We’ve sleighed together 17 make-ahead side dishes that’ll revolutionize your holiday cooking game. These gems can be prepped days in advance, giving you the gift of time on the big day.
Winter Fruit Salad
Put this fresh fruit mix together the night before Christmas. The combo of kiwi, apples, and mandarins brings color to your holiday spread. You can prep it ahead so there’s one less thing to do on Christmas morning.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad
Cranberry Fluff
Mix cranberries with whipped topping and marshmallows the day before. This pink and white mix stays good in the fridge, making Christmas prep much easier.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff
Chickpea Salad
Prep this protein-packed salad up to three days before Christmas. The flavors get even better as they sit together in the fridge. It’s a cold side that needs zero cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
Make this no-cook summer mix of peaches and mozzarella ahead and keep it chilled. The flavors come together nicely in the fridge, and you can add the basil right before serving on Christmas day.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Broccoli Slaw
Mix up this crunchy broccoli slaw the night before – it actually gets better with time. The creamy dressing soaks into the veggies, making it a perfect make-ahead Christmas side that stays crisp.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw
7 Layer Salad
Stack this showstopping salad in a clear bowl up to 24 hours before Christmas. Each layer stays fresh under the top coating of dressing, and it looks great on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Cherry Salad
Mix this pink cloud of cherry goodness up to two days before Christmas. The light, sweet mix holds up well in the fridge, saving you precious time on the big day.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Pea Salad
This creamy pea mix can hang out in your fridge for up to three days before Christmas. The flavors keep developing, making it even better when you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
Make this pasta salad two days ahead – the extra time lets the flavors come together. The creamy sauce keeps the pasta moist, so it’s ready to go for Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Texas Caviar Dip
This bean and veggie mix gets better after a day or two in the fridge. Make it ahead for Christmas, and the marinade will work its magic while you focus on other holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Throw this bold coleslaw together the day before Christmas. The blue cheese flavor spreads through the mix overnight, making it even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This crunchy mix can wait in the fridge for two days before Christmas. The dried cranberries and bacon bits keep their texture, while the dressing gets deeper flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad
This green, fluffy mix stays good in the fridge for three days. Make it ahead for Christmas, and it’ll be cold and ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
Put this crunchy Asian-style salad together the morning before Christmas. The noodles stay crisp under the tangy dressing, ready for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad
This spicy pasta mix gets even better after a day in the fridge. Make it ahead for Christmas, and the flavors will keep developing until you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Make this hearty pasta salad up to three days before Christmas. The cheese-filled pasta stays fresh in the fridge, and the pesto flavor gets even richer.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Lime Jello Salad
Set this bright green jello ahead and forget it until Christmas. It stays fresh in the fridge for days, giving you one less thing to worry about during holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad