Gather ’round the table this holiday season with an assortment of 25+ delicious winter salads and sides that will add a touch of festivity to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, these recipes are sure to impress and become a new tradition in your household.
Roasted Beet and Kale Salad Holiday Recipe
Fresh from the world of culinary delights, this salad showcases the harmony of flavors and textures in a single dish. The combination of roasted beets and candied walnuts atop a bed of kale is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, while the crumbled fresh goat cheese adds a tangy note that elevates the entire experience. This salad is particularly well-suited for festive gatherings, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
If time is short, consider using store-bought roasted beets to simplify the preparation process without compromising on flavor.
Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Wrapped in vibrant colors, this pasta salad exudes a sense of festive joy that’s sure to elevate any holiday gathering. The classic combination of ranch and bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile that transcends age and regional preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be served alongside Christmas lunch or as a tantalizing complement to your holiday appetizers.
Colorful Beet, Carrot and Pomegranate Christmas Salad
Beyond mere aesthetics, this vibrant salad offers a symphony of seasonal flavors that can rival even the most intricately prepared main courses. Think of it as a prime example of how a few simple yet bold ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece. To craft this visually stunning dish, begin by artfully arranging slices of beets and carrots on a plate in a way that creates a harmonious balance between colors and textures.
Next, sprinkle pomegranate seeds and pistachios liberally over the top to add a burst of color and crunch. Finally, finish the salad with a delicate drizzle of simple red wine vinegar dressing. The resulting combination not only elevates the fresh, earthy flavors of the vegetables but also infuses every meal with a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
Bacon Broccoli Raisin Salad Recipe for Christmas
Just as Christmas is a time to indulge in rich flavors and textures, this Bacon Broccoli Raisin Salad embodies that spirit perfectly. The combination of crispy bacon bites and crunchy broccoli florets provides a delightful contrast of sensations on the palate, which is elevated by the creamy mayo dressing.
The sweetness of the raisins adds a chewy dimension that harmoniously complements the salty flavors of the bacon, creating a truly decadent taste experience that’s sure to impress during the festive season.
Super Simmple Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pears
Taking a break from rich and heavy foods after a meal can be beneficial for our digestive system. This warm Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad offers a delightful respite with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, readily available at stores like Trader Joe’s, makes preparation a breeze.
The fusion of tender, roasted Brussels sprouts with luscious pears creates a harmonious union that not only satisfies our taste buds but also provides essential nutrients. A light homemade vinaigrette brings all the flavors together without overpowering the natural goodness of the ingredients. This salad is an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet, particularly when Brussels sprouts are in season and at their peak flavor.
Sweet and Tangy Potato Salad
Masterfully crafted to cater to diverse tastes, this Potato Salad strikes the perfect chord with its subtly sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for any occasion or meal. The silky texture of boiled potatoes is beautifully contrasted by the crunchy freshness of onions and celery, all skillfully combined with a smooth mayonnaise dressing that adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
A timeless classic that consistently delivers comfort and a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
Easy to Make Fruit and Chicken Salad With Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
Packed with an assortment of delectable toppings, this Fruit and Chicken Salad is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. From the sweetness of juicy fruits to the tenderness of chicken, crunchy nuts add a satisfying texture while creamy cheese contributes a rich depth of flavor.
The crowning glory, however, lies in the homemade poppy seed dressing that brings everything together, adding a subtle tanginess without overpowering the other ingredients, allowing each component to shine in harmony.
Healthy Christmas Fruit Salad
Harnessing the spirit of Christmas, a Healthy Christmas Fruit Salad is an ideal way to kick-start the day with a nutritious and festive tone that balances out the indulgences of the holiday season. This special fruit salad has become a staple on Christmas morning, often paired with some form of protein to offer a balanced counterpoint to the day’s sweet treats.
By incorporating a mix of vibrant fruits, this salad provides a refreshing burst of energy and serves as a delightful reminder of the season’s bounty. Whether served as part of a hearty breakfast or as a light dessert, this fruit salad is a joyous addition to your holiday festivities.
Savory Pumpkin Pear Salad
Packed with seasonal ingredients and bursting with flavor, the Pumpkin Pear Salad is a standout dish that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. The combination of crunchy walnuts and a rich, nutty pumpkin seed oil vinaigrette creates a delightful mix of savory and sweet notes that elevate this salad to new heights. Not only does it tantalize the taste buds, but it also boasts an impressive array of nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for healthiness.
Easy and Tasty Arugula Apple Salad with Pecans
Paired with the sweetness of crisp apples, crunchy pecans add a delightful texture to the Arugula Apple Salad. The sharp red onion contributes a pungency that balances out the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese. This harmonious blend is further enhanced by a simple apple cider vinaigrette dressing. As an added bonus, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare and makes for a stunning accompaniment to fall days and festive holiday gatherings.
Delicious Christmas Wreath Pear Salad
Often considered the crowning glory of holiday menus, the Christmas Wreath Pear Salad brings together an exquisite combination of flavors and textures. The salad’s unique mix of pears, nuts, and pomegranates creates a refreshing and revitalizing experience for the palate. Not only is this dish a feast for the eyes with its festive presentation, reminiscent of a traditional Christmas wreath, but it also boasts the added benefit of being quick to prepare.
This makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings where time and aesthetics are paramount concerns. The harmonious balance of flavors and colors in each ingredient adds to the overall appeal, resulting in a dish that is as visually stunning as it is mouth-wateringly delicious.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Cranberries
Yearning for a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season? Look no further! Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are paired with crunchy pecans and tart cranberries in this mouthwatering recipe, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. It’s an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re in the mood for a hearty, healthy side that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is designed to cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to your festive table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just want to add some excitement to your daily meals, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Homemade Winter Spinach Salad with Cranberries
Generally, adding some freshness to your meals can make all the difference, especially during the colder months. A Spinach Salad with Cranberries is an excellent choice for elevating your culinary experience. The combination of crisp spinach leaves, sweet cranberries, and juicy pears is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of creamy goat cheese. This salad is not only a delicious side dish but also a great way to add some healthy nutrients to your meals.
The spinach provides a boost of iron and antioxidants, while the cranberries offer a burst of vitamin C and fiber. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a quick and easy lunch option, this salad is sure to impress.
Healthy Bacon, Blue Cheese & Pecan Spinach Salad
Packed with an irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Pecan Spinach Salad truly stands out from the ordinary. The harmonious blend of crispy bacon, pungent blue cheese, and crunchy pecans pairs perfectly with fresh spinach, while a light and refreshing homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings all the elements together.
Perfect as an appetizer or a show-stopping side dish, this gluten-free salad is sure to be the star of any meal, captivating the attention of both the taste buds and the eyes of your guests.
Caprese Christmas Wreath – Best Salad for Winter Holidays
Unlocking the magic of Christmas, the Caprese Wreath Salad is an inspired fusion of flavors and presentation. This creative twist on the classic Caprese elements—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—takes center stage in a stunning wreath design, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table.
Its irresistible combination of taste and festive flair has earned it a special place among holiday favorites, captivating the essence of the season with its visually appealing and delectable charm.
Delicious Nostalgic Red Hot Jello Salad
Welcoming nostalgia to your dining table is a breeze with the Red Hot Jello Salad. This innovative creation, which combines cinnamon-flavored gelatin and applesauce, not only adds a pop of color but also brings back fond memories of past celebrations. Its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent side dish that complements any dinner setting, especially during the holidays when family and friends come together.
Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or a modern gathering, this delightful salad is sure to be a hit with its sweet and tangy taste, leaving everyone looking forward to the next bite.
Orange Dijon Vinaigrette on a Winter Citrus Perfect Salad
Lighten up your winter meals with this vibrant salad dressed in an Orange Dijon Vinaigrette, expertly crafted to bring out the natural sweetness of the fresh oranges. The dressing, infused with the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the subtlety of thyme, perfectly complements the mixed greens topped with slices of winter citrus, creamy avocado, sharp red onion, and crumbly goat cheese, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.
This salad is not only packed with flavor but also with an impressive array of nutrients, making it a refreshing choice that might just become your new favorite dish to enjoy throughout the colder months.
Make Christmas Salad with Roasted Pear & Pecan
Gathering around the table to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones is an essential part of the holiday season. This Christmas Salad, with its combination of sweet roasted pears, rich pecans, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pomegranates, provides a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. The salad’s fresh spinach leaves provide a peppery contrast to the sweetness of the pears, while the homemade balsamic dressing brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty option for a fall dinner or a wonderful addition to any holiday meal, this salad is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Fall Holiday Salad With Apples, Vegan Feta, And Candied Pecans
Gathering together an array of flavors and textures, this fall salad has become a holiday staple. Its unique blend of tart apples, salty vegan feta, pungent green onions, and sweet candied pecans is perfectly balanced by the tangy cider vinaigrette dressing. What’s more, this salad caters to diverse dietary needs, being both vegan and gluten-free, making it an inclusive choice for everyone at the table to indulge in a deliciously festive dish.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
