As the holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about what to serve at our festive gatherings. While traditional holiday dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes are always a hit, it’s also nice to offer some lighter options that still capture the flavors and spirit of the season. One way to do this is with a delicious Christmas salad. Here are 18 festive Christmas salad recipes perfect for your holiday party or family dinner.
From classic combinations like cranberry and walnut to more unexpected pairings like roasted butternut squash and goat cheese, these salads offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a light lunch option, we’ve got you covered with our collection of festive Christmas salad recipes.
Classic Cranberry Walnut Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. This classic recipe is a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese (if using), red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time included)
Winter Kale and Pomegranate Salad
As the weather cools down, this refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of kale with the tartness of pomegranate seeds. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes to tenderize it.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Add the pomegranate seeds, goat cheese (if using), and pecans to the kale. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Goat Cheese
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Goat Cheese: A sweet and savory autumnal delight that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tanginess of goat cheese, all on a bed of peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped parsley.
3. Once the squash is cooked, let it cool slightly before adding to the salad bowl.
4. Drizzle apple cider vinegar and honey over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time)
Festive Spinach and Strawberry Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this Festive Spinach and Strawberry Salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach, perfect for a holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and sliced strawberries.
2. Sprinkle feta cheese (if using) and chopped nuts over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh berries if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans
This elegant salad combines the sweetness of pears with the creaminess of gorgonzola, all tied together with crunchy candied pecans. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh arugula
– 1/4 cup candied pecans (see below for recipe)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Candied Pecan Recipe:
– 1/2 cup pecan halves
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss pecans with sugar, water, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until caramelized.
2. In a large bowl, combine pear slices, gorgonzola cheese, arugula, and candied pecans.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Holiday Quinoa Salad with Dried Fruits
This hearty quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of cooked quinoa with sweet and chewy dried fruits, perfect for a healthy holiday side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped dates
– 1/4 cup chopped apricots
– 1/4 cup chopped cranberries
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dates, apricots, cranberries, and almonds.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Christmas Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful Caprese salad, infused with the richness of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a Christmas party or cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 3 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad, followed by balsamic glaze.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh, so assemble just before serving.
Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon
Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Recipe
This recipe brings together the sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts, the smokiness of crispy bacon, and the tanginess of a citrus vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and chop into bits.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, and parsley. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 4
Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this refreshing salad, featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and a hint of maple sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups mixed greens
– 2 Granny Smith apples, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, and chopped walnuts.
2. If using blue cheese, crumble it over the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and maple syrup until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Beet and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the peppery flavor of arugula, all tied together with a zesty citrus vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. Let beets cool, then peel and dice into 1-inch cubes.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula and roasted beets.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together citrus vinaigrette ingredients (orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper).
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Pomegranate and Avocado Salad with Feta
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate seeds with the creaminess of avocado, topped with tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado and pomegranate seeds.
2. Crumbling feta cheese into small pieces, add it to the bowl.
3. Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves over the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Festive Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful farro salad, bursting with roasted vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a Christmas party or New Year’s Eve celebration!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup farro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss bell peppers, zucchinis, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook farro according to package instructions.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey. Add roasted vegetables, cooked farro, and garlic. Toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cranberry Orange Salad with Almonds
Brighten up your holiday gatherings with this refreshing Cranberry Orange Salad featuring crunchy almonds and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cranberries and orange segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, honey, and orange juice until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Winter Greens Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful winter salad that celebrates the best of seasonal greens, paired with a tangy and sweet honey mustard dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad Recipe
This hearty salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of kale, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 bunch of curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, massage kale leaves with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add roasted sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey.
7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Cobb Salad with Cranberry Dressing
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive twist on the classic cobb salad. This flavorful and refreshing dish is perfect for your Christmas gathering or office party.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chicken, blue cheese, pecans, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Mixed Berry Salad with Mint and Lime
This refreshing salad is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch. The combination of juicy berries, cooling mint, and zesty lime will leave you feeling invigorated.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries and mint leaves.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the berry mixture and toss gently.
3. Drizzle the honey over the salad and sprinkle with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Waldorf Salad with a Holiday Twist
This seasonal take on the classic Waldorf Salad adds a pop of color and flavor with fresh cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup of diced Granny Smith apples
– 1/2 cup of diced red grapes
– 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons of orange zest
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced apples, grapes, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts.
5. Garnish with additional orange zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 festive Christmas salad recipes! From classic cranberry walnut to roasted butternut squash with goat cheese, and from warm Brussels sprout with bacon to mixed berry with mint and lime, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a hearty main course, these salads are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday table.
