Are you enjoying the seemingly endless parade of holiday treats as much as I am? They are everywhere right now, and I absolutely love it. I’m only halfway through my holiday baking, so there are still some favorite goodies yet to come—score! If you want a few new outstanding Christmas cookies to add to your repertoire, check out My 10 Must-Have Christmas Cookie post. Every recipe there is worth making and sure to become a family favorite.
That said, reality will catch up with us soon: after the holidays we’ll be working hard to undo the consequences of all those extra treats. I know—no one wants that reminder—but stick with me for a minute. I’m sharing 10 excellent salad recipes that will help make the transition back to lighter meals enjoyable. If we have to eat salads, they ought to taste fantastic, right?
1. Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce – This is the salad to end all salads. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken and a spicy peanut dressing combine to make a bold, satisfying dish. If you try only one from this list, make it this one.
2. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – My copycat version of the TGI Fridays salad. It balances crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries and juicy chicken in a creamy dressing. I might be biased, but I think mine has it beat.
3. Avocado Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad – This is the only pasta salad I make anymore because so many others fall flat. Creamy avocado, smoky bacon and tender chicken make this one a winner. Use whole grain pasta to make it a healthier, still-indulgent option.
4. Southwestern Bean, Barley and Jicama Salad – Packed with bright southwestern flavors, this salad is vibrant, textural and filling. Barley and beans add hearty fiber and protein while jicama brings a refreshing crunch. There’s nothing boring here.
5. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken – Tender grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, crunchy almonds and a sweet poppyseed dressing make this spinach salad a favorite. The fruit and nuts give it a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
6. Roasted Chicken Salad – If you think you don’t like chicken salad, try this one. Large, moist chunks of slow-roasted chicken make it hearty and flavorful. This version converts skeptics into fans.
7. Chicken, Avocado and Pear Salad – I was skeptical the first time I tried this combination, but it’s now a regular on my menu rotation. Creamy avocado and sweet pears pair wonderfully with savory chicken for a balanced, elegant salad.
8. Thai Coleslaw – If you love coleslaw but sometimes tire of heavy mayonnaise-based dressings, this Thai-style version is a refreshing change. It delivers sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes for a lively, crunchy side or main.
9. Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette – This isn’t a salad, but it’s an essential dressing. A simple, well-balanced vinaigrette like this one can turn a plain salad into something memorable. Keep it on hand to elevate any mix of greens, roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
10. Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad – This is my husband’s all-time favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Crunchy florets, flavorful add-ins and a tasty dressing make it irresistible. I love it too—he really does love love it.
These ten recipes cover a wide range of flavors and textures—creamy, crunchy, sweet, spicy and savory—so you can rotate salads without getting bored. After a season of cookies and pies, these fresh, satisfying salads are a delicious way to reset and enjoy meals that feel both wholesome and indulgent. Try one (or a few) this week and see which become new favorites at your table.