60 Easy Christmas Salad Recipes that Complete a Feast

Favorite Mediterranean Salad

Got a crowd coming over for a holiday dinner? This crisp, big-batch Christmas salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas

World’s Best Kale Salad

Instead of the standard spinach, romaine or iceberg, try kale in your salad! I didn’t even like the leafy green until I made this recipe, and now I’m a total convert! —Kathryn Egly, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Prosciutto, Pear & Burrata Salad

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. Instead of pears, try the salad with melon or peaches. —Emily Miles, Sherman Oaks, California

Strawberry Lime Pretzel Salad

I gave a classic summer salad a holiday twist by making green, white and red layers. The combination of salty, sweet, creamy and fruity is always a hit! —Renee Conneally, Northville, Michigan

Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette

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

These salads pair great with any of these Christmas side dishes.

Roasted Pear Salad

Oven-roasted pears take the ho-hum out of this Christmas salad recipe created by our Test Kitchen staff. They tossed together a 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.

Caprese Salad

My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah

Special Radicchio-Spinach Salad

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

Easy Seafood Salad

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 like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma

Wilted Curly Endive

This warm curly endive salad is a deliciously different way to serve lettuce. Unlike other wilted versions, this one is not sweet. Vinegar and bacon give it old-fashioned savory goodness. —Chere Bell, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mushroom Panzanella

My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs well with grilled or roasted meats. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Boston Lettuce with Roasted Red Onions

Forget Christmas salad recipes! This Boston lettuce salad will have your guests asking for the recipe. Top with bacon, or substitute feta for the Gorgonzola for a change of taste. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

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

Fennel Orange Salad

You’ll need just a few ingredients to fix this fresh-tasting Christmas salad recipe. 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

Turnip Greens Salad

My Turnip Greens Salad was created using items from my garden. Because most people cook turnip greens, I wanted to present those same greens in a way that would retain their nutrient content. You could also add different kinds of meat to this salad. I have used cooked shrimp, chicken or beef. —James McCarroll, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Orange and Olives Salad

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

Grapefruit Lettuce Salad

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

Wilted Endive Salad

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

Festive Tossed Salad with Feta

I serve this Christmas salad recipe because it goes with just about any main entree and is a snap to toss together with packaged greens. Dried cranberries and feta cheese add a delightful touch. —Kate Hilts, Fairbanks, Alaska

Elegant Cranberry Pear Salad

This Christmas salad recipe, with its combination of fresh ingredients and crunchy walnuts, is quick to make and yet looks very elegant. —Irene Fenlason, East Helena, Montana

Super Italian Chopped Salad

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

If you have a big family, these Christmas potluck sides are sure to serve everyone!

Kale Caesar Salad

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

Simple Italian Salad

Homemade croutons star in this easy Christmas salad recipe, filled with grape tomatoes, olives and pepperoncinis. I like to serve it with fresh Italian or focaccia bread. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa

Classic Wilted Lettuce Salad

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

Herby Pea Salad

We love spring vegetables. One Mother's Day I came up with this flavorful green salad that everyone enjoyed. You could increase the dressing and mix in some cooked small pasta, like acini de pepe, to make it a more robust salad. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Bok Choy Salad

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, perfect for cookouts or reunions. —Stephanie Marchese, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

Balsamic Asiago Salad

You can toss this Christmas salad recipe together in 10 minutes flat. Simply drizzle bottled dressing over the colorful blend of greens, tomato and peppers. Then add a quick sprinkle of garlic-seasoned cheese and serve. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Kick off your holiday feast with some of these Christmas appetizer recipes.

Nutty Green Salad

This is a deliciously different summer salad just for two. You’ll want to try the light curry-orange dressing! —Barbara Robbins, Chandler, Arizona Beach, Florida Delray Beach

Green Salad with Tangy Basil Vinaigrette

A tart and tangy dressing turns a basic salad into something special. It works for weeknight dining but is good enough for company and pairs perfectly with just about anything. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington

Greens with Hot Bacon Dressing

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

Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Orange Dressing

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

Onion Orange Salad

People always enjoy the bold flavors in this delightful salad. It’s both delicious and beautiful. —Zita Wilensky, North Miami Beach, Florida

Roquefort Pear Salad

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

Pomegranate Splash Salad

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

Pair this pomegranate salad with one of these lovely Christmas drinks.

Antipasto Salad Platter

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

Layered Cranberry Gelatin Salad

Light and tangy, this gelatin is guaranteed to please. Kids go crazy for the marshmallow-cream cheese layer on top. —Irma Senner, Dixmont, Maine

Stumped as to what to serve for your holiday dinner? Browse this list of Christmas dinner ideas.

Cran-Orange Couscous Salad

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

Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette

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

Merry Berry Salad

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

Creamy Cranberry Salad

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

Holiday Lettuce Salad

Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa

Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad

When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Gorgonzola-Pear Mesclun Salad

This pretty salad is a tasty way to get your greens. To change it up, swap apples for pears and pecans for walnuts. —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California

Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey

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

Take it easy this holiday and make one of these easy Christmas recipes.

Farmhouse Apple Coleslaw

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

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Maple Vinaigrette

This salad makes a beautiful presentation for the holidays with the bright colors of the sweet potatoes, cranberries and spinach. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Northwoods Wild Rice Salad

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

Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls

This cheese bowl salad looks impressive but is a cinch to make. I won't tell if you don't! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida

Orange Poppy Seed Salad

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 romanine salad. —Faith Sommers, Bangor, California

Hot Spinach Apple Salad

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

Rainbow Veggie Salad

Every salad should be colorful and crunchy like this one with its bright tomatoes, carrots, peppers and sassy spring mix. Toss with your best dressing. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina

Warm Roasted Beet Salad

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

Italian Green Bean Salad

Basil and red pepper lend bright flavor to this green bean salad. You'll love the crunch pine nuts provide! Kathy Kittell - Lenexa, Kansas

Winter Beet Salad

To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad

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

Cranberry-Sesame Spinach Salad

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

Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts

I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California

Spinach Pear Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette

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

Perfect Winter Salad

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

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

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