All over the world, every day is some type of holiday, celebration, or observance. Salads are a time-honored side for many of these events. But which one to use? A traditional garden salad is fine (and often perfect) for pairing with heavier courses. But your choices don’t stop there.
10 Holida Salad Ideas
All over the world, every day is some type of holiday, celebration, or observance. Salads are a time-honored side for many of these events. But which one to use? A traditional garden salad is fine (and often perfect) for pairing with heavier courses. But your choices don’t stop there.
Ingredients
Salad Ideas
- Collard Green Salad with crispy onions (black-eyed peas, and buttermilk dressing. Pair with grilled meats or use as a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.)
- Holiday Salad with apples (blue cheese crumble, smoky nuts, and mandarin oranges with a raspberry vinaigrette. Serve as a side dish with roasted turkey or as a light lunch with grilled chicken or sliced grilled vegetables.)
- Cornbread Salad. Well (you have muffins. Why not salad? Make this a savory side with corn, beans, crisped bacon, pinto beans, spiced cornbread, and chipotle dressing.)
- Watercress Salad. Snap peas (avocado, pistachio, lemon, watercress, and honey-balsamic dressing. Serve with roasted salmon or grilled chicken.)
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella (fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, pesto dollops, grilled peach, and balsamic reduction. Goes with nearly anything, especially steak, with the addition of crusty bread.)
- Caesar Salad: Romain salad tossed with olive oil (dijon mustard, lemon juice, and balsamic or wine vinegar. Top with garlic croutons and fresh parmesan. Great with chicken and shrimp or salmon.)
- Couscous Salad: cooked couscous (diced tomato, seedless cucumber, sweet pepper, garbanzo beans, red onion, and parsley with lemon dressing. Consider serving it with lamb.)
- Italian Pasta Salad: Cooked rotini (mozzarella pearls, salami, black olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoncini tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Really, it's a meal in itself, but to make it heartier, add salad, shrimp, or chicken bites.)
- Brussels Sprout Salad. Shaved Brussels sprouts (cranberries, pine nuts, chopped chives, apples, and pomegranate seeds tossed with olive oil, cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pairs well with pork and salmon.)
- Green Bean Salad. Green beans (tomatoes, red onion, olives, cheese, crumbled bacon, feta, and balsamic dressing. Try it with beef or tofu.)
Notes
These salads offer a variety of flavors and textures, from the tangy and creamy dressings to the crunchy vegetables and sweet fruits. Whether you're looking for a traditional salad or a unique twist, these holiday salad ideas will impress most finicky guests.