Looking for Christmas salad recipes that actually brighten the holiday table? Fresh greens, winter fruits, crunchy nuts, and flavorful dressings can balance out all the rich roasts and baked dishes we enjoy this time of year.
This collection brings together 50 Christmas salad recipes that feel seasonal without being complicated. You’ll find classic potato and chicken bowls, vibrant citrus salads, creamy options made with simple pantry ingredients, and colorful fruit-and-grain combinations that work for Christmas dinner or the days that follow.
Each recipe comes with clear ingredients, easy steps, and helpful notes so you can build a fresh festive spread with confidence.
1. Mixed Greens with Apple, Honey Dijon and Pomegranate
This salad brings together sweet apple slices and jewel-like pomegranate kernels. A honey Dijon dressing gives balance with a gentle tang. The combination feels festive without any extra effort.
Ingredients
Mixed greens
Thin apple slices
Pomegranate kernels
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Salt
Making Process
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Add the apple slices and pomegranate kernels on top. In another bowl, whisk olive oil with apple cider vinegar, honey and Dijon until smooth. Taste and season lightly. Pour the dressing slowly over the greens and toss gently so the apples stay crisp. Serve immediately for best texture.
2. Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Holiday Salad
Mandarin oranges add natural sweetness while dried cranberries bring a pleasant chewiness. With a light orange dressing, the flavors stay balanced and refreshing.
Ingredients
Lettuce of your choice
Mandarin orange segments
Dried cranberries
Pistachios or walnuts
Olive oil
Orange juice
Salt
Black pepper
Making Process
Spread the lettuce across a serving bowl. Add the mandarin segments and dried cranberries. Stir olive oil with orange juice and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and finish with pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
3. Romaine Christmas Crunch Salad with Pears and Craisins
Romaine stays crisp long after dressing, making it ideal for holiday gatherings. Pears bring a smooth sweetness while craisins give a festive red color.
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
Pear slices
Craisins
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Honey
Black pepper
Making Process
Chop the romaine and place it on a platter. Arrange pear slices and craisins evenly across the top. In a small bowl, stir olive oil with lemon juice and honey. Taste until the balance feels right. Pour over the greens and serve right away.
4. Spring Mix Christmas Wreath Salad
Arranging the greens in a circular shape turns a simple salad into a holiday centerpiece. The mix of soft cheese, nuts and tomatoes creates contrast in both color and texture.
Ingredients
Spring mix greens
Cherry tomatoes
Feta or mozzarella pearls
Sliced almonds or pistachios
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Black pepper
Making Process
Lay the spring mix in a ring shape around the edge of a platter. Add tomatoes and cheese around the circle. Whisk olive oil with balsamic vinegar and season lightly. Drizzle it over the greens. Scatter nuts over the top and serve.
5. Arugula and Cherry Tomato Christmas Colors Salad
Arugula gives a peppery note that works well with sweet tomatoes. This is a quick salad that still feels special.
Ingredients
Arugula
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Making Process
Place arugula in a bowl. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them on top. Mix olive oil with lemon juice and a small pinch of salt. Toss the salad lightly and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Iceberg and Arugula Salmon Ribbon Salad
Iceberg adds crunch while arugula provides peppery sharpness. Thin ribbons of chilled salmon bring richness without overpowering the greens.
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce
Arugula
Thin slices of smoked or chilled salmon
Soft cream cheese
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Honey
Mustard
Making Process
Arrange the iceberg and arugula on a large flat platter. Whisk olive oil with soy sauce, honey and mustard until smooth. Fold the salmon slices and place them gently on the greens. Add small spoonfuls of cream cheese. Drizzle the dressing lightly before serving.
7. Rocket Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
Pomegranate adds brightness while feta provides a creamy and salty contrast. Rocket leaves keep the salad lively with a natural peppery note.
Ingredients
Rocket leaves
Pomegranate kernels
Feta
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Making Process
Combine rocket leaves with pomegranate kernels in a bowl. Crumble feta on top. Mix lemon juice with a bit of olive oil and a touch of salt. Spoon the dressing over the salad right before serving.
8. Mint, Pear and Blue Cheese Snowflake Salad
Mint gives a fresh winter aroma that works surprisingly well with soft pears and bold blue cheese. This salad feels elegant without being heavy.
Ingredients
Mixed greens
Mint leaves
Pear slices
Blue cheese
Olive oil
White wine vinegar
Making Process
Place mixed greens on a serving plate. Add pear slices and scatter fresh mint leaves across the salad. Crumble blue cheese over everything. Combine white wine vinegar with olive oil. Pour lightly over the top and serve.
9. Cucumber, Tomato and Dill Festive Bowl
This cold salad holds well for several hours, making it an easy option for pre-holiday prep. The dill brightens the simple vegetables.
Ingredients
Diced cucumbers
Tomato chunks
Red onion slices
Fresh dill
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Making Process
Add cucumbers, tomatoes and onion to a mixing bowl. Chop dill and mix it in generously. Stir olive oil with lemon juice and salt. Coat the vegetables evenly and chill before serving.
10. Greek Inspired Christmas Salad with Olives and Mozzarella
This salad delivers bold Mediterranean flavors and a red and green color palette that suits the season nicely.
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
Tomato slices
Mozzarella balls
Black olives
Olive oil
Oregano
Salt
Making Process
Chop romaine and place it in a bowl. Add tomato slices, olives and mozzarella. Mix olive oil with oregano and a small amount of salt. Pour the dressing over the top and serve while the greens are crisp.
11. Ambrosia-Style Pineapple and Mandarin Salad
Inspired by classic fruit bowls but slightly lighter. Pineapple and mandarins give juicy bursts, while a creamy layer ties everything together without making it overly sweet.
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks drained well
Mandarin orange segments
Cherries pitted
Vanilla yogurt or a mild flavored yogurt
Whipped topping
Mini marshmallows
Making Process
Combine pineapple, mandarins and cherries in a deep bowl, making sure excess liquid is removed. Add the yogurt and fold it in gently. Spoon in the whipped topping and mix just enough to combine. Stir in mini marshmallows. Chill before serving so the fruit stays firm and the flavors come together gently.
12. Snowy Vanilla Marshmallow Fruit Mix
This salad works well as a fresh dessert or a side dish for Christmas brunch. The marshmallows soften slightly and absorb the fruit juices after resting in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Strawberries cut into quarters
Red grapes halved
Mandarin orange segments
Crushed pineapple drained
Prepared vanilla pudding
Whipped topping
Mini marshmallows
Making Process
Add all prepared fruits to a mixing bowl. Spoon in the vanilla pudding and mix gently so the fruit stays whole. Fold in the whipped topping and mini marshmallows. Let it chill for at least an hour to thicken naturally.
13. Apple and Pecan Praline Holiday Salad
This one has a caramel-like nut crunch paired with crisp apples. The honey Dijon dressing brings a warm winter note.
Ingredients
Thin apple slices
Pomegranate kernels
Pecan praline pieces
Soft goat cheese or feta
Honey
Dijon mustard
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice
Making Process
Layer apple slices on mixed greens. Sprinkle pomegranate kernels and crumble the goat cheese over the top. Add the pecan praline pieces. Whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon and vinegar. Adjust with lemon if needed. Drizzle gently and serve immediately so the apples stay crisp.
14. Pear and Pistachio Citrus Salad
Pear sweetness works beautifully with citrus dressing and pistachio texture. This salad feels delicate yet uplifting.
Ingredients
Pear slices
Mixed greens
Pistachios
Cranberries
Olive oil
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Salt
Black pepper
Making Process
Place the greens on a platter. Add pear slices across the top. Scatter pistachios and cranberries. Mix olive oil with orange juice and a small amount of zest. Season lightly. Pour over the salad and serve chilled.
15. Christmas Tree Pear and Cranberry Salad
This is arranged in a tall triangular shape, giving it a fun seasonal presentation. The fruit acts as colorful ornaments.
Ingredients
Chopped lettuce
Pear cubes
Cranberries
Pistachios or walnuts
Orange-based dressing
Small star-shaped toast or crouton
Making Process
Arrange the lettuce on a flat plate in a triangular mound. Add pear cubes and cranberries evenly so that the green and red contrast stands out. Drizzle orange dressing lightly. Place a small toasted star on the top as a tree topper. Serve immediately so the greens hold their shape.
16. Grapes and Mandarin Cream Salad
This winter fruit salad is refreshing and simple. The creamy dressing keeps it from tasting overly tart.
Ingredients
Mandarin segments
Seedless grapes halved
Pineapple tidbits
Vanilla pudding
Whipped topping
Making Process
In a mixing bowl, add all the fruit. Add the pudding and fold slowly. Mix in the whipped topping. Chill for an hour before eating so it thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
17. Orange and Walnut Bright Winter Bowl
Walnuts and oranges make a classic cold-weather pairing. A simple citrus dressing keeps the flavors clean.
