pomegranate seeds, candied nuts, or creamy cheese. The colors alone look like Christmas on a plate, and the flavors bring that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.

I love experimenting with different textures too—crunchy, juicy, and creamy all in one bite. These recipes are simple to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress your guests. They make your holiday spread not just delicious, but truly memorable.

Christmas Salad Recipes

Pomegranate Feta Salad

This festive salad combines crisp greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta. It’s colorful, refreshing, and perfect for brightening up your Christmas spread.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens

• Pomegranate seeds

• Feta cheese

• Walnuts

• Olive oil

• Balsamic glaze

Steps to Make Pomegranate Feta Salad

Toss greens with pomegranate, crumbled feta, and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 15g

This idea adds vibrant color and a sweet-tangy flavor to your Christmas table.

Roasted Carrot Salad

Sweet roasted carrots paired with arugula, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds make this salad a colorful and flavorful holiday dish.

Ingredients:

• Roasted carrots

• Arugula

• Goat cheese

• Pumpkin seeds

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

Steps to Make Roasted Carrot Salad

Toss arugula with roasted carrots, sprinkle with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds. Dress lightly with olive oil and lemon juice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 17g
Fat: 11g

This idea adds color and a roasted sweetness to your holiday spread.

Festive Quinoa Salad

Packed with quinoa, cranberries, pistachios, and parsley, this salad is hearty, festive, and full of texture.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa

• Dried cranberries

• Pistachios

• Fresh parsley

• Red onion

• Olive oil dressing

Steps to Make Festive Quinoa Salad

Mix quinoa with cranberries, pistachios, parsley, and onion. Toss with olive oil dressing and chill slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 10g

This idea is wholesome, filling, and beautifully festive.

Christmas Coleslaw

A refreshing side with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light creamy dressing, topped with cranberries for a festive touch.

Ingredients:

• Green cabbage

• Red cabbage

• Carrots

• Dried cranberries

• Mayonnaise

• Apple cider vinegar

Steps to Make Christmas Coleslaw

Shred cabbage and carrots, mix with cranberries. Combine with mayo and vinegar for a creamy, tangy dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 11g

This idea is crunchy, refreshing, and a great side for rich mains.

Broccoli Cranberry Salad

Crisp broccoli with cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing makes this a sweet and savory holiday side.

Ingredients:

• Fresh broccoli florets

• Dried cranberries

• Sunflower seeds

• Red onion

• Greek yogurt dressing

Steps to Make Broccoli Cranberry Salad

Mix broccoli with cranberries, sunflower seeds, and onion. Coat with a light Greek yogurt dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 10g

This idea is crunchy, tangy, and a colorful salad option.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paige Adams (@lastingredient)

Nutty roasted cauliflower with tahini dressing and pomegranate seeds adds a unique, flavorful side to the holiday table.

Ingredients:

• Roasted cauliflower

• Pomegranate seeds

• Parsley

• Tahini sauce

• Olive oil

Steps to Make Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Roast cauliflower, arrange with parsley and pomegranate. Drizzle with tahini sauce and olive oil before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 13g

This idea adds nuttiness and bold flavors to your Christmas spread.

Warm Potato Salad

A cozy twist on potato salad served warm with Dijon dressing, herbs, and crispy bacon bits.

Ingredients:

• Baby potatoes

• Bacon

• Dijon mustard

• Olive oil

• Fresh parsley

Steps to Make Warm Potato Salad

Boil potatoes, toss with bacon, Dijon, and olive oil. Garnish with parsley before serving warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 15g

This idea is warm, hearty, and perfect for winter holidays.

Fig and Arugula Salad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aurelia Recipes (@aureliarecipes)

Fresh figs, peppery arugula, walnuts, and goat cheese create a salad that’s both luxurious and festive.

Ingredients:

• Fresh arugula

• Figs

• Walnuts

• Goat cheese

• Honey balsamic dressing

Steps to Make Fig and Arugula Salad

Arrange arugula, figs, walnuts, and cheese. Drizzle with honey balsamic dressing and serve fresh.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 13g

This idea is elegant, sweet, and holiday-perfect.

Couscous Pomegranate Salad

Fluffy couscous with pomegranate, herbs, and almonds makes a festive and light Christmas side dish.

