When holiday meals feel a bit too heavy, it’s nice to have something fresh and colorful to go with them.
These Christmas salads help balance things out with fruits, veggies, and simple flavors that fit the season.
Some are sweet, some are savory, and all of them are easy to make and go well with any holiday meal.
Whether you’re hosting or bringing something to share, these salads are a fresh choice that’s not too fussy.
1. Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This salad is full of crunchy greens, crisp apples, and bright pomegranate seeds. The honey mustard dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch that pulls everything together. It’s simple, colorful, and has a nice mix of flavors for a holiday spread.
You can try it yourself with this easy Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing here.
2. Colorful No Lettuce Christmas Salad
Made without lettuce, this salad brings together roasted veggies, fresh herbs, and lots of festive color. It’s hearty but still feels fresh, making it great for a Christmas dinner. There’s a good balance of soft and crunchy textures in every bite.
See how to make this colorful no lettuce Christmas salad here.
3. Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is creamy and savory with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a ranch dressing that ties it all together. It works well as a side dish that feels filling but not too heavy. The mix of pasta and fresh veggies keeps it interesting.
Check out the full broccoli bacon ranch pasta salad recipe here.
4. Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
Fresh strawberries, salty feta, and baby spinach come together in this light and flavorful salad. The sweetness from the fruit and the bite from the cheese make a simple but tasty match. It’s a good choice if you want something bright on the table.
Make your own using this strawberry feta spinach salad recipe here.
5. Cranberry Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and goat cheese give this salad a cozy, festive feel. It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and full of soft and crunchy bites. Great for colder days when you want something a bit heartier.
You can try this cranberry sweet potato goat cheese salad here.
6. Pomegranate Feta Christmas Salad
This salad mixes juicy pomegranate seeds with crumbled feta and leafy greens. The flavors are bold and fresh, and the bright red pops of fruit look great on a holiday table. It’s quick to make and always stands out.
Try this festive pomegranate feta Christmas salad here.
7. Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
A simple mix of spinach, cranberries, and nuts gives this salad a nice holiday flavor. The dressing adds a light touch of sweetness without overpowering the greens. It’s a calm, balanced option that fits with almost any meal.
Learn how to make this Christmas cranberry spinach salad here.
8. Christmas Arugula Pear Goat Cheese Salad
Peppery arugula, sweet pears, and creamy goat cheese make this salad feel both fresh and rich. It’s not too filling but still has enough going on to feel special. Perfect for pairing with heavier dishes on the table.
Find the full Christmas arugula pear goat cheese salad recipe here.
9. Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cranberries
Crunchy broccoli, crisp apples, and chewy cranberries come together in this fresh, wintery salad. There’s a little bit of tang and a little bit of sweet in each bite. It’s easy to prep and keeps well, too.
You can check out this broccoli salad with apples and cranberries here.
10. Christmas Beet Citrus Honey Dijon Salad
This salad blends sweet roasted beets with fresh citrus slices and a honey Dijon dressing. It’s bright and colorful, with just the right amount of zing. A nice way to add something vibrant to your table.
Try making this Christmas beet citrus honey Dijon salad here.
11. Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
Packed with beans, veggies, and herbs, this salad is filling but still feels fresh. The flavors are simple and earthy, with a light dressing that lets the ingredients shine. It’s a good choice if you want a plant-based option with substance.
Get the full Mediterranean dense bean salad recipe here.
12. Classic Waldorf Salad
This old-school salad mixes apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. It’s cool and crunchy, with just a little sweetness. It brings a familiar comfort that fits well on any holiday table.
Find the steps to make this classic Waldorf salad here.
Final Thoughts
Christmas meals are often full of rich, warm dishes, so it helps to have a fresh, cool salad to round things out.
These salads give you plenty of choices, from fruity and crisp to hearty and savory.
Each one brings a little balance and color to the table, without being complicated to make.