Kick off your holiday dinner with beautiful Christmas salads full of color, crunch and seasonal ingredients, from sweet-tart cranberries to peppery lettuces.
48 Beautiful Christmas Salads for Your Holiday Table
Updated on Jun. 23, 2025
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Cranberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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World’s Best Kale Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of your average dinner salad, try a kale salad. I didn't like kale until I made this! —Kathryn Egly, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 181 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
3/48
Prosciutto, Pear & Burrata Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this salad came to me when we ordered a restaurant appetizer that was prosciutto, burrata, a little arugula and olive oil. I was inspired to make it into a salad with just a few more ingredients. You can try the salad with melon or peaches instead of pears. —Emily Miles, Sherman Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 297 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
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Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet balsamic vinaigrette always pulls everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. Raspberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so I'm always eager to find a new use for them. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 240 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
These salads pair great with any of these Christmas side dishes.
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Roasted Pear Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oven-roasted pears take the ho-hum out of this green salad. Toss together the good-for-you medley of mellow pear slices, crispy greens, nuts and dried cranberries. The creamy dressing carries yet more pear flavor, sweetened with just a touch of honey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 174 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
6/48
Special Radicchio-Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Almost too pretty to eat, this colorful salad combines mint, chipotle pepper and honey to create a refreshing sweet-spicy flavor combination. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Easy Seafood Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and liked it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Mushroom Panzanella
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs well with grilled or roasted meats. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 210 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Boston Lettuce with Roasted Red Onions
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget boring tossed salads! This Boston lettuce salad will have your guests asking for the recipe. Top it with bacon, or substitute feta for the Gorgonzola for a change of taste. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 101 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe really showcases pears. When I have leftover cooked chicken, I often add it to the recipe to make a main dish salad. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with about 3 tablespoons dressing: 315 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
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Fennel Orange Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll need just a few ingredients to fix this fresh-tasting salad. The combination of crisp fennel and juicy oranges is delightful. To reduce last-minute prep, make it the day before you plan to serve it. —Nina Hall, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 143 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Orange and Olives Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made sure this Christmas salad recipe was on our holiday table every year. It’s so light and simple to make. And it looks pretty on the table! —Angela David, Lakeland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 54 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
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Grapefruit Lettuce Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A light vinaigrette flavored with cilantro and grapefruit juice drapes this tangy salad. You can make the dressing ahead because it keeps well in the refrigerator. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
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Wilted Endive Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this endive salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering. —Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 122 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Festive Tossed Salad with Feta
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this when we’re having company because it’s fast and easy, and it goes with just about anything. Cranberries and feta cheese add a bright touch to the colorful salad. It’s a snap to toss together with packaged greens. —Kate Hilts, Fairbanks, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Elegant Cranberry Pear Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad recipe, with its combination of fresh ingredients and crunchy walnuts, is quick to make yet looks very classy. —Irene Fenlason, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 169 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Super Italian Chopped Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all so we can get a bit of everything in each bite. —Kim Molina, Duarte, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
If you have a big family, these Christmas potluck sides are sure to serve everyone!
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Kale Caesar Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Caesar salads, so I created this blend of kale and romaine lettuces with a creamy Caesar dressing. It is perfect paired with chicken or steak for a light weeknight meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Wilted Lettuce Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were kids, my sister and I would prepare the freshly picked lettuce for this wilted lettuce salad recipe, rinsing it several times and carefully drying it. As we did so, we quibbled about the portions we'd each have. Somehow, it seems she always managed to get more! We still can't get enough of this salad. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 118 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Bok Choy Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Depending on what I have at home, I sometimes use only the sunflower kernels or almonds in this bok choy salad. This recipe makes a big amount, so it's perfect for cookouts or reunions. —Stephanie Marchese, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 240 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Greens with Hot Bacon Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in a German community, I ate this salad often. It's an old traditional dish—I recall my grandmother talking about her mother making this recipe.
