As the festive season approaches, thoughts naturally turn to holiday gatherings and the meals that bring people together. If you’re still undecided on a menu for your Christmas party or family celebration, now’s the perfect time to start exploring some tasty options.
While salads might not be the first thing that comes to mind during the holidays, they can be a wonderful addition to any festive feast.
The challenge, of course, is finding recipes that are both nutritious and delicious, yet still fit into our busy schedules.
Sweet Potato Roasted Salad With Sweet Honey-Maple Infused Vinaigrette
To elevate this classic sweet potato salad, we’re introducing roasted sweet potatoes and the richness of maple syrup. This game-changing combination is just one part of our guide to creating delectable sides for potato salads (check out the link here). The roasting process imbues the sweet potatoes with a deep caramel flavor, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.
To bring everything together, we’re tossing them in a zesty vinaigrette and serving it over crisp greens for a nutritious side dish that’s sure to impress.
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
This Northwoods Wild Rice Salad is a summer staple in our household, blending the distinct flavors of wild rice, cranberries, and blue cheese. While we’re fond of this particular combination, feel free to substitute with your preferred cheese if blue cheese isn’t your thing. The versatility of this salad makes it an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or fish, pork chops, roasted vegetables, or any other additions you desire.
Caesar Salad In Peppered Parmesan Bowls
While the classic Caesar salad is a comforting familiarity, sometimes we crave more depth and complexity in our dishes. Maybe we’re seeking a richer flavor profile, a satisfying savory taste, or an added kick of spice. Whatever your desire, we’re here to help you take your Caesar game to the next level by exploring innovative twists and variations that will surprise and delight. And if you’re ready to dive in, head straight to our recipe for a culinary adventure.
Orange Poppy Seed Salad
This versatile salad recipe yields a generous portion for four individuals, but can be effortlessly scaled up to accommodate more. Simply add another cup of greens to create extra servings as needed. The type of lettuce you choose is entirely up to personal preference; we opted for romaine in our preparation, but iceberg lettuce also proves to be a delightful alternative.
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
The early 1900s saw the rise of spinach salad as a staple in American cuisine due to its convenience and ease of preparation. This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating sweet apples and crunchy walnuts for an added depth of flavor.
To start, place a generous amount of fresh spinach leaves into a large bowl. Next, add thinly sliced celery, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the mixture well to combine and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once you’ve allowed the salad to rest, gently fold in the remaining ingredients – the chopped apples and walnuts. The textures and tastes will complement each other beautifully, making this spinach salad a delightful addition to any meal.
Rainbow Veggie Salad
Indulge in the vibrant colors and flavors of our Rainbow Vegetable Salad, a vegan masterpiece that combines the best of nature’s hues. This delectable salad is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring rainbow carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, red pepper, green onion, cucumber, tomato, black beans, corn, and cilantro.
Italian Green Bean Salad
This delightful salad recipe is an effortless delight, perfect as either a starter or main course. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with chicken, fish, or meat. With just a few simple steps, you can create this flavorful dish. Begin by thoroughly washing the green beans and trimming off the ends before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Next, cut the tomatoes into wedges for a pop of color and texture.
In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add garlic, sautéing for about 20 seconds to release its aromatic flavor. Add the prepared green beans and tomato wedges to the pan, cooking for approximately 5 minutes while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, garnish with fragrant basil leaves to elevate this dish to new heights.
Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad
Inspired by our enduring passion for Brussels sprouts and quinoa, this recipe has been a staple in our household for years. Its effortless ability to impress guests with every serving is a testament to its timeless appeal. The holiday season brings an added bonus – the perfect excuse to indulge in generous helpings of these nutritious greens.
Spinach Salad With Raspberries & Candied Walnuts
In this delightful salad, the star of the show is a harmonious blend of ingredients, including succulent spinach, tart cranberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and sweet raspberries. To bring these flavors together, combine equal parts of fresh spinach, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced onions in a large serving bowl. Next, add your preferred dressing and toss the mixture until all the ingredients are well coated. For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Serve this salad immediately to enjoy its full flavor profile, or refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before serving.
Cinnamon Apple-Nut Salad
Indulge in this delectable recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious! The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to accommodate your favorite fruits, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the nuts, butter, and brown sugar; mix until well combined. Spread this mixture onto the prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before transferring it to a large mixing bowl. Gently toss in your chosen fruits, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve immediately.
Perfect Winter Salad
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a nutritious salad that’s packed with vitamins A-rich ingredients like apples, kale, walnuts, and cranberries. The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of the kale, while the crunch from the walnuts adds texture. The tanginess from the cranberries provides a lovely contrast. To prepare this winter wonderland salad, start by tearing the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl.
Add the sliced apples to the mix and toss gently. In a separate small bowl, combine the cranberries, walnuts, olive oil, and vinegar. Mix well to create a dressing that’s both tangy and savory. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour the dressing over the kale mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. The result is a deliciously healthy salad that’s sure to become a winter staple.
Cranberry-Eggnog Gelatin Salad
This holiday season, indulge in a rich and creamy dessert by combining homemade or store-bought eggnog with a hint of vanilla extract, rum, and bourbon. For a more authentic experience, opt for eggnog free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and thickeners. To create the base of this indulgent treat, mix together half of the eggnog mixture with lemon juice in a large bowl, stirring well to combine. Add one-quarter cup of sugar and stir again to dissolve.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or until chilled. While the mixture is chilling, prepare the creamy topping by combining the remaining eggnog mixture with an additional quarter cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, taking around 5 to 10 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to a shallow container. Refrigerate until chilled, approximately 45 minutes. To assemble this decadent dessert, spoon some of the cooled eggnog mixture onto individual plates, followed by a thin slice of lime and a few drops of grenadine syrup. Top each serving with a scoop of raspberry sorbet and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves before serving immediately.
