16 Statement Salads That Might Steal the Show Bold, colorful, and anything but an afterthought, these holiday salads have real festive flair. By Breana Lai Killeen Breana Lai Killeen Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD, is a food editor, recipe developer, farmer and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She has more than 20 years of experience cooking professionally, pouring wine, and creating editorial and digital content for top brands. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 5, 2025 Add Us On SAVE ALL RECIPES NEW! Save as a collection on MyRecipes Close Credit: Greg DuPree / FOOD STYLING by MARGARET MONROE DICKEY / PROP STYLING by THOM DRIVER When layered with bold flavors, striking textures, and seasonal produce, salads can easily become the star of the table. From vibrant citrus platters and hearty grain bowls to lush greens topped with inventive dressings, these recipes prove that salads deserve the spotlight. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or weeknight meals that need a little extra flair, each dish is designed to impress without compromising on ease. Here are standout statement salads that showcase just how exciting and satisfying vegetables can be. Love these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save them all with one click. It’s easy, convenient, and free! 01 of 16 Persimmons, Pomegranate, and Purslane with Pepitas Victor Protasio Ripe persimmons mingle with tart pomegranate and peppery purslane for a crunchy salad. Toasted pepitas add nutty snap, while a citrusy vinaigrette lifts the fruit, creating a textural side that thrives alongside roasts or seafood. Get the Recipe Save 02 of 16 Citrus, Beet, and Arugula Salad with Halloumi Croutons Dan Perez / Food Styling and Prop Styling by Nurit Kariv Vibrant citrus and roasted beets meet peppery arugula and halloumi croutons in this bright salad. The salty cheese crisps like croutons, adding substance, while a honeyed lemon dressing balances bitterness, sweetness, and brine for a satisfying, beautiful centerpiece salad. Get the Recipe Save 03 of 16 Fennel and Apple Salad with Hazelnuts Christopher Testani / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Prissy Lee In this fall salad, shaved fennel and crisp apples deliver anise and sweetness in equal measure. Toasted hazelnuts bring richness and crunch, while an olive oil dressing and herbs make this refreshing salad sing alongside pork, seafood, or chicken. Get the Recipe Save 04 of 16 Roasted Beet Salad with Horseradish-Cashew Cream Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis Roasted beets anchor this vegan salad with sweetness and depth. A horseradish cashew sauce brings heat and body, while herbs and lemon cut through richness, delivering a silky plate that complements grilled meats or festive mains. Get the Recipe Save 05 of 16 Brown Butter, Roasted Pear, and Goat Cheese Salad Greg DuPree / FOOD STYLING by MARGARET MONROE DICKEY / PROP STYLING by THOM DRIVER Nutty brown butter softens in-season pears in this surprisingly simple salad. Creamy goat cheese, jeweled pomegranate seeds, and a sherry vinaigrette ties it together for an elegant, holiday-ready salad with balanced sweetness and bite. Get the Recipe Save 06 of 16 Kale Salad with Cranberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese Maxwell Cozzi Hearty kale is massaged until tender, then tossed with tart cranberries, toasty almonds, and creamy goat cheese. An apple cider vinaigrette brightens, delivering a make-ahead-friendly salad that’s equal parts crunchy, tangy, and satisfying for gatherings. Get the Recipe Save 07 of 16 Roasted Beet, Burrata, and Grapefruit Salad with Basil and Balsamic Greg DuPree / FOOD STYLING by MARGARET MONROE DICKEY / PROP STYLING by THOM DRIVER Roasted beets bring earthy depth alongside creamy burrata, while grapefruit brightens every bite. Torn basil adds a bright aroma, and a balsamic reduction unites the salad with sweet tang, richness, and color for winter dinners and parties. Get the Recipe Save 08 of 16 José Andrés’ Apple Salad with Almonds and Blue Cheese James Ransom / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless José Andrés pairs toasted almonds, blue cheese, and apples with a sherry vinaigrette in this simple salad. Sweet, salty, crunchy elements harmonize, delivering a distinctly Spanish side that’s easy yet luxurious alongside roasted meats or tapas. Get the Recipe Save 09 of 16 Kale Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Christina Daley Shaved Brussels sprouts join tender kale for a hearty, crunchy base. A Dijon dressing softens the greens, while Parmesan and toasted nuts add savory depth, creating a versatile salad that holds for potlucks and lunches. Get the Recipe Save 10 of 16 Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Margret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Nidia Cueva Baby spinach wilts under a warm maple dressing enriched with mustard and shallot. Toasted pecans and crisp apples add texture, while a splash of vinegar keeps sweetness in check for a cozy, weeknight-friendly winter salad. Get the Recipe Save 11 of 16 Christmas Salad Eva Kolenko A tumble of greens, citrus, jewel-toned beets, and nuts earns centerpiece status in this festive salad. Bright vinaigrette cuts richness, while pomegranate seeds add sparkle, making this crowd-pleasing salad as beautiful as it is balanced. Get the Recipe Save 12 of 16 Mediterranean-Inspired Broccoli and Bean Salad Food & Wine / Photo by Jake Sternquist / Food Styling by Annie Probst / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell Build layers of flavor, texture, and color with hearty broccoli, chickpeas, and kidney beans, topped with a bright dressing, briny kalamata olives, bits of red onion, and a shower of salty feta. Get the Recipe Save 13 of 16 Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Apples Christina Holmes Fluffy quinoa soaks up a cider vinaigrette, then pairs with roasted sweet potatoes and apples. Toasted pecans add crunch, while herbs bring freshness, yielding a make-ahead salad that travels well for lunches and holiday potlucks. Get the Recipe Save 14 of 16 Mustard Greens with Apple Cider-Dijon Dressing Christina Holmes Peppery mustard greens shine under an apple cider Dijon dressing. Toasted seeds and sliced apples add crunch and sweetness, while shaved Parmesan or aged cheddar brings richness for a lively salad that beautifully brightens heavier mains. Get the Recipe Save 15 of 16 Red Cabbage Salad with Baked Cherries, Apples, and Almond Dukkah Marcus Nilsson Shredded red cabbage softens in a tangy dressing, then meets baked cherries, crisp apples, and almond dukkah. The result is a crunchy, sweet-savory salad that pairs wonderfully with ham, duck, or rich roasts. Get the Recipe Save 16 of 16 Escarole Salad with Red Quinoa and Hazelnuts Con Poulos Crisp escarole gets heft from nutty red quinoa and toasted hazelnuts. A shallot dressing tames bitterness, while shards of Parmesan and torn herbs add lift, delivering a structured, dinner-worthy salad with satisfying crunch and balance. Get the Recipe Save Explore more: Food Recipes Salads Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit