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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Fresh Salads to Lighten Up the Holiday Meal

Published: Nov 25, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fresh salads are a great way to bring some brightness to your holiday table, balancing out those rich, hearty dishes we all love. There's something refreshing about crisp greens, vibrant veggies, and simple dressings that feels just right alongside heavier mains. Whether you're looking for a light starter or a side dish that won’t weigh you down, these salads are perfect for adding some variety and keeping things feeling fresh and balanced.

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Close-up of Grilled Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad in a bowl.
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts combine for a salad that's quick to prepare and simple to adjust to your taste. A balanced option to refresh your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

An overhead image of raw carrot salad on a plate.
Raw Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This raw carrot salad is crisp, refreshing, and takes just minutes to prepare. A light and vibrant way to enhance the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale salad with cranberries, lemon, and nuts brings texture and brightness to the table. Quick to prepare, it’s a versatile addition to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Roasted Vegetable Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A roasted vegetable salad dressed in a light vinaigrette adds seasonal flair to the menu. Serve hot or cold for a fresh side or next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl.
Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale paired with carrots, dates, and a vinaigrette creates a nourishing and simple holiday side dish. A quick way to complement festive entrees.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted pear salad with crunchy textures and a bright lemon vinaigrette is festive and flavorful. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a fall-inspired side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Panzanella Salad

An overhead image of panzanella salad served on a white plate with dressing on top of it.
Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick panzanella salad with crusty bread, fresh veggies, and a red wine vinaigrette is ready in 10 minutes. It works well as either a side or a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Niçoise Salad

An image of vegan nicoise salad served on a big bowl.
Niçoise Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Niçoise salad with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and olives is paired with a champagne vinaigrette. A refreshing addition to balance richer holiday courses.
Get the Recipe: Niçoise Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy potato salad with boiled eggs offers familiar flavors and is easy to make ahead. A versatile dish that fits perfectly on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is simple yet bold. A refreshing addition to lighten up your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

An overhead image of Vegan Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts in wooden bowl.
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shaved Brussels sprouts with vegan Caesar dressing and chickpeas make a quick and light side. A plant-based option to freshen up holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans with a tangy dressing create a quick and vibrant side. An excellent way to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is easy to make and versatile. Perfect for casual lunches or festive holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Red cabbage and apples in a tangy dressing deliver crisp, colorful textures. A fresh side to complement traditional Thanksgiving classics.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Autumn Salad with Chicken

Autumn Salad with Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fall-inspired salad with fruit, nuts, feta, and chicken brings seasonal flavors to the table. A quick and flavorful choice for your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Close-up image of sweet potato kale salad in a bowl.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kale with prunes, pomegranate, and feta offers a hearty texture and tangy vinaigrette. A refreshing and bold side for festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

A slice of toast with cranberry chicken salad on top.
Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Cranberry chicken salad with yogurt and walnuts showcases fresh holiday flavors. A versatile dish for both lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Overhead image of roasted winter root vegetable salad on a plate.
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips with cranberries, pecans, and blue cheese highlight seasonal roots. A rich yet refreshing side with balsamic dressing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bay scallops, corn, and tart cherries over baby kale with cherry Dijon dressing bring light, vibrant flavors. A colorful choice for the Thanksgiving season.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Roasted Potato Salad

Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted potatoes with fresh herbs, pistachios, and dressing add earthy, vibrant flavors. A wholesome addition to balance the holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table.
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale with apple slices and creamy poppy seed dressing provides crisp textures and refreshing flavors. A fresh addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Butternut squash, arugula, and feta with a light vinaigrette celebrate seasonal produce. A quick and refreshing side for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chopped winter salad with rotisserie chicken, citrus, and kale combines fresh flavors with a hearty touch. A bright addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Arugula, cucumbers, cranberries, and goat cheese with lemon vinaigrette create a vibrant, fresh salad. A great way to balance your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Couscous Salad With Tofu

A fresh, colorful, and wholesome bowl of vegan couscous salad with tofu and a drizzle of dressing to finish it off.
Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan couscous salad with tofu and lemon dressing is light and flavorful. A refreshing option to balance heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad With Tofu

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honeycrisp apples with spiced cider vinaigrette bring seasonal charm to the table. A quick and crisp addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Broccoli apple salad with yogurt dressing highlights crunchy textures and creamy notes. A versatile side that pairs well with festive dishes.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted sunchokes and fennel on greens with lemon mustard dressing create a vibrant dish. A fresh and light touch for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing balance crunch and richness. A fresh side that complements traditional holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak and squash with apple maple vinaigrette pair seasonal ingredients with lighter tones. A refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

A glass bowl filled with quinoa, dried cranberries, and pecans.
Cranberry Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Quinoa salad with cranberries, pecans, and herbs is a vibrant and fresh addition. A wholesome choice for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Quinoa Salad

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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