15 Christmas Salad Recipe Ideas Designed for Any Kind of December Gathering

Juggling December invites gets a little simpler when you have 15 Christmas salad recipe ideas to browse. Holiday plans often call for dishes that feel festive without getting overly complicated. Bringing a fresh salad can be just the thing for casual friends or a formal dinner alike. Choosing from a variety helps keep your holiday meals feeling new every time.

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs.
Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic flavors and familiar crunch join forces in this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make, bringing comfort to every Christmas gathering. Fresh fruit and a creamy finish spark memories of past celebrations. I serve this when I want something both nostalgic and refreshing on the holiday table. Guests often chat about how much they missed this tradition.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Fresh Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Fresh Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright lettuce and crisp veggies fill plates with color alongside this Fresh Green Salad. A light bite balances richer holiday mains, keeping meals cheerful and lively. I put this salad front and center during December dinners for a burst of freshness. People notice how much they appreciate the simple crunch beside heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Salad

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese deliver a quick, colorful addition with this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes for busy holiday nights. The red, white, and green on the plate feel extra festive each time it’s served. I rely on this vibrant salad for gatherings requiring speedy prep. Bowls empty quickly as guests enjoy the lively flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Christmas Salad

A close-up of a salad with chopped romaine lettuce, diced white cheese, pecans, and pomegranate seeds on a blue plate.
Christmas Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Festive touches fill every bite of this Christmas Salad, setting a joyful mood right at the start of your meal. Pops of color and a mix of textures turn simple greens into something special for December events. I like having this on the buffet to keep things bright. Friends always mention how it makes the spread sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad

Ham Salad

A bowl filled with ham salad, containing chopped ham, celery, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs, mixed with mayonnaise.
Ham Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Creamy texture and savory notes make this Ham Salad a smart way to stretch leftovers while still feeling like a treat. It works as both a snack and a featured side during holiday parties. I often spoon this into rolls for quick lunches between December activities. Comments center on how satisfying it feels after a long day out in the cold.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad

Patriotic Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

A salad with spinach leaves, watermelon cubes, blueberries, raspberries, and crumbled feta cheese in a white bowl.
Patriotic Red White and Blue Vegan Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Red, white, and blue ingredients bring a cheerful twist to this Patriotic Red White and Blue Vegan Salad even outside of summer. The bright colors pop on a winter table and impress guests who love creativity. I feature this salad for parties needing a little flair. Most people ask what brings the fun colors together in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

Layered Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Generous layers bring eye-catching excitement to the table with this Layered Seven Layer Salad at big family style feasts. Each scoop comes with a taste of something new, turning a simple salad into a conversation piece. I use this for potlucks because sharing is easy. People love guessing what’s hiding at the bottom layer.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Vibrant purple cabbage and tangy dressing lend a punchy flavor in this Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw. A snap of crunch gives even rich holiday spreads a bit of brightness. I toss up extra for buffets that need something light and colorful. After a heavy meal, guests appreciate the pop of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty broccoli pieces and a creamy swirl keep people coming back for more in this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Even those who usually skip veggies stop to scoop a serving. I hand out recipes when someone realizes how much flavor comes in a single bowl. The cheerful crunch fits well with December gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plump cranberries and toasted pecans turn this Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad into something more special than your average chicken salad. Sweet and savory bites make a wonderful light lunch after a morning of gift-wrapping. I reach for this recipe when December leftovers pile up. Guests often ask if it’s a new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Colorful Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Colorful Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meats, cheeses, and pickled veggies all share the stage in this Colorful Antipasto Salad that gets noticed as soon as it appears. Charcuterie lovers fill their plates first, hoping to sample every ingredient. I add extra for buffet tables looking to impress. It draws questions from anyone searching for bold flavors beyond the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Clean flavors and cool crunch deliver relief from richer foods in this Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad. The pretty red and green shades feel just right for December tables. I serve it whenever holiday dinners need something that cuts through the heaviness. Leftovers make perfect sides for next-day sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fresh Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Fresh Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Light grains and fresh vegetables create balance in this Fresh Quinoa Salad after rounds of holiday treats. The healthy profile appeals to those keeping things nutritious without skipping celebration. I find this bowl empties faster than anyone expects. Guests enjoy exploring the textures after too many sweets.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Quinoa Salad

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Juicy apples and crunchy bites make this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad perfect for adding a little sweetness to December meals. The lively flavor keeps things interesting between heavier classics. I prepare this salad for brunches and keep some set aside for quick snacks. People are pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs.
Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cool celery and a pop of flavor wake up the palate in this Crunchy Celery Salad. Crisp bites help guests reset between rich courses at holiday banquets. I rotate this in when dinners feel too heavy or predictable. The salad’s lightness always gets noticed, especially by those who believe they never eat celery.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

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