12 Holiday Salads That’ll Make You Forget the Turkey

Salads don’t have to be boring, and these recipes prove it. This collection offers a range of creative options that go beyond the basic greens, using fresh ingredients and unique combinations. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, light, or packed with flavor, there’s a salad here for every meal. Get ready to shake up your routine with these unexpected and satisfying dishes.

A fresh Thanksgiving salad on a white plate features arugula, goat cheese, almonds, grapes, and red onion, accompanied by a small bowl of red jam. This vibrant dish is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving recipes. — Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

A vibrant mix of crunchy cabbage, cucumbers, and green onions makes this salad pop, with a creamy green goddess dressing bringing a tangy, herbaceous flavor. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a fresh and light dish that’s perfect for a midday snack or side. The dressing is packed with garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of spice from jalapeños. Each bite offers a fresh crunch with a zesty finish.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad combines tender broccoli florets with crispy bacon and a creamy mayo-based dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, the bacon adds a savory crunch, while sunflower seeds provide a satisfying texture. Red onions and apple cider vinegar offer a tangy contrast to the rich dressing. It’s a great side for barbecues or potlucks with a balance of flavors that’s both hearty and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks

Bulgur salad with butternut and leeks — Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

A mix of roasted butternut squash, earthy leeks, and hearty bulgur creates a filling salad with layers of warmth and texture. This salad takes about 40 minutes to make, with the bulgur providing a nutty base and the roasted vegetables adding sweetness. Fresh parsley and a lemon vinaigrette offer a bright finish to the dish. It’s a perfect option for a fall or winter meal that feels cozy and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

This kale salad features tender kale leaves that are massaged until soft, then topped with grated Parmesan for a salty bite. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with the kale offering a robust texture and the cheese providing a savory, nutty flavor. Lemon juice and olive oil round out the dish with a tangy finish. It’s a hearty, nutrient-packed option that’s perfect for a quick and light meal.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Israeli Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, topped with a creamy dressing and herbs. Two metal spoons are placed on the side of the bowl, making it perfect for Thanksgiving salads that delight your guests. — Israeli Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A crisp combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley, this Israeli salad is a fresh and light dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. The veggies are chopped small for a crunchy texture, and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing adds a zesty touch. Fresh herbs bring an extra layer of flavor to the mix. It’s an ideal side dish for grilled meats or a quick snack between meals.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Salad

Hot and sour shredded Napa cabbage salad

This shredded Napa cabbage salad offers a bold blend of tangy and spicy flavors, thanks to a combination of rice vinegar and chili oil. It takes just 15 minutes to make, with the cabbage providing a light, crisp base and the dressing bringing a fiery kick. Carrots and green onions add some sweetness and crunch. It’s a dynamic salad that pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Hot and sour shredded Napa cabbage salad

Goat Cheese Salad

This salad pairs creamy goat cheese with fresh greens and crunchy vegetables for a rich and satisfying contrast. It takes 20 minutes to prepare, with the goat cheese offering a tangy creaminess that’s balanced by a zesty vinaigrette. Walnuts add a nutty crunch, and fresh herbs bring a bright finish. It’s a salad that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad

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.

A bold combination of purple cabbage and tangy pickled mushrooms gives this salad an earthy, slightly sour flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, the cabbage provides a crunchy texture, while the mushrooms offer a chewy contrast. Fresh herbs and a simple olive oil dressing tie everything together. This salad is great for those who enjoy a mix of bold flavors and textures in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Purple cabbage and pickled mushroom salad

Circassian fried cheese with a Middle-Eastern field salad

A plate of salad topped with three breaded and fried rectangular pieces, likely fish or meat. The salad includes lettuce, orange bell pepper slices, and white onion rings. The plate is set on a white tablecloth with subtle floral patterns. — Circassian fried cheese with a Middle-Eastern field salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy, golden fried cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh Middle-Eastern-inspired salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. This salad comes together in about 25 minutes, with the cheese providing a salty, crunchy bite against the refreshing vegetables. A lemon and olive oil dressing adds a bright acidity. It’s a filling and flavorful option for when you want something different and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Circassian fried cheese with a Middle-Eastern field salad

Apple and bitter greens salad

Side view of the apple and greens salad in a plate. — Apple and bitter greens salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tart apple slices combine with bitter greens for a salad that’s crisp, refreshing, and slightly tangy. It takes just 15 minutes to make, with the apple providing a sweet contrast to the peppery greens. Walnuts add a crunchy texture, and a balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together. This salad is a simple, elegant option that works well as a starter or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple and bitter greens salad

California Steak Salad

This hearty salad combines perfectly seared steak with fresh greens, avocado, and tomatoes for a filling yet refreshing meal. Ready in 30 minutes, the steak adds richness, while the avocado brings a creamy texture to balance the freshness of the vegetables. A tangy balsamic dressing complements the bold flavors. It’s a satisfying option for a lunch or dinner that’s both light and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tender shredded BBQ chicken sits atop a bed of crunchy romaine lettuce in this flavorful salad. It takes 25 minutes to prepare, with the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce offering a bold contrast to the fresh veggies. Corn, black beans, and avocado add extra layers of texture and flavor. It’s a great option when you want a hearty, Southern-inspired salad that feels light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad