Introduction
When the holiday season rolls around, you’re likely looking for dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious — ones you can prep ahead and serve with confidence. That’s why this seven‑layer Christmas salad is a go‑to. With its colorful layers reminiscent of Christmas red and green, crisp and sweet elements like apples and walnuts, and a creamy maple‑dijon dressing that ties everything together, this salad stands out on any buffet table. Plus, it’s make‑ahead friendly, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities rather than rush in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Seven‑Layer Christmas Salad
Visual Impact & Festive Flair
Because the salad is built in clear layers, each stripe of color — deep green romaine, crisp white, bright red apples or bell peppers, crunchy nuts — shows through beautifully. It brings holiday elegance with minimal effort. Many layered salad recipes highlight that the presentation alone creates an “ooh / aah” at gatherings. The Pioneer Woman+1
Make‑Ahead Convenience
Salads that you can assemble ahead of time are gold during busy holiday seasons. The base and middle layers can be prepped in advance; just add the final crunchy elements closer to serving. According to one recipe: “Stop layering after you’ve added the dressing and cheese … cover and refrigerate up to 2 days before finishing.” 12 Tomatoes+1
Crowd‑Friendly Flavor
This salad combines texture and flavor: crunch from nuts and lettuce, sweetness from apples or cranberries, creaminess from the dressing, and richness from cheese or bacon if you include it. It hits a lot of taste notes while remaining a side dish. The classic variant is described as “easy to make … yet striking in presentation.” Culinary Hill+1
Ingredients
Here’s your ingredient list (adjust amounts slightly based on bowl size and guest number):
For the salad layers:
