Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to holiday salads, an indispensable collection of vibrant and flavorful recipes perfect for any festive occasion. From the classic Waldorf Salad with its crisp apples, crunchy celery, and walnuts, to the sophisticated Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with its earthy sweetness and tangy dressing, this article offers a wide range of salads to suit every palate and preference.
Discover the refreshing Citrus Salad with its burst of zesty flavors, or the hearty Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad with its protein-packed quinoa and array of colorful roasted vegetables. For a touch of elegance, try the Spinach and Strawberry Salad with its delicate spinach leaves, sweet strawberries, and creamy poppy seed dressing. And for a unique twist, explore the Black Bean and Corn Salad with its vibrant combination of black beans, corn, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.
Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them true showstoppers at any holiday gathering. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photographs, this article provides everything you need to create these delightful salads with ease.
So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let's embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the world of holiday salads. Your taste buds will thank you!
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY SALAD
This tangy fruit salad is perfect with turkey or ham, and has always been on our holiday table. With real whipped cream, walnuts, and pineapple, it's a treat you'll always want to make for the holidays.
Provided by Chandell
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Dessert Salad Recipes
Time 2h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, stir together the cranberries, pineapple (with juice) and sugar. Let stand for about an hour, to let sugar dissolve, and then pour the mixture into a strainer over a bowl. Let drain, covered, in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or overnight. (Note: The drippings make a wonderful cranberry punch, when mixed with lemon-lime soda!)
- Before serving, whip the cream until soft peaks form. (You can sweeten the whipped cream with a little sugar, if desired.) In a large bowl, mix together the cranberry mixture, walnuts and marshmallows. Fold in the whipped cream and store in refrigerator until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.7 calories, Carbohydrate 79.2 g, Cholesterol 40.8 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 28.8 mg, Sugar 69.3 g
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY GELATIN SALAD
This light, delicious holiday salad is very popular in my family and has been requested every year since I first brought it to Christmas Eve dinner. The refreshing, not-too-sweet flavor is a perfect pairing with just about any meat. -Jennifer Mastnick, Hartville, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. In another bowl, combine cranberry sauce and remaining water; add gelatin mixture and lemon juice. Pour into a 13x9-in. dish coated with cooking spray; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour., In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup whipped cream; fold in remaining whipped cream. Spread over gelatin mixture; sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 241 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 100mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
HOLIDAY GREEN GELATIN SALAD
This salad has been a family favorite for over four generations, requested every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is smooth and creamy with the crunch of pecans, and light green in color. It has a very unique flavor, and goes very quickly at our home. Any left over crushed pineapple and cottage cheese make a great snack for kids.
Provided by Ginger
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Dessert Salad Recipes Jell-O® Salad
Time 4h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large measuring pitcher, mix reserved pineapple juice and enough water to yield 2 cups. Pour into a pot and bring to a boil. Add the lime and lemon gelatin mixes and stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir the mayonnaise and evaporated milk together in a mixing bowl. Stir in the gelatin mixture until completely blended. Mix in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and pecans. Pour the gelatin mixture into a serving bowl. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Cholesterol 23.8 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 409.7 mg, Sugar 26.3 g
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
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 14 servings (1 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a salad bowl, combine the first five ingredients. , For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, oil, corn syrup, onion, mustard and salt. Pour over romaine mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cashews.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 134mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CONTEST-WINNING HOLIDAY TOSSED SALAD
With its red and green ingredients, this salad is perfect for Christmas meals. Local cranberries and blue cheese make a great combination with salad greens, apples, walnuts and a simple cranberry vinaigrette. It's a family favorite.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, apples, blue cheese, cranberries, walnuts and onions. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
LAYERED HOLIDAY JELLO SALAD
This is a variation on the traditional cranberry/pineapple salad; red and green layers with a cream cheese layer in between. My mom makes this at Christmas and/or Thanksgiving and I can't stop eating it. Would be good for potlucks, too. Yum!
Provided by Zewbiedoo
Categories Gelatin
Time 25m
Yield 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Dissolve red jello in 1 cup boiling water and stir in half the can of pineapple and all of the can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
- Spread in bottom of 9x13 glass dish and chill until partially set.
- Combine sour cream and cream cheese and spread over red jello layer.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve green jello in 1 cup boiling water and stir in the remaining half can of pineapple; chill until partially set.
- Spread over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or several hours until completely set.
HOLIDAY AMBROSIA SALAD
My Mom would make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it has been a family favorite for three generations. The dressing is gently cooked, and the salad so light you can serve it anytime.
Provided by Dad
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h30m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, and cool.
- Whisk the sugar, eggs, flour, salt, and reserved pineapple juice together in a saucepan until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Pour over cooled pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- Stir the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges into the pasta mixture. Mix in the coconut if desired. Stir in the frozen whipped topping until evenly blended. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.2 calories, Carbohydrate 33.7 g, Cholesterol 23.3 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 101.2 mg, Sugar 21.8 g
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY SALAD
My mom made this every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I have continued the tradition. We now are on our fourth generation of sharing and enjoying this salad, as my grandson makes a special request for it every year. I also serve this as a side dish when I make a chicken pot pie. -Peggy Tagge, Stokesdale, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 12 servings (1/2 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, add boiling water to gelatins; stir 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Stir in cranberry sauce. Refrigerate 30-40 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in pineapple, celery and pecans. Transfer to a 6-cup ring mold coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.
Nutrition Facts :
HOLIDAY CRANBERRY-WALNUT SALAD
A warm salad is a nice change of pace at holiday dinners. Port wine infuses cranberries with flavor, while balsamic vinegar adds a bit of tang to the dressing.-Becky Walch, Manteca, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries and wine. Bring to a boil; cook for 4-5 minutes or until plumped. Set aside to cool. Drain cranberries, reserving liquid; set aside., Return reserved liquid to saucepan; add the onion, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly; whisk in oil., In a large bowl, combine the spinach, bacon, walnuts, cheese and cranberries. Drizzle with onion mixture; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
HOLIDAY CHICKEN SALAD
Serve on lettuce cups, or make sandwiches. Stand back and enjoy the applause!
Provided by emmaxwell
Categories Salad
Time 15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise with paprika and seasoned salt. Blend in dried cranberries, celery, bell pepper, onion, and nuts. Add chopped chicken, and mix well. Season with black pepper to taste. Chill 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 315.4 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Fat 23.1 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 213.1 mg, Sugar 10.7 g
POMEGRANATE HOLIDAY SALAD
Provided by Katie Lee Biegel
Categories side-dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Toss the arugula, walnuts, fennel, orange segments, pomegranate seeds and onions together in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the Dijon, vinegar and orange juice in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the salad with the dressing to taste. Garnish with fennel fronds and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 212, Fat 12 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 199 milligrams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 3 grams, Sugar 17 grams
SCOTT'S HOLIDAY CRANBERRY SALAD
This is a wonderful fresh uncooked cranberry salad I've enjoyed since I was a child. It has a dressing made with Miracle Whip®, Cool Whip®, and cream cheese. It sounds kind of strange but it really complements the salad.
Provided by Scott Beld
Categories Salad Fruit Salad Recipes Orange Salad Recipes
Time 8h25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Grease a ring mold with 1 tablespoon creamy salad dressing. Zest 1 orange and then peel both oranges.
- Place oranges, orange zest, cranberries, and apples together in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Strain fruit pieces, reserving juice in a quart-size measuring cup. Add enough boiling water to measure 3 cups liquid.
- Dissolve unflavored gelatin in cold water in a large bowl. Pour water-juice mixture over unflavored gelatin. Add raspberry gelatin and 2 cups sugar; stir to dissolve completely. Stir in fruit mixture, grapes, and pecans. Pour gelatin mixture into prepared ring mold; chill 8 hours to overnight.
- Mix whipped topping, cream cheese, 3 tablespoons creamy salad dressing, and 2 teaspoons sugar together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
- Dip chilled mold in a few inches of hot water to loosen gelatin from mold. Turn out onto a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with dressing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 556.4 calories, Carbohydrate 76.1 g, Cholesterol 26.5 mg, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 183.5 mg, Sugar 69.2 g
HOLIDAY POMEGRANATE, PEAR, AND GRAPE SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS
A stunningly gorgeous salad of rich autumn colors-- perfect for Thanksgiving entertaining, and all through the holidays! My candied pecans recipe recipe #117774 are absolutely wonderful in this salad!
Provided by BecR2400
Categories Cheese
Time 15m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Make candied pecans.
- In a large bowl, toss together the pomegranate seeds, grapes, red onion, and the blue cheese.
- Divide torn lettuce leaves among 8 salad plates, and top each salad with the fruit mixture.
- Halve and core pears and cut into 1/2-inch slices-- put a pear half, skin side up, in the center of each salad.
- Arrange candied pecans around the pears.
