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25 Fresh Christmas Salads That Brighten Your Table

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Christmas Salads

Introduction

Christmas meals often feel heavy, so adding a bright, crisp salad to your spread brings welcome freshness. This list gathers colorful, seasonal bowls packed with fruit, greens, herbs, and winter flavors your guests will love. Each one is simple, festive, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

1. Pomegranate Winter Green Salad

Pomegranate Winter Green Salad

This salad shines with juicy pops of pomegranate and crisp winter greens.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed winter greens
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup toasted pecans
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add greens, apple slices, pomegranate, and pecans to a bowl.
  2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt.
  3. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Serve right away.

How to Serve It

Top with a little extra pomegranate for color.

2. Citrus Fennel Christmas Salad

Citrus Fennel Christmas Salad

This refreshing salad balances sweet citrus with aromatic fennel.

Ingredients

  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1 fennel bulb, shaved thin
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Arrange arugula on a large plate.
  2. Add citrus and fennel on top.
  3. Whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
  4. Spoon dressing over the salad.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle fennel fronds over the top for extra color.

3. Apple Cranberry Holiday Salad

Apple Cranberry Holiday Salad

Sweet apples and tangy cranberries make this a cheerful Christmas side.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups romaine or mixed greens
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add greens, apples, cranberries, and feta to a bowl.
  2. Mix oil, vinegar, mustard, and salt.
  3. Toss the salad with the dressing.
  4. Serve immediately.

How to Serve It

Add a few extra cranberries for a festive finish.

4. Roasted Sweet Potato Christmas Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato Christmas Salad

Roasted sweet potatoes add warmth and color to your holiday plate.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
  • 3 cups chopped kale
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  2. Massage kale with 1 tsp olive oil to soften.
  3. Add sweet potatoes, cranberries, and seeds.
  4. Mix remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad.

How to Serve It

Serve warm or room-temperature.

5. Pear & Walnut Christmas Salad

Pear & Walnut Christmas Salad

Juicy pears and crunchy walnuts bring a lovely mix of textures.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups romaine
  • 1 ripe pear, sliced
  • ¼ cup walnuts
  • ¼ cup blue cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine lettuce, pear slices, walnuts, and cheese.
  2. Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, and salt.
  3. Toss gently before serving.

How to Serve It

Add extra walnuts for crunch.

6. Christmas Caprese Salad

Christmas Caprese Salad

A simple red-and-green classic that fits any Christmas table.

Ingredients

  • 10 oz mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Layer mozzarella and tomatoes on a plate.
  2. Add basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle with oil, glaze, and salt.

How to Serve It

Serve chilled for the freshest flavor.

7. Kale Pomegranate Christmas Salad

Kale Pomegranate Christmas Salad

This hearty salad packs color and crunch.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped kale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Massage kale with a little oil to soften.
  2. Add quinoa, pomegranate, and almonds.
  3. Whisk oil, lemon juice, and salt.
  4. Toss and serve.

8. Spinach Strawberry Holiday Salad

Spinach Strawberry Holiday Salad

Strawberries add sweet brightness to this simple winter salad.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine spinach, strawberries, and almonds.
  2. Mix oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad before serving.

9. Fig & Arugula Christmas Salad

Fig & Arugula Christmas Salad

Fresh figs bring natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups arugula
  • 4 figs, halved
  • 2 tbsp pistachios
  • ¼ cup goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Add arugula to a bowl and top with figs.
  2. Add pistachios and cheese.
  3. Drizzle oil and vinegar over the top.

10. Holiday Couscous Salad

Holiday Couscous Salad

Light and fluffy with cheerful holiday colors.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked couscous
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup parsley
  • ½ red pepper, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Fluff cooked couscous.
  2. Add pomegranate, parsley, and pepper.
  3. Mix oil and lemon juice.
  4. Toss and serve.

11. Cranberry Orange Christmas Salad

Cranberry Orange Christmas Salad

A lively blend of sweet and tart winter flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups greens
  • 2 oranges, sliced
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add greens, oranges, cranberries, and seeds.
  2. Mix oil, orange juice, and salt.
  3. Drizzle over and toss lightly.

12. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy beets pair wonderfully with soft goat cheese.

Ingredients

  • 2 roasted beets, cubed
  • 3 cups arugula
  • ¼ cup goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp walnuts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Arrange arugula on a plate.
  2. Add beets, cheese, and walnuts.
  3. Drizzle oil and lemon juice.

13. Christmas Quinoa Cranberry Salad

Christmas Quinoa Cranberry Salad

A wholesome, fruity salad perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine quinoa, cranberries, apple, and parsley.
  2. Drizzle oil and lemon juice.
  3. Toss to coat.

14. Honey-Lemon Broccoli Christmas Salad

Honey-Lemon Broccoli Christmas Salad

Crunchy, colorful, and perfect for winter tables.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped broccoli
  • ¼ cup red onion
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add broccoli, onion, and seeds to a bowl.
  2. Mix oil, lemon, honey, and salt.
  3. Combine with the vegetables and serve.

15. Apple Walnut Christmas Slaw

Apple Walnut Christmas Slaw

Sweet apples and crunchy cabbage make this slaw lively and crisp.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • ¼ cup walnuts
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add cabbage, apples, walnuts, and raisins.
  2. Whisk oil, lemon, and salt.
  3. Toss well before serving.

16. Berry Christmas Salad

Berry Christmas Salad

Winter berries bring deep color and cheerful flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine spinach, berries, and almonds.
  2. Mix oil and lemon.
  3. Pour over the salad.

17. Maple Roasted Carrot Christmas Salad

Maple Roasted Carrot Christmas Salad

Roasted carrots bring natural sweetness and warmth.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sliced carrots
  • 3 cups arugula
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Roast carrots at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes with olive oil and syrup.
  2. Add arugula, cranberries, and seeds.
  3. Toss lightly.

18. Christmas Spinach Mandarin Salad

Christmas Spinach Mandarin Salad

Mandarins add juicy brightness that complements fresh greens.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 cup mandarin slices
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add spinach, mandarins, and almonds.
  2. Combine oil and lemon.
  3. Dress the salad and serve.

19. Roasted Cauliflower Holiday Salad

Roasted Cauliflower Holiday Salad

A hearty winter salad full of cozy flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cauliflower florets
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Roast cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
  2. Add cranberries, parsley, and seeds.
  3. Dress with oil and lemon.

20. Grapefruit Avocado Christmas Salad

Grapefruit Avocado Christmas Salad

Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with bright, juicy citrus.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups greens
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add greens to a plate.
  2. Add grapefruit and avocado.
  3. Drizzle oil and lemon.

21. Wild Rice Christmas Salad

Wild Rice Christmas Salad

This earthy salad brings comforting winter textures.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked wild rice
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine rice, cranberries, celery, and parsley.
  2. Add oil and lemon.
  3. Toss to serve.

22. Snowy Cabbage & Apple Christmas Salad

Snowy Cabbage & Apple Christmas Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and great for balancing rich dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cabbage
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • ¼ cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Mix cabbage and apples.
  2. Stir yogurt, lemon, and salt.
  3. Coat the salad and serve.

23. Herb & Cucumber Christmas Salad

Herb & Cucumber Christmas Salad

Light, cooling, and perfect for pairing with hearty main dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sliced cucumber
  • 1 tbsp dill
  • 1 tbsp mint
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add cucumbers and herbs.
  2. Mix oil and lemon.
  3. Toss and serve chilled.

24. Holiday Apple Spinach Salad

Holiday Apple Spinach Salad

This everyday staple feels extra special with holiday flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • ¼ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup feta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine spinach, apple, pecans, and feta.
  2. Add oil and lemon.
  3. Toss lightly.

25. Christmas Rainbow Slaw

Christmas Rainbow Slaw

A crunchy, cheerful salad that adds instant color to your table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add cabbage, carrots, seeds, and parsley.
  2. Mix oil and lemon.
  3. Toss well and serve.

Conclusion

Fresh, colorful salads bring a lively contrast to rich holiday meals, and each of these recipes adds its own festive touch to the table. Save a few favorites, share them with friends, or rotate them throughout the season for bright and cheerful meals everyone will enjoy.

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