10 Festive Salads for Christmas: Fresh, Colourful & Delicious Holiday Recipes
A well-crafted Christmas feast is never complete without something fresh, colourful and refreshing on the table. After plates of rich rice dishes, grilled meats, hearty stews and indulgent pastries, a festive salad adds balance, beauty and brightness to the celebration. Whether you prefer creamy, crunchy, fruity or savoury salads, the holiday season is the perfect time to get creative.
Here are 10 festive salads that bring flavour, colour and joy to any Christmas table. Each one is simple to prepare, uses easily available ingredients and pairs beautifully with holiday favourites like roasted chicken, jollof-style rice dishes, grilled meats, pastries and more.
1. Classic Christmas Coleslaw
A creamy, colourful salad that appears on nearly every festive table.
Ingredients:
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Cabbage (green or mixed)
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Carrots
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Onions (optional)
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Mayonnaise
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Vinegar or lemon juice
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Sugar, salt & pepper
Why it’s perfect for Christmas:
It’s refreshing, crunchy and complements rich meals. Add pineapple chunks or raisins for a sweet twist that makes it extra festive.
2. Potato Salad (Holiday-Style)
Creamy, comforting and always a crowd favourite.
Ingredients:
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Boiled potatoes
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Eggs
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Carrots
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Mayonnaise
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Mustard
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Onions
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Peas (optional)
Make it festive:
Garnish with chopped chives, parsley or paprika for a colourful finish.
3. Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Herb Dressing
Light and hydrating — perfect for balancing heavier holiday foods.
Ingredients:
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Tomatoes
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Cucumbers
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Onions
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Lemon juice
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Olive oil
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Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, coriander)
Best served with:
Grilled meats, fried rice, roasted vegetables or spicy dishes.
4. Fruit & Mint Christmas Medley
A refreshing burst of sweetness that doubles as a dessert.
Ingredients:
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Pineapple
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Watermelon
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Grapes
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Mango
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Mint leaves
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Honey & lime drizzle
Why it works:
The colours match the festive mood, and it’s great for guests of all ages.
5. Avocado & Egg Salad
Creamy, filling and nutritious.
Ingredients:
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Ripe avocado
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Boiled eggs
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Lettuce or cabbage
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Lemon dressing
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Cherry tomatoes
Tip:
Add a pinch of black pepper or chili flakes for extra flavour.
6. Mixed Vegetable Salad with Vinaigrette
A bright, colourful bowl full of crunch and nutrients.
Ingredients:
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Lettuce or cabbage
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Carrots
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Cucumbers
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Sweet corn
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Bell peppers
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Simple vinaigrette (oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, sugar)
Why it’s festive:
It adds colour to the table and pairs well with almost any Christmas dish.
7. Chicken Pasta Salad
A hearty salad that can even serve as a full meal.
Ingredients:
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Cooked pasta
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Shredded chicken
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Mayonnaise or yoghurt
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Peas & carrots
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Bell peppers
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Seasoning
Make it festive:
Use tri-colour pasta or add fresh herbs for a beautiful holiday look.
8. Beetroot & Carrot Christmas Glow Salad
Vibrant, healthy and eye-catching — perfect for a festive buffet.
Ingredients:
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Grated beetroot
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Grated carrots
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Lemon juice
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Light dressing (honey, vinegar & oil)
Benefits:
It’s rich in antioxidants and perfect alongside grilled meats or rice dishes.
9. Sweet Corn & Kidney Bean Salad
A simple, protein-rich salad with bold flavours.
Ingredients:
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Sweet corn
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Kidney beans
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Tomatoes
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Onions
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Green pepper
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Lime dressing
Why it works:
It’s colourful, filling and pairs beautifully with rice, grilled chicken or roasted pork.
10. Apple, Raisin & Cabbage Christmas Slaw
A sweet, crunchy salad that brings a festive twist to classic coleslaw.
Ingredients:
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Thinly sliced cabbage
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Apples (green or red)
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Raisins
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Carrots
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Creamy dressing (mayo + yoghurt + honey)
Perfect for:
Holiday brunches, Christmas dinners or potluck gatherings.
Tips for Making the Perfect Festive Salad
1. Use fresh, crisp vegetables
Freshness brings out the colours and flavours.
2. Chill salads before serving
Cold salads taste better with hot meals.
3. Add fruits for a festive touch
Pineapple, apples, grapes and mango work beautifully.
4. Don’t overdress your salad
Keep it light so the vegetables stay crisp.
5. Garnish for beauty
Use herbs, seeds or colourful toppings to make your salad stand out.
Conclusion
Festive salads are more than just side dishes — they brighten your Christmas table, refresh the palate and bring balance to rich holiday meals. Whether you love creamy potato salad, crisp vegetable mixes, fruity medleys or hearty pasta bowls, there is a festive salad for every taste and occasion. Try a new one each year or mix and match to create a colourful, delicious Christmas spread your guests will love.