Ingredients:

• Cooked couscous

• Pomegranate seeds

• Almonds

• Fresh mint

• Lemon vinaigrette

Steps to Make Couscous Pomegranate Salad

Mix couscous with pomegranate, almonds, and mint. Toss lightly with lemon vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 8g

This idea is light, festive, and full of fresh flavor.

Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Sweet roasted pumpkin cubes tossed with spinach, feta, and pine nuts create a cozy holiday salad.

Ingredients:

• Roasted pumpkin

• Baby spinach

• Feta cheese

• Pine nuts

• Olive oil

Steps to Make Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Toss roasted pumpkin with spinach and feta. Sprinkle pine nuts and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 19g
Fat: 12g

This idea is cozy, colorful, and perfect for winter dining.

Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Crunchy cabbage with sweet apple slices and a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness to the holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• Green cabbage

• Apples

• Carrots

• Lemon vinaigrette

• Walnuts

Steps to Make Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Shred cabbage and carrots, mix with sliced apples and walnuts. Dress with lemon vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 170
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 19g
Fat: 9g

This idea is crisp, tangy, and refreshing.

Lentil Pomegranate Salad

Hearty lentils paired with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds make this salad both filling and festive.

Ingredients:

• Cooked lentils

• Pomegranate seeds

• Fresh parsley

• Red onion

• Lemon dressing

Steps to Make Lentil Pomegranate Salad

Combine lentils with pomegranate, parsley, and onion. Toss with lemon dressing before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 230
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 8g

This idea is hearty, nutritious, and festive.

Roasted Grape Salad

Caramelized roasted grapes with mixed greens, walnuts, and goat cheese make a unique and flavorful holiday salad.

Ingredients:

• Red grapes

• Mixed greens

• Walnuts

• Goat cheese

• Balsamic glaze

Steps to Make Roasted Grape Salad

Roast grapes until caramelized. Toss with greens, walnuts, and cheese. Finish with balsamic glaze.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 11g

This idea is unexpected, sweet, and delicious.

Wild Rice Cranberry Salad

Nutty wild rice with cranberries, pecans, and herbs is hearty, flavorful, and festive.

Ingredients:

• Cooked wild rice

• Dried cranberries

• Pecans

• Green onions

• Olive oil dressing

Steps to Make Wild Rice Cranberry Salad

Mix wild rice with cranberries, pecans, and onions. Toss with olive oil dressing and chill.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 9g

This idea is hearty, nutty, and holiday-ready.

Avocado Christmas Salad

Creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta create a fresh and colorful Christmas salad.

Ingredients:

• Avocado cubes

• Cherry tomatoes

• Cucumber

• Feta cheese

• Lime dressing

Steps to Make Avocado Christmas Salad

Mix avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. Toss with lime dressing just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 16g

This idea is creamy, refreshing, and festive.

Mixed Berry Spinach Salad

A vibrant salad with fresh berries, spinach, almonds, and a sweet balsamic dressing.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Almonds

• Balsamic dressing

Steps to Make Mixed Berry Spinach Salad

Layer spinach with berries and almonds. Drizzle with balsamic dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 10g

This idea adds sweetness and vibrant color to your holiday table.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

A salad bursting with festive flavors, combining dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy goat cheese over fresh spinach.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach

• Dried cranberries

• Walnuts

• Goat cheese

• Red onion

• Honey mustard dressing

Steps to Make Cranberry Walnut Salad

Mix spinach with cranberries, walnuts, and red onion. Crumble goat cheese on top and drizzle with honey mustard dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 230
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 16g

This idea is festive, sweet, and savory—ideal for pairing with holiday mains.

Apple Pecan Salad

Fresh apples, toasted pecans, and a touch of blue cheese make this salad crunchy, flavorful, and wonderfully festive.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens

• Apple slices

• Toasted pecans

• Blue cheese

• Dried cranberries

• Apple cider vinaigrette

Steps to Make Apple Pecan Salad

Layer greens with apple slices, pecans, cranberries, and blue cheese. Toss lightly with apple cider vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 240
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 15g

This idea balances sweet and savory perfectly for a holiday salad.

Roasted Beet Salad

Earthy roasted beets pair beautifully with arugula, goat cheese, and candied pecans, creating a salad that’s both elegant and seasonal.

