Christmas is an exciting time in the kitchen.

Its a chance to add our own festive flare to our heartiest, mostcomforting dishes.

And just like any other dish on your holiday table, your salads can be festive, too.

Harvest Salad

Credit: GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: CHELSEA ZIMMER; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH

We recommend generous amounts of Parmesan to really tie the whole salad together.

Christmas Snow Salad

Dont worry, there are no vegetables involved in this one.

Classic Cranberry Salad

Emily Laurae

It only feels right to have cranberries on Christmas.

apple cranberry salad

Credit: Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

The tart cranberries in this salad are mellowed by brown sugar and sweet Bartlett pears.

Crunch from sliced celery and toasted pecans are the perfect complement.

Dress it up with pecans, Parmesan, and our tangy-sweet vinaigrette.

Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This one features skillet-cooked strip steak, buttered Yukon potatoes, and a zesty maple-Dijon dressing.

Southern Living Chrstmas Salad in the bowl to serve

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

Credit: Greg DuPree

Christmas Snow Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Southern Living Shaved Vegetable Salad on plates to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Mama Mae’s Ambrosia Salad

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Classic Cranberry Salad

Credit:Emily Laurae

Chicken Tortellini Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Southern Living Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cast-iron steak salad with fork and spoon

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Tarragon Chicken Salad

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox