27 Colorful, Flavor-Packed Salads That Are Perfect For The Holidays

The holidays are packed with big meals and rich dishes, so having something fresh to break it up can feel like a relief. These salads bring balance without being boring. They’re colorful, full of flavor, and easy to make, so they fit right into the busy holiday chaos.

A salad with pomegranate, walnuts and cranberries. — Persimmon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon. — Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet, tender beets pair with creamy feta and crunchy pistachios in this salad. Tossed with a lemon olive oil dressing, it’s perfect as a light meal or holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Mediterranean carrot salad with white beans and raisins in a glass bowl. — Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shredded carrots, chickpeas, and raisins are mixed with a yogurt-tahini dressing for a fresh salad that’s perfect for rounding out heavier holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Spiralized kohlrabi noodles mixed with crispy veggies and tossed in a Thai-inspired vinaigrette make for a vibrant and crunchy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Avocado lentil salad in a bowl with serving spoon and silver plate with fork. — Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Avocado, lentils, and cranberries come together in this hearty salad with a bright lemon Dijon dressing. A colorful, fresh option for holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad

Persimmon Salad

Sweet, juicy persimmons meet crisp greens, prosciutto, and toasted pecans. This salad is a great way to showcase seasonal fruits with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Salad

Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

A salad with grapefruit, fennel and arugula. — Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grapefruit, pomegranate, and quick-pickled fennel create a bright, refreshing salad. Tossed with an orange Dijon vinaigrette, it’s a great wintertime choice.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Fennel Citrus Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Winter root vegetable salad on a plate with fresh rosemary and sage. — Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips tossed with cranberries, pecans, and blue cheese create a rich, seasonal salad. Balsamic vinegar adds just the right tang.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Green Beans with Feta and Almonds

Plates featuring a green bean and pea salad topped with crumbled feta cheese, almonds, and fresh mint leaves are arranged on a textured surface. A small bowl of almond slices and a wooden serving spoon are nearby. — Green Beans with Feta and Almonds. Photo credit: Joyful Eating Nutrition.

Crisp green beans mixed with peas, feta, and sliced almonds make this a perfect side for the holidays. It’s quick to prep and loaded with flavor to balance out heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Feta and Almonds

Cornbread Salad

Layered cornbread, veggies, and tangy dressing come together in this Southern-inspired dish that’s great for a holiday potluck or as a show-stealer on your table.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Salad

Christmas Salad

A white platter filled with fusilli pasta topped with tomato sauce, sliced olives, mozzarella balls, chunks of chicken, bits of ham, and fresh greens. The dish is placed on a white cloth, with silverware nearby. — Christmas Salad. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Pasta, colorful veggies, and tangy cheese team up to bring holiday cheer to your plate. It’s festive, refreshing, and a great way to lighten up your spread.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad

Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken

A fresh salad with mixed greens, shredded chicken, boiled eggs, red grapes, avocado slices, pecans, and cheese chunks, all tossed with a dressing on the side. — Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

Smoked chicken, greens, grapes, and pecans are tossed with a maple Dijon vinaigrette for a salad that screams fall. It’s an easy make-ahead option for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad with Smoked Chicken

Winter Caesar Salad with Kale & Shrimp

A plate of shrimp salad with leafy greens, croutons, and shaved parmesan on a textured pink surface. A cup of creamy dressing and a bowl of croutons are nearby, with a green cloth napkin underneath the plate. — Winter Caesar Salad with Kale & Shrimp. Photo credit: FoodyWise.

Kale, radicchio, and crispy shrimp take Caesar salad to a whole new level. Topped with parmesan and a creamy dressing, it’s a standout option for a light holiday starter.
Get the Recipe: Winter Caesar Salad with Kale & Shrimp

Panzanella Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

A fresh salad featuring chopped cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, croutons, and mozzarella balls, all topped with shredded cheese, is served on a white plate. A wooden fork and spoon are placed on the side. — Panzanella Salad with Fresh Mozzarella. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

This Tuscan bread and tomato salad is a summer classic turned holiday-ready with its festive colors. The mozzarella and tangy dressing make it perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Salmon Quinoa Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

A vibrant salad with quinoa, chickpeas, salmon pieces, red bell pepper slices, greens, and snap peas. Served with a small dish of dressing on the side. Silverware and a napkin are placed nearby on a light table. — Salmon Quinoa Salad with Miso Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Plates by Nat.

Quinoa, salmon, chickpeas, and snap peas create a hearty, flavor-packed salad. The miso vinaigrette ties it all together, making it a fresh yet satisfying choice for the season.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Quinoa Salad with Miso Vinaigrette

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad

A dish of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with bacon, pecans, and dried cranberries. It's garnished with grated cheese and surrounded by sliced bread, walnuts, Parmesan, dried cranberries, a dark sauce, and a fork and knife on an orange napkin. — Warm Brussels Sprout Salad. Photo credit: Tessie’s Table.

Roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon, and cranberries combine for a salad that’s crunchy, savory, and perfect for winter dinners. The balsamic glaze adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
Get the Recipe: Warm Brussels Sprout Salad

Village Greek Salad

A fresh Greek salad featuring sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and Kalamata olives, topped with thick feta cheese slices and dill. Wooden utensils rest on the side, and a fork with a napkin sits nearby on a marble surface. — Village Greek Salad. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta make this Greek salad a fresh and quick side dish. It’s ready in 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Village Greek Salad

Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

A fresh salad with sliced apples, roasted sweet potatoes, mixed greens, walnuts, feta cheese, and dried cranberries on a black plate. A wooden surface is visible beneath the plate, with scattered pumpkin seeds nearby. — Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Packed with fall flavors, this salad brings together apples, cranberries, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a colorful way to keep things fresh during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Apple Spinach Salad

Crunchy apples, pomegranate seeds, and feta make this spinach salad a standout on any table. The simple maple balsamic dressing gives it a perfect holiday vibe.
Get the Recipe: Apple Spinach Salad

Autumn Roasted Delicata Squash

Roasted delicata squash gets a festive upgrade with pumpkin spice and thyme. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great holiday side dish.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Roasted Delicata Squash

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies tossed in a creamy ranch dressing make this an easy dish that’s great for holiday potlucks or a quick weekday treat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken Harvest Salad

Tender chicken, apples, pears, and almonds on fresh greens, topped with a creamy balsamic dressing. A simple yet great way to brighten up your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Harvest Salad

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Sweet roasted beets meet tangy goat cheese and crunchy onions for a salad that’s both fresh and earthy. It’s a great choice for elegant dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Winter Holiday Salad

Baby greens, pomegranate, pistachios, and goat cheese come together in this festive salad. The pomegranate vinaigrette ties it all up perfectly for a holiday-ready side.
Get the Recipe: Winter Holiday Salad

Salmon Kale Quinoa Salad

Seared salmon, quinoa, and massaged kale make this salad a nutrient-packed dish that’s fresh yet hearty enough for a complete holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Kale Quinoa Salad

Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

A medley of fall fruits and veggies brought together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s easy to make and a perfect centerpiece for seasonal dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Chicken & Strawberry Salad

Juicy marinated chicken and strawberries add a pop of freshness to this salad, while feta and a lemon vinaigrette bring it all together in just the right way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Strawberry Salad

Tomato Carpaccio

Sliced fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs create a dish that’s quick, simple, and perfect for impressing guests. It’s as easy as it gets but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Carpaccio

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.