Winter Endive Salad
This refreshing salad recipe brings together an eclectic mix of flavors and textures, featuring endives, celery root, oranges, radishes, olives, almonds, and goat cheese. As a versatile side dish, it’s perfect for serving during the colder winter months when warm, comforting dishes may dominate the menu. To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the ingredients for assembly. Start by washing and drying the endive leaves, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Next, peel the orange sections and slice them into wedges, while also slicing the radish into thin strips. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, tossing until they’re well combined. Finally, arrange the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Pomegranate Mandarin Salad With Avocado And Feta
The centerpiece of this seasonal salad is a rich avocado base, elevated by the harmonious union of tart pomegranate arils, savory feta cheese, and succulent mandarins. A subtle kick from the cayenne pepper brings depth to the dish, making it an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats like turkey and ham during the holidays.
Cranberry Jello Salad
This delectable holiday treat is a crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort and only standard grocery store ingredients. Simply combine all the components in a bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, effortlessly pour the mixture into individual bowls and elevate with additional berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a visually appealing presentation.
Roasted Beet And Kale Salad With Maple Candied Walnuts
During the holiday season, we take pleasure in preparing special salads that bring everyone together. This recipe showcases two often underappreciated ingredients – beets and kale – which harmoniously blend color, texture, and nutritional value on the table. With their low calorie count and high nutrient density, they elevate the festive atmosphere without compromising on taste. The dressing, comprising balsamic vinegar and olive oil, is carefully crafted to balance sweetness with tanginess.
This synergy perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the beets, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. To add a sweet and crunchy contrast, we garnish the salad with candied walnuts. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity – requiring no cooking whatsoever! Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a delectable, healthy, and stress-free salad perfect for the holiday season.
Fig Salad With Pomegranates
This seasonal salad masterfully unites the natural sweetness of dried figs, the tartness of pomegranate juice, and the creaminess of goat cheese with a satisfying crunch from almonds. A delicate sprinkle of fresh mint adds a lively touch to the mix.
What might initially seem like a fruit-based salad requiring an excessive amount of ingredients is actually surprisingly streamlined thanks to the dressing’s clever balance.
The tangy balsamic vinegar effectively counterbalances the richness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the figs, bringing harmony to the dish.
Roasted Apple Spicy Salad With Maple-Cider Infused Vinaigrette
Harvesting the flavors of autumn, this recipe brings together the sweetness of apples and pears, the earthiness of kale and radishes, and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper. This salad is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, poultry, fish, or pork chops, elevating their natural flavors with its unique combination.
Merry Berry Salad
Despite its modern-day association with Christmas, this festive salad has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The name ‘Christmas salad’ was first coined by Ruth Graves Wakefield in her book A New Way With Foods, published in the late 1950s. Wakefield’s recipe combined an array of ingredients including cranberries, oranges, pineapple chunks, and pecans, which has since become a staple of the dish.
Over time, variations have emerged, with some recipes featuring creamy dressings like sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, and ketchup, while others opt for green goddess dressing. Despite these changes, the salad remains a beloved holiday classic.
Creamy Cranberry Salad
Combine cranberries, apples, and sugar in a large bowl, stirring until they’re fully incorporated. Then, cover the mixture and refrigerate it for an overnight stay, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Fennel Wild Rice Salad
Harvesting the flavors of autumn, this delectable salad harmoniously blends wild rice with the anise-like sweetness of fennel and the crisp tanginess of apple. As the seasons transition from fall to winter, this recipe becomes a staple for cozy meals, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones.
Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of Thanksgiving with this delectable cranberry orange salad recipe. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this dish combines the tanginess of cranberries with the crunch of fresh vegetables, all tied together by a rich and fruity vinaigrette dressing. Inspired by the classic holiday spread, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite for your Friendsgiving gatherings.
Gorgonzola-Pear Mesclun Salad
A refreshing twist on the classic cheese and fruit combination is achieved by incorporating sweet blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola Dolce, into the mix. This unique addition adds a tangy yet harmonious element to the dish. To create this delightful salad, start by preparing the mesclun greens by rinsing and drying them thoroughly. Next, carefully cut off the core of the pear and slice it into thin wedges, allowing for even distribution throughout the salad.
Combine the greens with the pear and crumble the Gorgonzola overtop, taking care not to overpower the other ingredients. Finish the dish by drizzling high-quality balsamic vinegar over the salad and gently tossing to combine. Serve immediately to fully appreciate the flavors and textures at their best.
Orange Pomegranate Salad With Honey
Pomegranate molasses, a key ingredient in this recipe, is a tangy and flavorful condiment derived from the concentrated juice of pomegranate fruits. Commonly utilized in Middle Eastern cuisine, it shares similarities with maple syrup in terms of its rich, sweet flavor profile. Food enthusiasts can readily find pomegranate molasses at specialty stores like Whole Foods Market or online marketplaces.
Apple Walnut Slaw
Combining the flavors of autumn and winter, this recipe brings together a harmonious blend of apple cider vinegar, honey, crunchy walnuts, warm spices like celery seed and mustard seeds, flaky salt, peppery flavor, and a touch of oil. This medley of ingredients makes it an ideal choice for cozying up with a hearty meal during the colder months.
Final Thoughts
This festive season, consider serving Christmas Salad at your next gathering. This straightforward yet impressive dish is sure to delight both you and your guests. With its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a great option for any holiday meal.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.