30 best Christmas salads
Festive salads to add to your Christmas spread
The festive season brings not only gifts but also a plethora of sumptuous meals. While roast meats and desserts might steal the show, the right salad can be a game changer. Discover these vibrant salads that promise to be the showstoppers on your Christmas table.
01
Lime-pickle potato salad
A fusion of tangy lime-pickle and hearty potatoes, this easy-to-make salad promises to leave your taste buds tingling. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish, it's a twist on your traditional potato side dish.
02
Citrus and almond salad
Looking for a kale salad recipe with a twist? Try this healthier zesty concoction of fresh citrus fruits, garnished with crunchy almonds. It captures the essence of sunny Christmas - and it's so easy to make!
03
Barbecued prawn skewers with nectarine salad
The smoky flavour of barbecued prawns pairs beautifully with the sweetness of nectarines. A splash of tangy currant dressing, and you have a perfect blend of taste and texture, ideal for a warm Christmas afternoon.
04
Ham waldorf salad
A clever spin on the classic Waldorf, this version introduces savoury ham slices. Check out our ham guide on how to best cook your ham. Fancy another fresh twist? Try this summer version with peaches and blueberries.
05
Lamb, beetroot and almond salad with pickled onion
The rich taste of lamb complements the earthy notes of beetroot, with almonds adding a much-needed crunch. Pickled onion and creamy feta lend a tangy kick, making it a well-rounded dish. Plus, it can be whipped up in three easy steps.
06
Mojito and watermelon salad
Imagine the refreshing zest of a mojito fused with juicy chunks of watermelon, cucumber, radish, feta and mint. This salad screams summer and is the refreshing side your Christmas lunch needs.
07
Turkey and potato salad with cranberry dressing
Put your leftovers to good use by marrying turkey with baby potatoes and greens with a leafy salad. Then, top it all off with a beautiful tangy cranberry dressing. It's a nostalgic dish with a contemporary twist that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes.
09
Easy beet and baby rocket salad
Simple yet effective, this easy salad is a winner. The earthy taste of beets combined with the peppery zing of baby rocket delivers a burst of flavours. A must-have for those who appreciate the classics.
10
Carrot noodle salad with chilli and pepitas
Carrot transformed into noodles brings a playful twist, perfectly paired with creamy ricotta. Plus the chilli provides a spicy kick and pepitas offer a crunchy bite. A visual and gastronomic treat. You can swap with spiralized zucchini if you prefer.
11
Barbecued eggplant and haloumi salad
Enjoy the smoky aroma of barbecued eggplant combined with the rich, briny texture of haloumi and sweetness of pomegranate. Check out our top tips on the easiest way to cut and deseed the fruit. And if you fancy something a little fruitier, this version with strawberry and haloumi is a must-try.
12
Grilled pumpkin, beetroot and haloumi salad
This trifecta of grilled pumpkin, earthy beetroot, and salty haloumi offers a delightful mélange of flavours. Drizzled with a tangy dressing, it’s the salad that keeps you coming back for seconds.
14
Risoni Caprese salad
A classic with a twist! Infused with risoni pasta, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it's a celebration of Italian flavours amidst the festivities of Christmas.
15
Brussels sprout slaw with apple and mint
Discover the magic of Brussels sprouts as they unite with crisp apples and refreshing mint. Topped with hazelnuts, it's a crunchy delight and the perfect addition to any Christmas spread. If you prefer cranberries, try this version of the Brussels sprout slaw.
16
Smashed salt and vinegar potato salad
Reimagine the potato salad with a tangy salt and vinegar twist. It's crispy, and undoubtedly a crowd pleaser. Colourful? Check. Crunchy? Check. Perfect for Christmas? Check.
17
Pasta salad with summer tomatoes and herb dressing
Celebrate summer's bounty with juicy in-season tomatoes and aromatic herbs. This pasta salad, bursting with fresh flavours, is destined to be a crowd favourite.
18
Warm vegan biryani salad
Enjoy this fragrant, Indian-inspired vegan biryani salad with crunchy cashews and fresh cucumber. Whip this up as a quick and flavoursome side to your Christmas dinner or lunch that will add an exotic twist.
19
Fennel and feta salad with roasted garlic dressing
This salad is the ultimate sidekick to a full festive spread. It shines with the crispiness of fennel, creaminess of feta, and the deep aroma of roasted garlic. Perfectly paired with seafood, ham or turkey.
20
Nectarine caprese salad
The sweetness of nectarines transforms the traditional caprese into a summertime delight. Fresh basil and mozzarella seal the deal in this refreshing salad.
21
Salad with butternut squash, beetroot, blue cheese and kale
A hearty combination where the sweetness of butternut squash meets the earthiness of beetroot. Blue cheese adds a creamy tang, making this a robust and rich salad offering.
22
Asparagus, ricotta and pea salad
A verdant plate where asparagus spears and peas shine, complemented by creamy ricotta and punctuated by crunchy almonds and sweet strawberries. A symphony of textures and tastes, ready in just 10 minutes.
23
Easy caprese salad
Need a quick Christmas fix? Whip up this classic caprese in under 10 minutes. With its vibrant colours and fresh flavours, it’s a guaranteed winner.
24
Roast beet and walnut salad
Packed with hearty roast vegetables and topped with walnuts, this salad will add colour and crunch to your Christmas spread. The perfect pairing to roast lamb or beef.
25
Blueberry, blue cheese and walnut salad
The sweetness of blueberries, the tang of blue cheese, and the crunch of walnuts culminate in a dish that's both unique and unforgettable. Works well with poultry or seafood.
26
Chicken and pomegranate salad
Tender chicken morsels combined with the sweet burst of pomegranate seeds make this salad a great festive picnic addition. Or try this beautiful crisp salad with pork crackling and pomegranate for excellent alternative.
27
Kale and chickpea salad
Don't want to waste the leftover kale you have at home? Use it to make this easy kale and chickpea salad. It's a perfectly healthier side that will lighten up Christmas dishes and have everyone saying 'yum'.
28
Pecan and cranberry pilaf
Savour the nuttiness of pecans combined with the tart sweetness of cranberries in this rich pilaf. It's a dish that echoes the spirit of festive indulgence and goes perfectly with your Christmas turkey.
29
Brussels sprout, parmesan and pomegranate salad
Brussels sprouts take centre stage, garnished with shavings of parmesan and jewelled with pomegranate seeds in this tasty slaw. A trio that promises taste and texture in every bite.
30
Chestnut salad
Enjoy the warmth of roasted chestnuts in this festive salad. Their rich, nutty flavour, combined with fresh greens and a tangy dressing, ensures your Christmas meal concludes on a high note.