13 Christmas Salad Recipe Ideas That Might Not Need Fancy Dressings to Taste Great

Some December menus benefit from a dish that doesn’t rely on a rich dressing to work well. Here, 13 Christmas salad recipe ideas give you options you can browse depending on the kind of meal you’re putting together. During busy stretches, it’s always easier when at least one side stays uncomplicated. Looking over these ideas makes it simple to pick something that blends into your plans.

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.

Christmas Salad

A close-up of a salad with chopped romaine lettuce, diced white cheese, pecans, and pomegranate seeds on a blue plate.
Christmas Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s nothing quite like this Christmas Salad to bring some festive, fresh flair to your holiday table. Its vibrant colors and lively textures make it a must-have centerpiece. Guests will love how it complements heartier dishes while adding a seasonal touch. Perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday meals with a crisp, refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Christmas 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 serve this Layered Seven Layer Salad, don’t be surprised if it’s the first dish to run out. Each layer brings a different flavor and texture, creating a showstopping look and unbeatable taste. It’s a visual treat that adds a burst of freshness to any gathering. This crowd-pleaser is as fulfilling to look at as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer 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.

Few dishes bring such a touch of nostalgia as this Waldorf Salad on a holiday table. Its balanced mix of crunch and sweetness keeps it a cherished favorite year after year. Despite its classic roots, it always feels fresh and festive among the crowd. Guests often find themselves grabbing seconds and asking what makes it so memorable.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

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.

Once you’ve tried this Crunchy Broccoli Salad, you’ll see why it’s a holiday favorite. The crisp broccoli paired with a creamy dressing creates a fulfilling bite that keeps people coming back for more. It’s perfect for lightening up the table next to heavier dishes. Don’t be surprised if this simple salad becomes the star of your spread.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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 yet impressive, this Easy Caprese Salad might just become your go-to. Its bright colors and simple flavors bring elegance without a lot of effort. It’s ideal when you want something light and fresh to contrast with heartier holiday foods. Best of all, it’s ready in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

If you’re looking for something bold and refreshing, this Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw won’t disappoint. Its vibrant deep red color immediately catches attention, while its crisp texture balances richer holiday plates. The unexpected bite of flavor makes it uniquely memorable, an exciting twist on classic coleslaws.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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.

Refresh your holiday table with this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad that feels like the perfect mix of sweet and tart. The irresistible crunch of Honeycrisp apples paired with fresh greens brings a light yet fulfilling side dish to your plate. It’s a seasonal favorite that feels like it was made for holiday dinners. A perfect pairing for all those comforting main courses.
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.

For a classic option that feels timeless, this Fresh Green Salad is just the thing. Its simplicity lets the freshness of the ingredients shine, making it a great addition to any holiday table. It’s versatile enough to pair with any main dish while giving guests a refreshing choice. Never underestimate the power of a perfectly crisp green salad.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green 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.

Add a pop of festive color to your meal with this Colorful Antipasto Salad. Loaded with bold flavors, it’s sure to catch eyes and bring plenty of interest to the table. Often, this dish becomes the conversation starter because of its variety of ingredients. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a salad with a bit of everything packed into one bowl.
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.

Holiday spreads are always better with a lighter option like this Fresh Quinoa Salad. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a welcome contrast to heavier dishes. You’ll love how it feels wholesome yet celebratory, perfect for bringing balance to your festive meals. It’s the dish that quietly wins over even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Quinoa 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.

Bring a refreshing crunch to the table with this Crunchy Celery Salad that surprises in the best way possible. Though simple, its texture and flavor make it stand out next to any holiday entrée. It’s a great choice for balancing indulgent plates with something light and fresh. You’ll find it disappears faster than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Give your guests something light and refreshing with this Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad. Its clean, simple flavors make it a lovely counterpoint to rich main dishes. The freshness of the ingredients feels like a little escape from heavier options. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest salads can pack the biggest punch at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad

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.

The holiday flavors in this Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad make it impossible to go unnoticed on your table. Its blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements feels perfectly festive without being overdone. It’s hearty enough to stand as a main or side dish, making it incredibly versatile for holiday meals. Trust me, this one’s going to turn some heads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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