20 Salad Recipe Ideas For Christmas Dinner Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 29, 2024
Christmas dinner is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in a feast of delicious dishes. While traditional holiday meals often include hearty and rich foods, it's always a good idea to incorporate some lighter options to balance out the meal. Salads are the perfect addition to a Christmas dinner menu, providing a refreshing and healthy option that is also visually appealing. Here are some salad recipe ideas to add some festive flair to your Christmas dinner spread.
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Pepper, Salt, Taco Seasoning, Water
This 20-minute healthy taco salad is the perfect quick and easy meal. It's packed with all the delicious flavors of a traditional taco, but with a healthier twist. The best part? You won't even miss the tortilla chips!
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Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Green Pepper
This taco salad is a classic for a reason. It's a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customized to fit your preferences. You can add your favorite protein like ground beef, shredded chicken, or tofu, and top it off with your choice of shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
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Nicoise Salad
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot, Fresh
The Nicoise salad originated in the French city of Nice and is known for its colorful and fresh ingredients. This salad typically includes olives, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and green beans on a bed of mixed greens. It's a light and refreshing option that's perfect for warmer months.
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Balsamic Steak Salad
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Salad Greens, Cherry Tomatoes
This balsamic steak salad is a delicious and filling option for meat lovers. It features tender grilled steak marinated in a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing, paired with crispy romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's sure to satisfy your hunger.
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Frito Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Iceberg Lettuce
For a fun and tasty twist on a traditional taco salad, try adding some Fritos to the mix. The crunchy corn chips add a nice texture and flavor to the salad. Just be sure to add them right before serving to keep them crispy. This Frito taco salad is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Salmon Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Dried
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier option, this salmon salad is a great choice. It's made with grilled salmon, avocado, cucumber, and mixed greens, all drizzled with a zesty lemon-dill dressing. This salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and delicious meal.
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Creamy Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Olive Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Taco
This creamy taco salad is a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor. It's made with a sour cream and mayonnaise dressing, and topped with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
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Steak Fajita Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Orange Bell Pepper
If you love fajitas, you'll love this steak fajita salad. It's packed with all the flavors of a traditional fajita, but in a lighter and healthier form. The grilled steak, bell peppers, and onions are served on top of a bed of mixed greens and drizzled with a zesty lime dressing. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
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Southwest Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Romaine Lettuce, Salad Leaves, Cherry
This Southwest chicken salad is a delicious and colorful option that's sure to impress. It features grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes on a bed of romaine lettuce, all drizzled with a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. It's a flavorful and filling meal that's perfect for a lunch or dinner.
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Grilled Asian Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Fresh Ginger, Canola Oil, Hoisin Sauce
If you're in the mood for something with an Asian flair, this grilled Asian chicken salad is a must-try. It's made with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, edamame, carrots, and crispy wonton strips, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame dressing. It's a delicious and unique salad that's sure to impress.
This Greek chicken pasta salad is a great option for those who prefer a heartier meal. It's made with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck.
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Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb...
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Scallions, Shrimp, Red Pepper Flakes
This shrimp and veggie pasta salad is a light and refreshing option that's perfect for warmer months. It's made with shrimp, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy lemon-herb dressing. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that's sure to be a hit.
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Grilled Chicken Nicoise Salad
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water
This grilled chicken Nicoise salad is a twist on the traditional French salad. It features grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, olives, and potatoes on a bed of arugula, all drizzled with a Dijon vinaigrette. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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Spinach, Blue Cheese, and Bacon Salad
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Bacon Slices, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red
This spinach, blue cheese, and bacon salad is a decadent and delicious option for those who love rich and savory flavors. It features crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, sliced red onion, and sliced mushrooms on a bed of baby spinach, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It's a flavorful and indulgent meal that's perfect for special occasions.
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Pork and Quinoa Salad
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Quinoa, Water, Olive Oil, Paprika
This pork and quinoa salad is a great option for those who are looking for a protein-packed and nutritious meal. It features grilled pork tenderloin, cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, and toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens, all tossed in a honey mustard dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a lunch or dinner.
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Chicken Schnitzel and Crunchy Salad in Seconds
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Prosciutto
This chicken schnitzel and crunchy salad is a delicious and quick option for those busy weeknights. The breaded and fried chicken is served on top of a crunchy cabbage and carrot salad, all drizzled with a creamy ranch dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be prepared in minutes.
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Curried Salmon Burger and Avocado Salad
Main Ingredients: Old Fashioned Oats, Canned Salmon, Large Eggs, Curry
This curried salmon burger and avocado salad is a fun and tasty twist on a traditional burger. The salmon patties are seasoned with curry powder and served on top of a fresh avocado salad, all topped off with a mango chutney. It's a flavorful and unique meal that's perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner party.
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Thai Pork and Mango Salad With Mango-Mint Dressing
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Salt, Black Pepper, Thai Red Curry
This Thai pork and mango salad is a delicious and refreshing option that's perfect for hot summer days. It features grilled pork tenderloin, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh mint on a bed of mixed greens, all tossed in a zingy mango-mint dressing. It's a flavorful and healthy meal that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mayonnaise
This chicken Caesar pasta salad is a great option for those who love the classic Caesar salad but want something a little heartier. It's made with grilled chicken, penne pasta, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a lunch or dinner.
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Taco Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Small Avocados
This taco salad with chipotle ranch dressing is a flavorful and spicy option that's sure to be a hit. It features ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and shredded cheese on a bed of mixed greens, all topped with a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
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20 Minute Healthy Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Pepper, Salt, Taco Seasoning, Water
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and healthy dinner, this 20 minute taco salad is the perfect solution. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a homemade taco seasoning, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover taco fixings you may have in your fridge.
