With all of the decadent meals and treats that go along with Christmas — we're talking ham, cookies, and hearty sides — we think you'll want to add one of the following Christmas salad recipes to your dinner menu too. Although a main course, dessert, and side dish will likely make an appearance on your table, a Christmas salad adds a light option for those who want something a little healthier with their holiday meal.
However, just because these easy Christmas salad recipes are on the healthy end of the side dish spectrum, they certainly don't skimp on flavor. Don't believe us? Look to the following recipes that use seasonal and delicious additions like apples and sweet potatoes. But the ingredients aren't the only things that make these recipes holiday-ready—some are shaped like wreaths and trees that are perfect for the holidays! So if you're looking for lighter fare to serve during your Christmas dinner, or are accommodating a vegetarian Christmas party guest, there's something in here that everyone will enjoy (even the kids!). To get you inspired, browse some of our favorite Christmas salad recipes right here.
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1
Winter Chopped Salad
We're pretty sure there isn't a more appropriate salad to place on your Christmas menu than one that's packed with winter vegetables. This one features beets, cauliflower, cucumber, and more.
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2
Green Salad With Roasted Carrots and Creamy Tarragon Dressing
You're probably used to chopped carrots in your salad, but what about whole ones? Even better, they're roasted to perfection.
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3
Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad
Searching for a new way to serve sweet potatoes during Christmas dinner? Look no further than this salad that pairs the root vegetable with cauliflower.
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4
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Although Brussels sprouts aren't always a kid-pleasing veggie, we think they'll enjoy the apples this salad offers.
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5
Chopped Salad
Simple, yet flavorful, this chopped salad is a great option should you need a last-minute addition to your table. Just cut up and serve!
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6
Composed Waldorf Salad
Even a classic salad can get a makeover. That's the case for this composed Waldorf salad that separates each ingredient into sections—it's perfect for any picky Christmas guest!
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7
Tossed Salad With Green Goddess Dressing
Don't overcomplicate your Christmas salad. This one uses traditional ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes, but is topped with a delicious green goddess dressing.
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8
Easy Christmas Salad
One of the easiest ways to make your salad perfect for Christmas? Use red and green ingredients like tomatoes and broccoli.
Get the recipe at Simply Stacie.
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9
Christmas Tree Salad
Turn your salad into a Christmas tree by creating star-shaped croutons. Was there ever a more creative idea?
Get the recipe at Lunchbox Bunch.
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10
Spinach Salad Wreath
Not only will this salad serve as a great side dish, but it's also viable Christmas table décor. Talk about too pretty to eat!
Get the recipe at Julie Blanner.
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11
Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette
This salad will have you popping the bubbly — kind of! The holiday dish is dressed with champagne vinegar.
Get the recipe at Two Healthy Kitchens.
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12
Holiday Ambrosia Salad
Serve up the salad of the gods with a holiday twist on Christmas. Ambrosia salad is certainly not a new a idea, but this one using cranberries is!
Get the recipe at Daily Dish Recipes.
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13
Orange and Pomegranate Salad
With brilliant red and green ingredients, this orange and pomegranate salad looks like Christmas. Aren't you ready to dive in?
Get the recipe at Brooklyn Supper.
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14
Mexican Christmas Salad
Thanks to apples and celery, this Mexican Christmas salad is crisp, crunchy, and sweet. Not only is it delicious, but it's very easy to make.
Get the recipe at Brown Sugar and Vanilla.
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15
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Kale and Farro
While the butternut squash in this salad makes it feel wintery, it's the dressing that makes it perfect for your Christmas feast. Why? It's made out of cranberries!
Get the tutorial at Kitchen Confidante.
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16
Rustic Winter Salad
A salad with fresh winter vegetables and hand-torn croutons? Sign us up!
Get the recipe at The Original Dish.
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17
Rejuvenating Winter Broccoli Salad
This salad is packed with avocados, kale, and other healthy ingredients, if you're looking for a super-nutritious side.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
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18
Candied Pecan Pear Pomegranate Salad
Forget about chestnuts roasting on an open fire—we're all about pecans! This recipe uses candied versions, which makes them even better in our opinion.
Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.
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19
Maple Roasted Squash Salad
We're pretty sure there isn't a more wintery combination than maple and acorn squash. This salad uses both!
Get the recipe at The Modern Proper.
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20
Roasted Vegetable Salad with Garlic Dressing
Earthy vegetables like carrots and beets come together to form this winter-ready salad. Topped with a flavorful garlic dressing, it's sure to please your Christmas guests.
Get the recipe at With Food and Love.