This Christmas salad is my go-to when I want something bright, fresh, and festive—without any lettuce! It’s crunchy, juicy, sweet, and a little tangy.
Every bite is like a holiday party in your mouth.
It’s perfect for your holiday table because it holds up well, looks gorgeous, and adds a fresh contrast to all the rich, warm dishes on the menu.
Bonus? No soggy greens.
What You’ll Need
- 1 red apple, diced
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe was born from a need—I wanted a holiday salad that could stand on its own and didn’t wilt by dinnertime. I brought it to a family Christmas dinner one year, and it disappeared before the turkey did. It’s been on the table every year since.
- No lettuce = no soggy mess
- It’s still crisp hours later
- Works great as a make-ahead
- Bright and festive, and the flavors pop
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser
Makes
Serves 6
Total Time
15 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 19g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and cucumbers hold up better than leafy greens. The acidity from the vinegar and orange juice keeps the apples from browning. Feta adds creaminess and salt, while cranberries and honey bring the sweet-tart contrast. Olive oil pulls it all together.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting apples too early – they brown fast if not dressed right away
- Using too much dressing – this salad only needs a light drizzle
- Skipping the salt and pepper – it brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit
- Overmixing – it’ll make the fruit mushy
What to Serve With
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Baked ham
- Stuffed acorn squash
- Butternut squash soup
- Fresh bread or dinner rolls
FAQ
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Just wait to add the feta and nuts until right before serving.
What if I don’t like feta?
Goat cheese or cubed cheddar works too.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Sure, just keep it light and not too creamy.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
Leave them out or use roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap apples with pears
- Add pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries
- Use mandarin oranges instead of one large orange
- Skip cheese for dairy-free version
- Add cooked quinoa to bulk it up
Make Ahead Tips
- Dice the apples and store them in lemon water up to 6 hours ahead
- Mix dressing in advance and refrigerate
- Combine everything except feta and nuts until ready to serve
How to Make Colorful No Lettuce Christmas Salad
Step 1: Dice the apples
Dice 1 red apple and 1 green apple into small cubes. Place them into a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the cucumber
Chop 1 large cucumber into small bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the apples.
Step 3: Add the grapes
Slice 1 cup of red grapes in half and toss them into the bowl.
Step 4: Add the orange
Peel and segment 1 orange, removing any seeds or membranes, then add to the salad.
Step 5: Toss in the cranberries and walnuts
Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.
Step 6: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 7: Drizzle and toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until coated.
Step 8: Add feta and serve
Sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top and serve in a round bowl.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Leave off the feta and nuts if you know you’ll have leftovers—they’re better added fresh.
Wrap-Up
This salad has all the holiday feels without being heavy. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent forever on it—but it comes together in 15 minutes. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below and let me know, or ask any questions—I’ve got you.