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
- 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.
Enjoy.