Ingredients
Orange slices or segments
Greens like romaine
Walnuts toasted
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Making Process
Layer the greens on your serving plate. Add orange segments. Sprinkle toasted walnuts. Stir together olive oil and lemon juice, then drizzle over the salad. Serve cold.
18. Pineapple, Coconut and Cream Light Holiday Bowl
Inspired by lighter holiday fruit mixes without overpowering sweetness. Works well for brunch or served alongside grilled meats.
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks
Coconut shreds
Vanilla yogurt
Mini marshmallows
Whipped topping
Making Process
Mix pineapple and coconut in a bowl. Add yogurt and fold gently. Add whipped topping and marshmallows. Let it rest chilled until serving.
19. Green Apple and Cranberry Mint Salad
Mint cuts through the sweetness of green apple and introduces a bright winter freshness.
Ingredients
Thin green apple slices
Cranberries or dried cranberries
Fresh mint
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Honey
Making Process
Place apple slices in a bowl. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add cranberries and mint. Stir olive oil with a small drizzle of honey. Coat the apples lightly and chill before serving.
20. Mandarin, Pistachio and Feta Holiday Mix
Mandarins bring juiciness, pistachios add crunch, and feta balances everything with gentle creaminess.
Ingredients
Mandarin orange wedges
Pistachios
Cranberries
Feta crumbles
Greens
Olive oil
Vinegar
Making Process
Add greens to a bowl. Scatter mandarin wedges, pistachios and cranberries. Crumble feta over the top. Shake olive oil with vinegar and spoon it over before serving.
21. Classic Creamy Chicken Salad with Crunchy Croutons
This hearty salad works as a full meal. The dressing is heavy on garlic, pepper and mustard, creating a savory base that complements warm chicken and crisp lettuce.
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
Lettuce torn into medium pieces
Garlic paste mixed with salt
Mayonnaise
Mustard sauce
Hot chili sauce
Worcestershire
Brown sugar
Extra virgin olive oil
Homemade croutons
Shredded cheese
Making Process
Mix mayonnaise with garlic paste, crushed pepper, mustard, chili sauce and Worcestershire. Add a small amount of brown sugar to balance heat and whisk for several minutes so it emulsifies properly. Stir in a drizzle of olive oil. Toss lettuce with warm chicken and croutons in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and mix gently so the croutons stay crisp. Serve immediately.
22. Classic Russian Potato and Veggie Bowl
This salad is filled with tender vegetables, fruit and a generous amount of creamy dressing. It holds up well in the refrigerator and tastes best chilled.
Ingredients
Diced potatoes
Diced carrots
Diced French beans
Apple cubes
Pineapple pieces
Pepper
Salt
Mayonnaise
Making Process
Boil potatoes until they are cooked but still firm. Blanch carrots and beans briefly so they soften without losing texture. Mix all cooked ingredients with apples and pineapple. Add pepper and salt. Fold in enough mayonnaise to coat everything evenly. Chill for several hours before serving so the fruit and veggies absorb the dressing.
23. Creamy Coleslaw with Red Cabbage and Carrots
This simple side dish works well with cold meats and makes great leftover sandwiches the next day.
Ingredients
Shredded cabbage
Shredded red cabbage
Shredded carrot
Red onion finely chopped
Mayonnaise
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Add both cabbages, carrots and red onion to a bowl. Season lightly. Spoon in mayonnaise and mix until the vegetables are evenly coated. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Refrigerate so it stays crisp and chilled.
24. Creamy Egg and Potato Winter Salad
This warm-meets-cold comfort salad is built on soft-boiled eggs and tender potatoes. Perfect for winter lunches or as a side to roasted meats.
Ingredients
Hard-boiled eggs
Boiled potatoes
Finely chopped onion
Fresh coriander
Lemon juice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Chop eggs and potatoes into even pieces. Add the onion and coriander. Mix lemon juice, mayonnaise and mustard. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and fold gently so the eggs remain intact. Chill before serving.
25. Creamy Cucumber Garlic Dip Salad
Inspired by cool yogurt dips, this salad is refreshing and pairs beautifully with roasted meat platters or warm breads.
Ingredients
Grated cucumber
Greek yogurt
Minced garlic
Lemon juice
Salt
Making Process
Squeeze moisture out of the grated cucumber. Mix yogurt with garlic and lemon juice. Add cucumber and stir. Season lightly. Serve cold as a dip or spooned over greens.