- Just before serving, heat balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until brown sugar dissolves. Off the heat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle warm dressing over each salad, sprinkle with orange zest, and serve right away.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 228.2, Fat 8.4, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 3.2, Sodium 76.9, Carbohydrate 38.4, Fiber 5, Sugar 28.3, Protein 2.5
HOLIDAY TOSSED SALAD
"I served this fresh and colorful blend at a New Year's dinner party, and it was an instant success," relates Carol Dilcher from Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Since you use packaged greens, it takes just a few moments to put all the ingredients together.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the greens, oranges, cranberries, apple, walnuts and cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 235 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 187mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
HOLIDAY BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD
This salad makes a lovely presentation at your holiday table --- feel free to add in other ingredients to the salad, I also like to add in chopped apples just before serving, The dressing must be added in just before serving :)
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Cauliflower
Time 10m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium glass salad bowl combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets with red onion slices (if using) cubed cheese, crumbled bacon and dried cranberries or raisins.
- For the dressing; (add in dressing just before serving) in a bowl whisk the mayonnaise with sugar and wine vinegar together until smooth, season with black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad; toss to combine with the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, then place the egg slices around the bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 482.4, Fat 36.3, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 196.6, Sodium 700.5, Carbohydrate 25, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 15.1, Protein 15.6
HOLIDAY SALAD
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil. Set aside.
- Put the endive and apples into a large decorative serving bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the bowl and toss to coat the endive and apples so they don't turn brown. Add the cheese and avocado, and then add the cranberries and corn.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat.
HOLIDAY TOSSED SALAD WITH FRUIT
Make and share this Holiday Tossed Salad with Fruit recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Fruit
Time 5m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the greens, oranges, cranberries, apple, walnuts, and cheese.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving; toss to coat.
HOLIDAY FRUIT SALAD (AKA GREEN STUFF)
We always make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas...it is a must have holiday menu item. You can substitute a container of Cool Whip for the freshly whipped cream. You could try other Jell-o flavors, but we are traditionalists and stick with lime. Some family members enjoy the addition of chopped pecans but I prefer without.
Provided by swissms
Categories Gelatin
Time 25m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In medium bowl, combine lime gelatin and boiling water. Stir in cold water or pineapple juice. Chill slightly in refrigerator but don't allow to completely set.
- Remove from refrigerator. Whip jello until fluffy like egg whites.
- In separate bowl, whip cream to soft peak stage; add cream cheese and whip. Add to jello, mix well.
- Stir in crushed pineapple, grapes, and marshmallows. Chill until set.
GRANDMA'S HOLIDAY FRUIT SALAD
I think this recipe came from MightyCool.com, but I'm not sure. My Mom who's 92 just loves it. I've changed the recipe a bit to suit our taste.
Provided by Grandma Joan
Categories Christmas
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place the fruits, vegetables and dried fruit in a.
- salad bowl.
- Mix together the mayonnaise, wine, and mint leaves.
- Pour over the vegetables and toss lightly.
- Add the pecans and cheese, lightly toss.
- Serve a scoop of this salad on a plate with a lettuce leaf.
- underneath as a garnish.
HOLIDAY SALAD WREATH
This is a festive and flavorful salad that is perfect for the holidays and easy to assemble. Serve with your favorite dressing(s) on the side so that it can be made ahead of time without wilting. Lemon-thyme vinaigrette goes really well with this.
Provided by Jones
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes Spinach Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Neatly arrange spinach in a 10- to 12-inch circle with leaf tips facing outward. Arrange arugula on top of spinach, leaving the outer tips of the spinach exposed. Scatter beets over the arugula. Arrange pieces of goat cheese around the wreath. Sprinkle pistachios on top. Season salad lightly with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.4 calories, Carbohydrate 5.1 g, Cholesterol 22.4 mg, Fat 11.4 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 241.4 mg, Sugar 2.3 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Try to use organic produce whenever possible, and choose fruits and vegetables that are in season.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities when it comes to holiday salads, so feel free to get creative. Try different combinations of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheeses until you find a combination that you love.
- Make sure your salad is well-balanced: A good holiday salad should have a balance of flavors and textures. Aim for a mix of sweet, sour, crunchy, and creamy elements.
- Don't overdress your salad: A little dressing goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste.
- Serve your salad immediately: Salads are best enjoyed fresh, so serve them as soon as they are made.
Conclusion:
Holiday salads are a delicious and festive way to celebrate the season. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a salad that everyone will enjoy. So get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations. Your holiday guests will be sure to love the results!
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