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.
Feta Beet Salad
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