26. Creamy Tuna Iceberg Salad
A quick salad built with large cuts of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and a simple herbed dressing. Tuna adds protein and depth.
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce cut into big pieces
Fresh tomatoes cut chunky
Black olives
Canned tuna
Olive oil
Black pepper
Oregano
Salt
Making Process
Arrange iceberg lettuce on a plate. Add tomato pieces and olives. Flake the tuna over the top. Whisk olive oil with pepper, oregano and salt. Drizzle generously. Serve as a centerpiece salad or mix before serving.
27. Yogurt, Cabbage and Carrot Cream Mix
This lighter take on coleslaw swaps mayonnaise for yogurt. It stays fresh longer and has a cooling flavor perfect for large holiday spreads.
Ingredients
Shredded cabbage
Grated carrot
Greek yogurt
Salt
Pepper
Garlic optional
Making Process
Add cabbage and carrot to a bowl. Spoon in yogurt and mix until coated. Season lightly. Chill for best texture.
28. Creamy Pasta and Potato Combination Salad
A hybrid salad built for days when the table needs a little more substance. Warm potatoes combined with pasta and mayo create a filling, creamy bowl.
Ingredients
Cooked pasta cooled
Boiled potatoes cubed
Onions finely chopped
Mayonnaise
Pepper
Herbs
Making Process
Mix pasta and potatoes in a large bowl. Add onions and herbs. Fold in mayonnaise and pepper. Chill before serving.
29. Creamy Celery and Sweetcorn Festive Mix
This crunchy, colorful salad is ideal for prepping ahead and storing in the fridge for quick meals.
Ingredients
Chopped celery
Sweetcorn
Onion
Peppers
Cucumber
Greek yogurt or mayo
Herbs
Making Process
Combine all chopped vegetables. Add yogurt or mayonnaise. Sprinkle herbs. Mix well and store chilled.
30. Creamy Broccoli and Cranberry Holiday Salad
A winter-friendly salad with chewy cranberries and crisp broccoli. The creamy dressing brings everything together.
Ingredients
Chopped broccoli
Dried cranberries
Red onion
Sunflower seeds optional
Mayonnaise or yogurt
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Whisk mayonnaise with vinegar, honey and seasoning. Add chopped broccoli, cranberries and onion. Toss until everything is coated. Chill for at least an hour so the textures soften slightly and the dressing develops more flavor.
31. Tender Poached Chicken Vietnamese-Style Salad
This salad is built on thinly sliced chicken cooked gently in salted water until soft and juicy. Fresh herbs, cabbage and a citrusy dressing make it light enough for a holiday spread but filling enough to stand alone.
Ingredients
Thinly sliced chicken breast
Napa cabbage or regular cabbage finely shredded
Carrot ribbons
Cherry tomatoes halved
Mild red chili or capsicum
Fresh coriander
Fresh mint leaves
Crispy fried onions
Lime juice
Vietnamese-style dressing or homemade mix of lime, fish sauce, sugar, chili and garlic
Making Process
Add sliced chicken to simmering salted water. Cook for two or three minutes until the color changes and the meat firms up. Remove and cool. Combine cabbage, carrot ribbons, herbs and tomatoes. Add the chicken. Pour the dressing over the top and mix gently so the vegetables stay crisp. Finish with fried onions. Serve immediately for full crunch and fragrance.
32. Warm Grilled Chicken Christmas Bowl
This recipe uses simple seasoned chicken sautéed in olive oil and combined with lettuce and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken breast diced
Olive oil
Crushed black pepper
Italian herbs
Salt
Lettuce torn into pieces
Croutons
Shredded cheese
Garlic mayo dressing or creamy dressing of choice
Making Process
Cook chicken pieces in a pan with olive oil and herbs until done. Set aside. In a large bowl combine lettuce and croutons. Add the warm chicken. Pour a generous amount of creamy garlic dressing and mix until everything is coated. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
33. Simple Tuna and Iceberg Winter Salad
A salad built with sturdy iceberg lettuce and pantry-friendly tuna. Perfect when you want something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce cut chunky
Tomatoes cut chunky
Black olives
Canned tuna drained
Olive oil
Black pepper
Oregano
Salt
Making Process
Layer iceberg lettuce on a plate. Spoon tomatoes, olives and tuna on top. Mix olive oil with pepper, oregano and salt. Drizzle over the salad. Serve immediately to keep the lettuce crisp.
