Russian Food

23 Holiday Salads That Break Up Heavy Plates

23 Holiday Salads That Break Up Heavy Plates

Holiday tables tend to fill up fast with rich mains and heavier sides. A good salad creates contrast, adds freshness, and gives everyone a reason to keep eating without feeling weighed down. These 23 salads rely on crisp vegetables, balanced dressings, and ingredients that feel intentional rather than decorative. Each one helps reset the plate while still holding its own at dinner.

23 Holiday Salads That Break Up Heavy Plates
Creamy Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Red cabbage salad on a plate with a fork.
Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad comes together in about 30 minutes using shredded purple cabbage, pickled mushrooms, onion, and vinegar. The short rest time allows the vegetables to soften slightly. Pickled mushrooms add acidity and depth. The taste is crisp, tangy, and refreshing against heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad.
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad takes about 20 minutes using cucumbers, dill, sour cream, and garlic. Minimal chilling lets flavors settle without losing crunch. Dill brings freshness while sour cream adds light richness. The taste is cool, creamy, and clean.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing

Overhead of fiddlehead salad.
Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing is ready in roughly 30 minutes with fiddleheads, herbs, kefir, and lemon balm. Quick blanching keeps the greens tender. Kefir dressing adds tangy balance. The flavor is fresh, herbal, and lightly creamy.
Get the Recipe: Spring Fiddlehead Salad With Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potato salad with cranberries and goat cheese.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad takes about 45 minutes using sweet potatoes, greens, olive oil, and seasoning. Roasting deepens the sweetness without heaviness. Greens add contrast to the soft potatoes. The taste is savory, slightly sweet, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Tabbouleh Salad With Feta

Close up overhead of tabbouleh salad with feta.
Tabbouleh Salad With Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tabbouleh Salad With Feta comes together in about 35 minutes using bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, lemon, and feta. Resting time allows grains to absorb dressing. Herbs stay bright and fresh. The flavor is lemony, lightly salty, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad With Feta

Fried Halloumi Salad

Large plate of fried halloumi salad with wine glass.
Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Halloumi Salad is ready in roughly 25 minutes using halloumi cheese, greens, olive oil, and vegetables. Quick frying warms the cheese without melting it. Greens balance the saltiness. The taste is savory, crisp, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Salmon Salad With Bagel

Overhead of smoked salmon and bagel salad.
Salmon Salad With Bagel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Salmon Salad With Bagel takes about 20 minutes using smoked salmon, bagel pieces, cucumbers, and cream based dressing. Assembly keeps textures distinct. Salmon adds richness without heaviness. The flavor is savory, slightly creamy, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad With Bagel

Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

A black bowl filled with creamy cucumber salad, garnished with fresh dill and cracked black pepper, with sliced cucumbers and onions visible. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl.
Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad comes together in about 25 minutes with cucumbers, sour cream, paprika, and vinegar. Brief chilling blends the dressing smoothly. Paprika adds warmth without spice. The taste is cool, tangy, and gently savory.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Fennel And Mango Slaw

Overhead of fennel mango slaw in bowl.
Fennel And Mango Slaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fennel And Mango Slaw takes about 20 minutes using shaved fennel, mango, citrus juice, and oil. No cooking keeps everything crisp. Mango adds sweetness to the fennel bite. The flavor is bright, lightly sweet, and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw

Goat Cheese Salad

A white bowl filled with a salad of leafy greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled white cheese, and a drizzle of dark balsamic glaze, with a metal fork on the right side.
Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Goat Cheese Salad is ready in roughly 15 minutes using mixed greens, goat cheese, nuts, and vinaigrette. Simple assembly keeps flavors clean. Goat cheese adds tang without heaviness. The taste is fresh, creamy, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad
Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad comes together in about 25 minutes using napa cabbage, vinegar, chili oil, and seasoning. Resting softens the cabbage slightly. Vinegar and heat add contrast. The flavor is sharp, savory, and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning

Close up on tomato avocado salad.
Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning takes about 15 minutes using tomatoes, avocado, olive oil, and nut spice blend. Quick assembly preserves texture. Dukkah adds crunch and warmth. The taste is rich, nutty, and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Avocado Salad With Dukkah Seasoning

Quinoa Cucumber Salad

A white plate with a serving of quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, chopped herbs, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese. A gold fork is resting on the plate. The background is a light, textured surface.
Quinoa Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Quinoa Cucumber Salad is ready in about 30 minutes using cooked quinoa, cucumbers, herbs, and lemon dressing. Cooling time firms the grains. Cucumbers add crunch. The flavor is light, savory, and clean.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

Turkey Breast Salad

A plate of salad with spinach, slices of pear, pecans, chunks of chicken, cucumber, and cheese sits on a white surface next to a gold fork and spoon on a checkered napkin.
Turkey Breast Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Turkey Breast Salad comes together in roughly 20 minutes using cooked turkey, greens, vegetables, and vinaigrette. Assembly keeps the turkey tender. Greens lighten the protein. The taste is savory, fresh, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Breast Salad

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta takes about 25 minutes using white beans, feta, herbs, and olive oil. Resting allows flavors to blend. Beans add substance without heaviness. The flavor is savory, slightly salty, and steady.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad.
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad) takes about 60 minutes using cooked beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles. Cooling time helps the vegetables firm. Pickles add acidity. The taste is earthy, tangy, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

A bowl of salad containing leafy greens, fresh herbs, sliced onions, and black sesame seeds on a light surface. Another dish with similar contents is partially visible to the side. There are scattered herbs around the bowl.
Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame comes together in about 15 minutes using lettuce, herbs, sesame, maple, and lime. Quick tossing keeps leaves crisp. Maple balances the citrus. The flavor is fresh, lightly sweet, and bright.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

Apple And Bitter Greens Salad

A delightful apple and greens salad featuring fresh kale adorned with thin slices of crisp red apple rests on a wooden surface, complemented by a glimpse of white cloth in the background.
Apple And Bitter Greens Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple And Bitter Greens Salad is ready in roughly 20 minutes with apples, chicory greens, nuts, and vinaigrette. Assembly keeps apples crisp. Bitter greens add contrast. The taste is sharp, fresh, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Apple And Bitter Greens Salad

Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds

Side view of arugula salad on platter with pomegranates.
Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds takes about 20 minutes using mixed greens, cheese, nuts, and fruit. Assembly keeps textures distinct. Pomegranate adds brightness. The flavor is fresh, lightly sweet, and savory.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds

Creamy Pasta Salad

23 Holiday Salads That Break Up Heavy Plates
Creamy Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Creamy Pasta Salad comes together in about 30 minutes using cooked pasta, vegetables, and creamy dressing. Cooling firms the pasta. Vegetables add crunch. The taste is mild, creamy, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pasta Salad

Cheeseburger Salad

Cheeseburger salad topped with seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, and dressing over crisp greens.
Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cheeseburger Salad is ready in roughly 25 minutes using ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing. Quick cooking keeps beef juicy. Lettuce balances richness. The flavor is savory, familiar, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Salad

Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken salad mixed with curry and rotisserie chicken pieces.
Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken takes about 20 minutes using cooked chicken, curry seasoning, yogurt or mayo, and vegetables. Mixing blends flavors evenly. Curry adds warmth without heat. The taste is savory, slightly spiced, and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Taco Salad Bowls

Taco salad bowls served in individual dishes
Taco Salad Bowls. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Taco Salad Bowls come together in about 30 minutes using seasoned meat, lettuce, beans, cheese, and toppings. Quick assembly keeps ingredients distinct. Seasoning adds depth. The flavor is savory, fresh, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad Bowls

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