Ingredients:

• Roasted beets

• Arugula

• Goat cheese

• Candied pecans

• Balsamic reduction

Steps to Make Roasted Beet Salad

Place arugula on a plate, top with roasted beets, goat cheese, and pecans. Finish with balsamic drizzle.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 13g

This idea adds elegance and earthy flavor to your holiday table.

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts with almonds, cranberries, and Parmesan make this salad crunchy, festive, and packed with holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

• Shaved Brussels sprouts

• Almonds

• Dried cranberries

• Parmesan shavings

• Lemon vinaigrette

Steps to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad

Toss shaved Brussels sprouts with almonds, cranberries, and Parmesan. Dress with lemon vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 12g

This idea is festive, crunchy, and a lighter addition to the feast.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Sweet pears, bold Gorgonzola, and candied walnuts bring richness and balance to this beautiful holiday salad.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens

• Pear slices

• Gorgonzola cheese

• Candied walnuts

• Dried figs

• White wine vinaigrette

Steps to Make Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Arrange greens with pears, figs, walnuts, and cheese. Toss gently with vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 16g

This idea offers a sweet-salty mix that feels festive and fancy.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Though simple, this salad feels festive with bright strawberries, almonds, and a tangy poppy seed dressing.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach

• Strawberries

• Sliced almonds

• Red onion

• Poppy seed dressing

Steps to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad

Combine spinach, sliced strawberries, onion, and almonds. Dress with poppy seed vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 11g

This idea brings freshness and a touch of sweetness to your menu.

Kale and Quinoa Salad

A nutrient-rich salad that combines kale, quinoa, cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a hearty, colorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• Kale leaves

• Cooked quinoa

• Dried cranberries

• Sunflower seeds

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

Steps to Make Kale and Quinoa Salad

Massage kale with olive oil, mix in quinoa, cranberries, and seeds. Add lemon juice before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 10g

This idea is hearty, healthy, and full of festive color.

Caprese Christmas Wreath Salad

A fun and festive take on the classic Caprese, styled like a holiday wreath with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes

• Fresh mozzarella balls

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil

• Balsamic glaze

Steps to Make Caprese Christmas Wreath Salad

Arrange basil leaves in a wreath shape, add mozzarella and tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 170
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 12g

This idea doubles as decoration and a tasty festive starter.

Winter Citrus Salad

Bright citrus slices with mint and pomegranate bring freshness and color to your Christmas spread.

Ingredients:

• Oranges

• Grapefruit

• Pomegranate seeds

• Fresh mint leaves

• Honey drizzle

Steps to Make Winter Citrus Salad

Arrange citrus slices on a platter. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, mint, and drizzle with honey.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 2g

This idea is light, refreshing, and beautifully festive.

FAQ

What are some popular Christmas salads?

Some favorites include cranberry walnut salad, pomegranate spinach salad, roasted carrot salad, and festive quinoa salad. They’re colorful, fresh, and perfect for the holiday table.

Can I make Christmas salads ahead of time?

Yes, most Christmas salads can be prepped a day in advance. Just keep dressings separate until right before serving to avoid sogginess.

What ingredients make a salad feel festive?

Ingredients like cranberries, pomegranate seeds, roasted vegetables, nuts, and fresh herbs instantly make salads feel more festive and seasonal.

Are Christmas salads served warm or cold?

It depends on the recipe—some, like warm potato salad or roasted veggie salads, are best served warm, while leafy green or fruit-based salads are usually cold.

How can I make my salad look more Christmas-themed?

Use a mix of red and green ingredients—like spinach, pomegranate, cranberries, or cherry tomatoes—to give your salad a festive holiday look.

Can Christmas salads be made healthy?

Absolutely! Using lighter dressings, plenty of fresh veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins makes your salad nutritious and delicious.

What dressings work best for Christmas salads?

Balsamic vinaigrette, lemon dressing, honey mustard, or even creamy Greek yogurt-based dressings pair beautifully with holiday flavors.

Can I add meat to a Christmas salad?

Yes, adding roasted chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon can make your salad more filling while still keeping it festive.

How do I store leftover Christmas salad?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Leafy greens should be eaten within a day, while grain or roasted veggie salads last 2–3 days.

What’s the easiest Christmas salad to make last minute?

A simple spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese is quick, festive, and only takes a few minutes to put together.