10+ Christmas Salad Recipes for Festive and Fresh Holiday Meals

Christmas salad recipes really brighten up your holiday table. They add fresh, colorful dishes that mix sweet, tangy, and crunchy ingredients.

You’ll find options that are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. There’s something about a good salad that just makes the meal feel a little more special.

You’ll discover simple ideas that bring festive flavors and healthy ingredients together in one dish. Whether you want something light or a salad with rich toppings, there are lots of ways to make your Christmas dinner more memorable. Go ahead—try out new combinations that fit your taste and the holiday mood.

1) Mixed Greens with Avocado and Pomegranate

This salad pops with color and freshness—ideal for Christmas. Start with a base of mixed greens for crunch and a mild flavor.

Add ripe avocado for creamy texture. Sprinkle in pomegranate seeds for a juicy, tart burst.

Toss in some candied walnuts or slivered almonds for a special touch. A honey mustard or pomegranate dressing pulls everything together.

Ingredients

• 5 oz mixed greens
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ⅓ cup candied walnuts or slivered almonds
• Honey mustard or pomegranate dressing (about ¼ cup)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens.
2. Slice the avocado and remove the seeds from the pomegranate.
3. Toss greens, avocado, and pomegranate seeds together in a large bowl.
4. Add candied walnuts or almonds.
5. Drizzle with your dressing and gently toss again before serving.

For more ideas on this salad, see this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

2) Christmas Salad with Oranges, Feta, and Candied Pecans

This salad feels fresh and festive. Juicy oranges and tangy feta cheese make a vibrant combo.

Candied pecans bring a sweet crunch. Just toss mixed greens with everything and dress lightly with vinaigrette.

It comes together in about 10 minutes. For more ideas, check out Dinner at the Zoo’s Christmas salad page.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Mandarin oranges or fresh orange slices
• Feta cheese
• Candied pecans
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the mixed greens in a large bowl.
2. Add orange slices, crumbled feta, candied pecans, and pomegranate seeds if using.
3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve right away or chill for up to an hour.

3) Maple-Roasted Walnut and Honey Mustard Salad

This one’s got a sweet, nutty, and tangy vibe. Roast walnuts with maple syrup until they’re golden and crunchy.

Toss them with mixed greens, creamy avocado, and pomegranate seeds for a festive look. The honey mustard dressing brings a zing that ties everything together.

It’s quick to make and tastes super fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup crumbled cheese (feta or goat cheese works well)

Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss walnuts with maple syrup and spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and sticky. Let cool.
4. Whisk honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, pomegranate seeds, and cheese.
6. Add the cooled walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
7. Serve right away and dig in.

4) Baby Greens with Dried Cherries and Parmesan

This salad keeps it simple and fresh. Baby greens make a soft, mild base.

Dried cherries give a sweet, chewy bite. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick.

Pecans bring crunch. Dress everything with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.

This one’s great when you need a fast Christmas side.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby salad greens
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Place baby greens in a large bowl.
2. Add dried cherries, Parmesan, and pecans.
3. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
4. Toss gently to mix and coat evenly.
5. Serve right away.

For more details, check this quick Christmas salad recipe.

5) Arugula and Spinach Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese

This salad pairs peppery arugula and mild spinach with sweet pears. It’s a fresh, tasty base.

Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy bite. Toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch.

A simple lemon or maple vinaigrette brightens everything. This one works for holiday meals or any time you want something light and colorful.

Ingredients

• 4 cups arugula
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and dry arugula and spinach.
2. Slice pears thinly.
3. Toast nuts in a pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, whisk olive oil with lemon juice or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss greens, pears, nuts, and goat cheese in the dressing.
6. Serve right away.

6) Mandarin Orange, Pomegranate, and Cranberry Salad

This salad’s all about bright colors and fresh flavors. Sweet mandarin oranges, tart pomegranate seeds, and dried cranberries come together in a festive mix.

Use mixed greens or spinach for a crisp base. Toss in pecans or candied walnuts for crunch.

Add goat cheese or feta if you like a creamy touch. A honey-mustard-lime dressing balances the sweet and tart notes.

You can throw this together in about 20 minutes, which is a relief on busy holiday days.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mixed greens or spinach
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup pecans or candied walnuts
• ¼ cup goat cheese or feta (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the greens, then place them in a large bowl.
2. Add mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, and dried cranberries to the greens.
3. Sprinkle pecans or candied walnuts on top.
4. Crumble goat cheese or feta over the salad if using.
5. Whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and juice of one lime for the dressing.
6. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.

Find more ideas in the Christmas Salad Recipe collection.

7) Fresh Spinach with Berries and Citrus Dressing

Here’s a simple, tasty salad: fresh spinach, lots of berries, and a citrusy dressing. Blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges add sweet and tangy pops.

The citrus dressing—orange juice or lemon juice with honey and olive oil—pulls it all together. It really highlights the fruit and balances the spinach.

Nuts like pecans or pistachios add crunch. Sprinkle goat cheese or feta on top for a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments
• ½ cup pecans or pistachios
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the spinach.
2. Wash and prepare the berries and mandarin oranges.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, berries, oranges, and nuts.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk ¼ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top just before serving.

8) Pomegranate, Apple, and Feta Salad with Pecans

This salad brings together fresh, colorful flavors that fit right in at the holidays. Sweet pomegranate seeds and crisp apple slices make a great pair with salty feta.

Toasted pecans add crunch. Use mixed greens like spinach or arugula for the base.

Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to finish it off. You can swap pecans for pepitas or toasted walnuts if you need a nut-free version.

Toss in dried cranberries if you want a little extra sweetness.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 green apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens.

2. Place greens in a large bowl.

3. Add apple slices and pomegranate arils.

4. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top.

5. Add crumbled feta cheese.

6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently before serving.

9) Balsamic Glazed Christmas Salad with Pecans and Blue Cheese

This salad’s got that sweet and tangy thing going on. The balsamic glaze gives it a rich kick that plays so well with the crunchy pecans and creamy blue cheese.

Crisp greens and apples keep things fresh and light. It’s a fun mix of textures, and honestly, it just looks festive.

I like using baby mixed greens or mesclun as the base. Toss everything gently with the balsamic glaze—don’t mash it up.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed baby greens
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast pecans in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine greens, sliced apples, and toasted pecans.

3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and toss gently.

4. Sprinkle blue cheese on top before serving.

10) Sweet and Spicy Maple Walnut Salad

Here’s a salad that’s got sweet and spicy vibes all over. You’ll start with fresh baby greens and pile on maple-candied walnuts for that crunchy, slightly fiery bite.

Juicy pomegranate seeds pop with color and freshness. Crumbled goat cheese brings a creamy balance.

A honey mustard or balsamic dressing ties it together. It’s one of those salads that works as a side or a light meal—great for holidays, or really, whenever you want something a little fancy.

Ingredients

• Mixed baby greens
• Pomegranate seeds
• Goat cheese, crumbled
• Walnuts
• Maple syrup
• Cayenne pepper or chili powder
• Honey mustard or balsamic dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Toss the walnuts with maple syrup. Throw in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you want a little kick.

3. Spread those walnuts out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through so they don’t stick or burn.

4. Let the walnuts cool off.

5. In a big bowl, mix together your greens, pomegranate seeds, and goat cheese.

6. Once the walnuts have cooled, add them on top.

7. Drizzle on your dressing. Gently toss everything together right before serving.

Reference for recipe style: Half Baked Harvest Winter Salad