11 Christmas Salad Ideas That Always Feel Seasonal

Holiday menus often need something fresh to break up all the rich dishes, and that’s where these 11 Christmas salad ideas come in. They’re bright, fun, and easy to pull together. Each one brings a cheerful touch that feels right for the season without being complicated. Even the most devoted dessert fans might sneak in a second helping of salad this year.

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This salad is a nice twist for a holiday table. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad pairs a mix of savory and sweet elements with a satisfying crunch. It’s hearty enough to stand out without outshining the main course. You’ll want to make extra because this one’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t go wrong with a classic that’s been loved for generations. Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make brings back nostalgia in a fresh and festive way. The combination of textures makes it memorable for everyone at the table. It’s perfect for anyone looking for something fresh yet familiar.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A simple dish that stands out for its bold colors and crunch. Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a no-frills option with enough flavor to hold its own. It complements any holiday spread, from roasted meats to side dishes. Guests seem to grab seconds before you even know it.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you need something quick to whip up but still fresh, this one’s perfect. Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes is simple but feels special enough for a holiday setting. It balances well with anything on the table without stealing attention from other dishes. Great for those who love lighter fare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seasonal ingredients make this a great pick during the holidays. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is an easy salad that feels fresh but pairs perfectly with rich entrees. It adds that refreshing bite to break up heavier dishes. Plus, it’s always one of the first bowls to empty.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Fresh Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Fresh Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A vibrant, fresh choice for your Christmas table. Fresh Green Salad keeps things simple without lacking appeal. This salad works as a versatile base for a variety of holiday meals. You might be surprised how often it gets picked first.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Salad

Layered Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re aiming for something that’s both striking and crowd-pleasing, this is it. Layered Seven Layer Salad is stacked with colorful ingredients in an eye-catching order. Everyone loves grabbing a scoop and uncovering all the goodness inside. It’s the kind of dish that makes your table look extra inviting.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs.
Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simplicity is the best approach, and this one nails it. Crunchy Celery Salad offers a nice punch of texture without complicating things. It’s a refreshing addition to counterbalance heavier sides. Great if you’re looking to add variety without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Colorful Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Colorful Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for anyone who loves something hearty yet refreshing. Colorful Antipasto Salad looks great on the table and appeals to guests who love bold, savory bites. It’s balanced with just enough lighter elements to make it festive for the season. Always a good option for gatherings with mixed tastes.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Fresh Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Fresh Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Want an option that feels current but still fits the holiday spread? Fresh Quinoa Salad adds a great texture to the table while staying wholesome and light. It’s a crowd pleaser without being overly traditional. Perfect for anyone wanting healthier options without skipping holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Quinoa Salad

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A go-to salad that you can count on to please the crowd. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a balance of texture and creaminess that works for the holidays. It’s filling enough to round things out without being too heavy. Plus, it’s a good way to get veggies in while keeping things fun.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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