As a variation, the old-timers in my family cut up some boiled potatoes on dinner plates, then serve the warm salad mixture on top. —Robert Enigk, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 93 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Orange Dressing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted pumpkin and dried fruits make this beautiful seasonal salad a natural match for holiday recipes. The dressing is a light, tasty mix of honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top it all off with crumbled goat cheese for that final tangy touch. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
23/48
Onion Orange Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People always enjoy the bold flavors in this delightful salad. It’s both delicious and beautiful. —Zita Wilensky, North Miami Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Roquefort Pear Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests at a barbecue we hosted one summer brought this cool, refreshing salad. Now it's a mainstay at many of our gatherings year-round. The mingling of zesty tastes and textures instantly wakes up the taste buds. —Sherry Duval, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 171 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Pomegranate Splash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
Pair this pomegranate salad with one of these lovely Christmas drinks.
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Antipasto Salad Platter
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to work in a pizza shop where this salad was the most popular item on the menu. The dish is perfect for nights when it’s just too hot to cook. —Webbie Carvajal, Alpine, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 342 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1830mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
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Layered Cranberry Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and tangy, this gelatin is guaranteed to please. Kids go crazy for the marshmallow-cream cheese layer on top. —Irma Senner, Dixmont, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 239 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Stumped as to what to serve for your holiday dinner? Browse this list of Christmas dinner ideas.
28/48
Cran-Orange Couscous Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 403 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
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Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Merry Berry Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dried cranberries, crunchy apple chunks and toasted almonds dress up this crisp green salad. It's drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing that's a snap to blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 367 calories, 28g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
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Holiday Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 144 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top it with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 154 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Gorgonzola-Pear Mesclun Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty salad is a tasty way to get your greens. To change it up, swap in apples for the pears and pecans for the walnuts. —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 204 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
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Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 62 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
Take it easy this holiday and make one of these easy Christmas recipes.
35/48
Farmhouse Apple Coleslaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend from church gave me this apple coleslaw recipe that her grandmother handed down to her. The flavors complement each other well, while the fruit creates a refreshing change of pace from the usual coleslaw. —Jan Myers, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
36/48
Sweet Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
37/48
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that’s popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
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Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edible salad bowls look impressive but are a cinch to make. It can be your little secret! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
39/48
Orange Poppy Seed Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our area, olives, walnuts, pomegranates and oranges are grown locally, and I love using them in recipes. I include all four ingredients in a simple but refreshing romaine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 327 calories, 27g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
41/48
Warm Roasted Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe lets beets shine. It's a hearty main dish salad that is beautiful on the plate too. If I have it, I like to use hazelnut oil in this salad. —Jill Anderson, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 147 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
42/48
Italian Green Bean Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Basil and red pepper lend bright flavor to this green bean salad. You'll love the crunch that pine nuts provide! —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
43/48
Winter Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 213 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
44/48
Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 286 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
45/48
Cranberry-Sesame Spinach Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a feast or any occasion, we love this snappy fall salad that balances sweet and sour with good crunch from almonds and sesame seeds. —Stephanie Smoley, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 257 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Spinach Pear Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy from balsamic and mellowed with chocolate, the light vinaigrette stays well-blended. It would add an interesting twist to berries or watermelon too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
47/48
Perfect Winter Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
48/48
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Christmas Salads FAQ
What are the best festive salad recipes for Christmas?
The best festive salad recipes for Christmas balance color and crunch with seasonal ingredients and can be presented in beautiful serving trays. Try topping hearty greens, like kale, with roasted root vegetables and citrus segments for a bright but hearty salad. Dried cranberries or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds instantly bring a sweet-tart, fruity flavor to salads, which is perfect for dinner or alongside a Christmas brunch spread.
What seasonal ingredients can be used to make Christmas salads?
Seasonal produce items like cranberries, pears, citrus, winter squash and Brussels sprouts add varied textures, flavors and gorgeous colors to holiday salads. Try mixing warm cooked vegetables, like butternut squash or parsnips, with raw shaved Brussels sprouts or fennel for layers of complexity in every bite. Add fresh or dried fruit like oranges and pomegranate seeds for a sweet edge to offset the deep flavor of root vegetables or bitter greens. Mixing in fruits, vegetables and cheeses in shades of red, green and white instantly gives salads a holly-jolly vibe.
How can you make easy holiday salads for a crowd?
Holiday salads for a crowd should be sturdy, simple and easy to prep ahead. Consider Christmas salads with grains, roasted vegetables and chopped kale, which all hold up well and do not quickly wilt. For more delicate salads, clean and chop vegetables in advance and store homemade salad dressings in jars, but wait to assemble everything until it’s time to eat. To finish, top salads with herbs, seeds, sliced citrus or crumbled cheese.