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Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Green Pepper
This classic Mexican dish gets a healthy twist with this taco salad recipe. Instead of using a fried tortilla bowl, we're using baked tortilla chips for a crunchy and satisfying base. Top it off with black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and your favorite salsa for a flavorful and colorful meal.
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Nicoise Salad
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot, Fresh
This French salad is traditionally made with tuna, but we're switching things up and using beer can chicken for a juicy and flavorful twist. Topped with hard-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and olives, this salad is a complete meal in itself. Drizzle on a lemon Dijon dressing for a zesty and creamy finish.
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Balsamic Steak Salad
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Salad Greens, Cherry Tomatoes
For all the steak lovers out there, this salad is for you. Marinated in a balsamic vinegar and rosemary mixture, the strip steak is grilled to perfection and placed on a bed of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. Add in some crumbled blue cheese and a balsamic glaze for a savory and indulgent salad.
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Frito Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Iceberg Lettuce
For a fun and nostalgic twist on the classic taco salad, this recipe adds in Fritos for an extra crunch and saltiness. Layer on shredded lettuce, black beans, corn, and cheese before topping with a homemade creamy salsa dressing. This salad is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Salmon Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Dried
This refreshing and light salad is perfect for those warm summer days. Grilled salmon fillets are placed on a bed of mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, and strawberries. Finish it off with a honey lemon dressing for a hint of sweetness and zing.
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Creamy Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Olive Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Taco
If you prefer a creamy dressing on your taco salad, this recipe is for you. Made with sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning, this dressing is spicy, creamy, and delicious. Top it off with ground turkey, black beans, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Steak Fajita Salad
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Orange Bell Pepper
This salad is a fiesta in a bowl. Marinated steak strips are grilled to perfection and placed on top of a bed of romaine lettuce, bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Top it off with a homemade fajita dressing and some tortilla strips for a crunchy and satisfying meal.
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Southwest Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Romaine Lettuce, Salad Leaves, Cherry
This colorful and flavorful salad is a Southwest inspired dish. Grilled chicken breasts are placed on a bed of mixed greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Spice things up with a chipotle lime dressing and some tortilla strips.
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Grilled Asian Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Fresh Ginger, Canola Oil, Hoisin Sauce
This salad is a light and refreshing take on a Chinese chicken salad. Grilled chicken thighs are placed on a bed of noodles, mandarin oranges, carrots, and cabbage. Top it off with a homemade sesame dressing for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
This salad is a complete meal in itself. Made with whole wheat pasta, chicken breast, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Toss it all together with a lemon herb dressing for a bright and fresh finish.
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Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb...
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Scallions, Shrimp, Red Pepper Flakes
This pasta salad is light and refreshing with grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and a lemon-herb dressing. The flavors and textures in this dish are perfectly balanced, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
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Grilled Chicken Nicoise Salad
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water
This French inspired salad features grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and olives on a bed of mixed greens. The lemon Dijon dressing adds a tangy and creamy element to this savory and satisfying dish.
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Spinach, Blue Cheese, and Bacon Salad
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Bacon Slices, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red
This salad is a luxurious and satisfying dish that combines spinach, blue cheese, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and walnuts. Toss it all together with a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
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Pork and Quinoa Salad
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Quinoa, Water, Olive Oil, Paprika
If you're looking for a high-protein and nutrient-dense salad, this recipe is for you. Made with grilled pork tenderloin, quinoa, spinach, avocado, and tomatoes, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrition. Finish it off with a lemon herb dressing for a zesty and refreshing finish.
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Chicken Schnitzel and Crunchy Salad in Seconds
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Prosciutto
This salad is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken schnitzel is paired with a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw for a light and satisfying dish. Drizzle on a honey mustard dressing for a sweet and savory finish.
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Curried Salmon Burger and Avocado Salad
Main Ingredients: Old Fashioned Oats, Canned Salmon, Large Eggs, Curry
This unique and delicious salad features a curried salmon burger on a bed of mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and red onion. The curry yogurt dressing adds a creamy and spicy element to this dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Thai Pork and Mango Salad With Mango-Mint Dressing
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Salt, Black Pepper, Thai Red Curry
This salad is a refreshing and flavorful take on a Thai inspired dish. Grilled pork tenderloin is paired with mango, cucumber, carrots, and peanuts for a crunchy and satisfying salad. Drizzle on a mango-mint dressing for a sweet and zingy finish.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mayonnaise
This salad combines two classic dishes, chicken Caesar salad and pasta salad, into one delicious and satisfying meal. Made with whole wheat pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan, this salad is tossed in a homemade Caesar dressing for a creamy and savory finish.
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Taco Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Small Avocados
This Southwestern inspired taco salad is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Made with ground beef, black beans, corn, and tomatoes, this salad is topped with a chipotle ranch dressing for a spicy and creamy finish. Top it off with some tortilla strips for an added crunch.
1. Winter Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup pomegranate arils
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup cubed apples
1 cup halved grapes
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine all fruits in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the honey, orange juice, and cinnamon. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for an added crunch. This winter fruit salad is not only delicious, but it also incorporates traditional holiday flavors and colors.
2. Festive Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
6 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cherry tomatoes, cranberries, feta cheese, and sliced almonds. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat. This festive spinach salad not only adds a pop of color to your Christmas dinner table, but it also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients.
3. Winter Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup cubed butternut squash
1 cup pomegranate arils
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, butternut squash, pomegranate arils, red onion, and goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat. This winter quinoa salad is not only festive and delicious, but it also provides a good source of protein and fiber.
Incorporating salads into your Christmas dinner menu not only adds a healthy and refreshing element to the meal, but it also adds some festive flair. These salad recipe ideas are easy to make and will be sure to impress your guests. Happy holidays and happy eating!
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