I Rely On 13 Christmas Salads To Lighten The Holiday Spread

Holiday spreads can feel like a competition to see who can make guests the fullest the fastest. That’s when a lineup of 13 Christmas salads comes to the rescue, offering a cool, crisp timeout from all that buttery chaos. They don’t steal the spotlight, but everyone secretly appreciates them for keeping the meal from turning into an endurance sport.

Antipasto Salad

Every big table needs a side that’s loaded with bites so everyone can pick what they like. Passing around Antipasto Salad means you’ll hear stories about favorite snacks and see plates get filled up fast. With so many colors and a mix of crunch and soft in every scoop, it keeps things interesting at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

Something bright always stands out, especially when a bowl looks almost too good to eat. Digging into Red White and Blue Vegan Salad starts conversations about who made it and how the colors pop so much. It brings a punch of freshness to a spread packed with heavy dishes. Friends ask for the recipe before the meal is done.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

Green Salad

Crisp bowls clear space on the table for those who just want something light and fuss-free. Tossing together Green Salad helps balance all the other plates and gets nods from guests looking to eat clean. Dressings on the side let everyone fix it their way with no drama. It pairs with everything and never seems to get boring.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Seven Layer Salad

Digging through different layers adds a little mystery with every scoop. Everybody likes how Seven Layer Salad lets them see what’s coming next before they load up their plate. It goes fast, with folks scooping big helpings and laughing about who gets more of the good stuff. With all those colors, it brightens up even the plainest spread.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Quinoa Salad

Grains make salads feel more filling and keep guests coming back for another pile. Scooping up Quinoa Salad means you get a little bit of crunch mixed with fresh bites that fit any plate. It holds up well even if the table gets crowded. Often someone circles back just to see if there’s any left over.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Fresh bites with a crunch put a new spin on the usual sides, making everyone wake up between big dishes. A big bowl of Honeycrisp Salad brings out smiles as friends compare which piece is the crunchiest. It stands out for being sweet without going overboard. Those who try it once want it again at the next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Easy Caprese Salad

Simple combos work best when you want a plate that feels light but still has a little pop. Laying out Easy Caprese Salad always gets someone talking about lunches they’ve missed from their favorite spots. Soft bites team up perfectly for a quick side between heavier helpings. It never sticks around for long, so grab some fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Bright color makes this bowl get noticed even next to the main events on a packed table. With Red Cabbage Coleslaw you see plates fill up with something crunchy and just different enough to make people ask, “What’s in this?” It’s good for cutting through rich meats or anything from the oven. Second helpings show up a lot with this one.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Celery Salad

Chopped sides with a snap can wake up any meal, especially if people want something light between bites. Sharing Celery Salad gets heads turning and forks moving, thanks to the fresh crunch in every slice. It slips right into even the busiest spread without getting lost. The bowl seems to empty itself before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Bit of creamy dressing over something green works wonders for bringing everyone to the same side of the table. Putting out Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing makes picky folks rethink their stance on vegetables real quick. There’s a little sweet and a little crunch with every bite. Expect the dish to go empty while people still chat before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Waldorf Salad

It helps keep things light while giving off just enough sweetness to hold its own next to heavier dishes. One scoop of Waldorf Salad creates a real break from all the richer stuff on the plate. Some folks even go back for it as a dessert substitute. Every gathering leaves someone new asking what you dressed it with.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Keeping it simple with crisp bites makes for easy seconds at any meal. Mixing up Cucumber Tomato Salad means you get a cool burst in every bite that beats out heavier sides. The bowl moves around fast as everyone claims, “Just a little more.” These leftovers never stick around long enough to pack away.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

When you want something that acts as both a side and a meal, this sweet and hearty combo does the trick. Scooping Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings comments about how good the mix is with everything else on the plate. Meat eaters scoop it up but so do those after something lighter. Best to make extra since it disappears even after the meal is done.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad