This Christmas Salad is a crisp, colorful side dish that brings classic holiday colors right to your table. Broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing for a make-ahead salad that pairs beautifully with any festive main. Simple, fresh, and perfect for potlucks or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite), optional
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese (if using) to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss gently but thoroughly until all the veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the veggies to crisp up.
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy!
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Variation
- Add crispy bacon: Stir in 1/2–3/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky twist that makes this salad extra indulgent.
- Sweet & nutty: Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/3 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans for sweetness and crunch.
- Lighter version: Use light mayonnaise and light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie but still creamy dressing.
Cooking Notes
- This is a no-cook recipe, but chilling time is essential for the flavors to develop and for the veggies to stay crisp.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the dressing before mixing with the veggies and adjust the sugar, vinegar, or salt to match your preferred balance of tangy and sweet.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a colorful side dish alongside roast turkey, ham, or beef for Christmas dinner.
- Bring it to holiday potlucks or family gatherings—it travels well and can sit chilled until serving time.
- Pair with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a simple, complete weeknight meal outside of the holidays.
Tips
- Dry the broccoli and cauliflower very well after washing so the dressing clings instead of watering down.
- Chop the veggies fairly small and uniform so every bite has a nice mix of flavors and textures.
- Prepare the salad up to a day ahead, but add the tomatoes within a few hours of serving if you want them extra fresh and juicy.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Christmas Salad ahead of time?
– Yes. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving. For the freshest texture, add the tomatoes a few hours before serving. - How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
– Leftovers will keep for about 2–3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The veggies will soften slightly over time but the flavors will continue to develop. - Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
– You can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. Adjust the sugar and vinegar to taste since yogurt is more tart. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
– Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure that your mayonnaise, sour cream, and any added cheese or bacon are certified gluten-free if needed.
Conclusion
This Christmas Salad is everything you want in a holiday side: crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and festive colors that brighten the table. It’s quick to prep, perfect for making ahead, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear—then be ready to share the recipe!
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Christmas Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetarian cheese)
Description
This Christmas Salad is a crisp, colorful side dish that brings classic holiday colors right to your table. Broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing for a make-ahead salad that pairs beautifully with any festive main. Simple, fresh, and perfect for potlucks or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite), optional
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese (if using) to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss gently but thoroughly until all the veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the veggies to crisp up.
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy!
- Don’t miss out on my next recipe—thank you for following!
Notes
- For the best texture, cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-size florets so they are easy to eat and well-coated in dressing.
- If your red onion is strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.
- This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
- Keep the shredded cheese optional if you’re serving guests with dairy sensitivities—simply sprinkle it over individual portions instead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Christmas salad, holiday salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, creamy salad, make-ahead side, festive salad
