Usually, when planning the menu for any holiday party, we focus on the main dishes. We worry that they should be hearty and all the guests should be satisfied. But fresh and light salads are also in demand at parties. Here are these 15 Best Christmas Salad Recipes will give your table not only colorful and fresh, but also balance and variety of flavors. The recipes are simple, healthy and perfect for holiday parties whether you’re having a large group or a family dinner.
Crisp greens, roasted vegetables, savory dressings – who can resist the temptation to try it all?
Salads are undeservedly forgotten sometimes, although against the background of hearty hot dishes and sweets they are a pleasant contrast. They are useful, as they contain a lot of fiber and vitamins. And they simply make lunch or dinner more harmonious. With the right ingredients and beautiful presentation, many of the Christmas salads become the center of a festive feast.
1. Classic Christmas salad “Wreath”
As the name suggests, this salad is designed in the form of a festive wreath. It is prepared with a mixture of fresh spinach or a mixture of salad leaves. Add pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese and caramelized pecans for a bright and colorful touch. And as a finishing touch, drizzle with a balsamic glaze.
It’s best served on a round plate to give it a wreath-like appearance. The salad is very simple to make, but it looks like all your guests will think you spent a lot of time making it.
2. Winter citrus salad with pomegranate
Pay homage to winter fruits. Orange and grapefruit slices mixed with peppered arugula, pomegranate and thin slices of red onion create a delicious holiday dish. The whole thing is topped with a honey-lime dressing for a savory touch.
Citrus fruits are good because they not only give a rich flavor, but also rich in vitamin C. And it is very strong immunity in winter. Studies confirm that vitamin C helps fight colds during the cold season.
3. Baked Brussels sprouts with cranberries.
If anyone thinks they don’t like Brussels sprouts, I’m sure this recipe will change your mind. Baking gives it a natural sweetness, while producing crispy edges and a tender core. Add dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans. Pour the whole thing over the maple-mustard dressing to let all the flavors come together.
This salad can be served warm – perfect for a cold December evening.
4. Kale salad with apple and walnuts
Let’s replace the traditional coleslaw for a healthier version with kale. Finely chopped kale, thin slices of apple, toasted walnuts and yogurt dressing – here is a bright and healthy salad ready.
Interesting fact. Kale is very rich in vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants. So adding it to the holiday menu, you care not only about taste, but also about health.
5. Spinach with strawberries and feta
Strawberries in the winter on the holiday table are always wonderful. Especially frozen or imported berries are perfect for this recipe. In this salad, fresh spinach serves as a base, then add strawberry slices, feta and light poppyseed dressing. The salad comes out with a bright flavor and everyone will definitely enjoy it.
To make the salad look more festive add caramelized almonds or pistachios.
6. Warm yams and quinoa salad
For lovers of hearty dishes, this salad is a godsend. The base of the salad is baked yams, boiled quinoa and young kale leaves. Add dried cranberries and for piquancy pour tahini dressing over the salad.
By the way, quinoa is rich in protein and gluten-free, so it’s good for many diets.
7. Caprese Salad with a Christmas accent
Let’s give the classic caprese salad a festive update. To the traditional mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, avocado slices and balsamic glaze are added. And in order for the salad to better fit into the holiday theme, we will lay it out on a plate in the form of a wreath or a Christmas tree.
This salad will go well with roast turkey or ham.
8. Broccoli Salad with bacon
We want all guests to be satisfied with the proposed treats. Therefore, for the most fastidious we prepare this salad. It combines crunchy broccoli florets, fried bacon, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. A creamy dressing of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and honey ties it all together. And we end up with an absolutely irresistible salad.
See for yourself!
9. Wild rice with cranberries
As you know, wild rice is suitable for any salad, goes well with various additives. And in this festive this recipe, it is perfectly neighboring with dried cranberries, chopped parsley, orange zest and toasted almonds.
We add a citrus dressing to the salad, which gives it a bright flavor and freshness. It is perfect for serving with roasted meats.
10. Pear, walnuts and gorgonzola
This salad perfectly combines pear slices, crunchy walnuts and crumbled gorgonzola dressed with honey-mustard sauce. It will be an essential variety for your holiday menu.
Don’t worry, the rich flavor of this dish will appeal to all guests!
11. Salad of shredded Brussels sprouts with parmesan
If you are desperately short of time and need to prepare something delicious, this salad is at your service. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts combined with toasted almonds, dried cherries and Parmesan become incredibly crisp and fresh. We dress the salad with a light lemon-olive dressing.
Try how bright and original the flavor of this salad is. It is served with poultry or pork main courses.
12. Beet and goat cheese salad
The contrast of color and flavor in this salad is very appealing. The roasted beets, with their rich, slightly sweet flavor, blend beautifully with the creamy texture of the goat cheese and crunchy caramelized nuts. Arugula can be added for brightness and freshness, and an orange dressing wouldn’t hurt either. The dish is ready!
Tip. To keep the beets tasty, bake them in foil at a low temperature. Then it will retain all its juice and sweetness.
13. Mediterranean Christmas salad
Lovers of savory flavors, this salad is for you! Crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives and crumbled feta create a harmonious balance of flavors. Try adding some dried oregano and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. There you have a slice of the Mediterranean on the table.
This salad can be served with lamb dishes, baked fish or turkey.
14. Spinach salad with cranberries and pecans
As experience sometimes shows, simple recipes are the most memorable, and this salad is no exception. Fresh spinach serves as the base, while dried cranberries and toasted pecans add sweetness and crunch. Drizzle the salad with raspberry dressing, which gives it a nice slight sourness.
And if you have crumbled goat cheese, add some of it to the salad. It will make it more flavorful
This salad is especially good as a refreshing addition to a holiday menu.
Try something new
Which of these 15 Best Christmas Salad Recipes do you want to make and try first? They are all varied and everyone will find something for themselves depending on their culinary preferences.
Share your holiday finds and inspire others.