34. Festive Egg and Potato Holiday Salad
A protein-packed salad with comforting flavors that taste especially good chilled.
Ingredients
Hard-boiled eggs
Boiled potatoes
Finely chopped onion
Fresh coriander
Lemon juice
Pepper
Salt
Mayonnaise
English mustard
Making Process
Cut the eggs and potatoes into even pieces. Add onion and coriander. Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over the salad ingredients and fold gently to avoid breaking the egg pieces. Chill for at least an hour.
35. Creamy Ham and Sweetcorn Christmas Salad
A hearty salad that makes excellent use of holiday ham leftovers.
Ingredients
Cooked ham diced
Sweetcorn
Celery chopped
Red onion minced
Mayonnaise
Black pepper
Parsley
Lemon juice
Making Process
Add ham, sweetcorn, celery and red onion to a bowl. Mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and pepper. Pour over the salad and fold together. Chill before serving so the flavors meld.
36. Chicken and Cranberry Holiday Mix
This combination balances savory chicken with sweet cranberries for a bright festive flavor.
Ingredients
Cooked shredded chicken
Dried cranberries
Spring mix or lettuce
Feta cheese crumbled
Cucumber slices
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Add the greens to a bowl. Scatter chicken, cranberries, cucumber and feta on top. Whisk olive oil with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing and toss gently. Serve fresh so the greens remain crisp.
37. Protein-Packed Pea and Bacon Salad
Cold pea salad is surprisingly satisfying. Bacon provides saltiness and depth, while cheddar makes it creamy and rich.
Ingredients
Thawed peas
Cooked bacon chopped
Cheddar cheese cubes
Red onion diced
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth and thick. Add peas, bacon, onion and cheese to a bowl. Pour the dressing over and fold gently. Chill before serving. The dressing thickens slightly after resting, making the salad even better the next day.
38. Cottage Cheese and Herb Protein Bowl
A lighter, high-protein salad built on soft cottage cheese with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Ingredients
Cottage cheese
Finely chopped chives
Cucumber diced
Cherry tomatoes halved
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Pepper
Salt
Making Process
Combine cottage cheese with herbs and vegetables. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice. Season lightly. Serve chilled for best texture.
39. Salmon and Cream Cheese Christmas Plate
Inspired by cured salmon bowls, this salad is both luxurious and simple.
Ingredients
Thinly sliced salmon
Arugula
Iceberg lettuce
Paprika or bell peppers
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Avocado
Cream cheese pieces
Soy sauce
Vegetable oil
Dijon mustard
Honey
Sesame or chia seeds
Making Process
Arrange arugula and iceberg on a plate. Add chopped vegetables and avocado. Lay thin salmon slices on top. Whisk soy sauce, mustard, vegetable oil and honey to make a glossy dressing. Pour just before serving. Sprinkle sesame seeds.
40. High-Protein Yogurt Chicken Shred Bowl
A lighter version of creamy chicken salad, using yogurt for tang and extra protein.
Ingredients
Shredded cooked chicken
Greek yogurt
Garlic
Cucumber
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
Making Process
Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice and seasoning. Add shredded chicken and cucumber. Stir well. Garnish with parsley.
41. Pear and Blue Cheese Holiday Plate
A thin-sliced pear salad that feels elegant but takes barely a few minutes to build.
Ingredients
Ripe pears sliced very thin
Fresh mint leaves
Blue cheese broken into small pieces
Light crunchy crackers or Japanese snack mix lightly crushed
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Salt
Black pepper
Making Process
Arrange pear slices in a loose fan shape on a plate. Add a few mint leaves for freshness. Scatter blue cheese sparingly so its flavor stays balanced. Crush the crackers between your fingers and sprinkle over the pears. Drizzle olive oil, then add salt, pepper and a few drops of red wine vinegar. Serve right away while the pears are firm and the topping stays crisp.
42. Clementine and Orange Moroccan-Inspired Slices
A citrus salad that relies on paper-thin slices and warm spices for aroma.
Ingredients
Clementines
Oranges
Thin red onion slices
Crushed pistachios
Ras el hanout or a similar warm spice blend
Olive oil
Making Process
Peel the fruit and cut into thin, even slices. Overlap the slices on a plate so the colors stand out. Add just a few onion slices since the flavor is strong. Sprinkle crushed pistachios and dust lightly with ras el hanout. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil. No vinegar needed because the citrus already brings acidity.
