Christmas Salad

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

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

Variation

  1. Add crispy bacon: Stir in 1/2–3/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky twist that makes this salad extra indulgent.
  2. Sweet & nutty: Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/3 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans for sweetness and crunch.
  3. Lighter version: Use light mayonnaise and light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie but still creamy dressing.

Cooking Notes

  1. This is a no-cook recipe, but chilling time is essential for the flavors to develop and for the veggies to stay crisp.
  2. If you prefer a thinner dressing, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  3. 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

  1. Serve as a colorful side dish alongside roast turkey, ham, or beef for Christmas dinner.
  2. Bring it to holiday potlucks or family gatherings—it travels well and can sit chilled until serving time.
  3. 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.

Enjoy.

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