43. Pomegranate and Feta Rocket Bowl
A bright, peppery salad with juicy bursts of pomegranate and salty crumbled cheese.
Ingredients
Rocket or arugula
Pomegranate seeds
Feta cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Open the pomegranate by cutting along the ridges and gently pulling sections apart. Remove the seeds without crushing them. Place a bed of rocket on a plate. Add a generous handful of seeds. Crumble feta over the top. Drizzle a little olive oil and season lightly. This tastes best when served immediately so the rocket stays crisp.
44. Cranberry and Mandarin Christmas Mix
This salad uses mandarin oranges and dried cranberries to create a holiday color palette.
Ingredients
Spring mix or leafy greens
Mandarin orange slices (fresh or rinsed canned)
Dried cranberries
Glazed pecans or toasted nuts
Feta cheese
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Making Process
Arrange greens around the edge of a platter in a wreath-like circle. Scatter mandarin slices and cranberries across the greens. Add glazed pecans for crunch and feta for saltiness. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper into a shiny dressing. Serve the dressing in the center of the wreath so guests can spoon it over their plate.
45. Mandarin, Pineapple and Cherry Ambrosia Style
A creamy holiday fruit bowl that fits perfectly on dessert or brunch tables.
Ingredients
Pineapple chunks drained
Mandarin orange segments
Maraschino cherries
Vanilla yogurt
Whipped topping or cool whip
Mini marshmallows
Optional chopped nuts
Making Process
Drain all fruit well so the cream doesn’t thin out. Mix yogurt and whipped topping until smooth. Add the fruit and fold gently. Stir in mini marshmallows. Chill so everything firms up and absorbs the sweetness. Add nuts just before serving if you want extra texture.
46. Strawberry–Grape Pudding Fruit Salad
A cold, creamy fruit dessert that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries quartered
Red grapes halved
Mandarin oranges drained
Crushed pineapple drained
Mini marshmallows
Prepared vanilla pudding
Whipped topping
Making Process
Combine all the fruit in a bowl. Add marshmallows for softness. Fold in prepared pudding and whipped topping until everything is coated. The pudding thickens in the fridge, turning this into a spoonable Christmas treat.
47. Apple, Pecan Praline and Pomegranate Holiday Greens
A salad with crisp apple slices, jeweled pomegranate seeds and sweet crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
Apple thinly sliced
Pomegranate seeds
Pecan pralines chopped
Soft goat cheese or feta
Lettuce or mixed greens
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Salt
Making Process
Slice the apple thinly and toss with lemon juice so it stays bright. Add greens to a bowl and top with apple slices, pomegranate seeds and pralines. Crumble goat cheese over the top. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey and Dijon into a dressing. Pour as lightly or heavily as you like. The goat cheese melts slightly when the dressing hits it, giving the salad more richness.
48. Citrus and Nut Christmas Tree Salad
A playful way to bring fruit into a holiday spread.
Ingredients
Mixed chopped lettuce
Pear slices or apple slices
Pistachios
Walnuts
Dried cranberries
Orange-zest dressing made with olive oil, orange juice, salt and pepper
Toast cut into star shapes
Making Process
Build the salad on a flat platter in a loose triangle shape. Add the nuts and dried cranberries like ornaments. Drizzle the orange dressing lightly so the tree shape stays defined. Cut toast into star shapes using a cookie cutter and place one on top like a tree topper.
49. Avocado, Cherry Tomato and Salmon Festive Bowl
A fruit-leaning salad with creamy avocado and sweet tomatoes balanced by savory salmon.
Ingredients
Iceberg and arugula
Cherry tomatoes
Avocado
Cucumber
Thin slices of cured or marinated salmon
Cream cheese
Soy sauce
Honey
Dijon mustard
Vegetable oil
Sesame seeds
Making Process
Lay greens on a large plate. Add avocado and tomato. Arrange salmon slices so they cover the surface lightly. Add small dots of cream cheese. Mix soy sauce, honey, mustard and oil for the dressing. Drizzle immediately before serving. Top with sesame seeds.
50. Pear, Pistachio and Herb Bright Winter Bowl
A refreshing holiday salad full of cooling flavors.
Ingredients
Pear cut into chunks
Fresh mint
Fresh parsley
Pistachios
Pomegranate seeds
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Making Process
Combine pear, herbs and pomegranate seeds. Add pistachios for crunch. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice. Season lightly. This salad tastes clean and bright and pairs well with heavier Christmas mains.