• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girl…
    • Privacy Policy
  • Lifestyle
    • Kids
    • Travel
    • Everyday Living
    • Holiday
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
  • Mocktails
  • Store
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Home » Entertaining » Salad Bar and Holiday Cookie Boxes + GIVEAWAY

Salad Bar and Holiday Cookie Boxes + GIVEAWAY

December 4, 2020 By Chandice | 37 Comments | Updated December 3, 2020

this post may contain affiliate links

JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE
Salad bar pin

Putting together a simple salad bar for the holidays makes things so much easier. Add in these darling cookie boxes and you have the perfect healthy and indulgent party spread! 

Overhead shot of salad and beet tacos

Thank you to Taylor Farms for sponsoring this post. 

Salad Bar

I love putting together a simple salad bar with a variety of delicious chopped salads! They are great for any gathering whether large or small. Make it SUPER simple on yourself with pre-made salad kits from Taylor Farms. 

Bowls of salad on a red table runner

They have a variety of flavors inducing…

  • Avocado grilled chicken
  • Strawberry Rose’
  • Thai Chili Mango Chopped Kit
  • Salsa Ranch
  • and they even have an Everything Vegetable Tray that goes great with it as well! 

Girl dishing up salad from a bowl

Each kit comes with everything you need for your salad including the greens, dressing and toppings. I LOVE this new Strawberry Rose’ salad because it is both beautiful on it’s own or atop our beet tacos. 

The vinaigrette is so delicate yet delicious in flavor. This salad is a blend of green leaf lettuce, kale and radicchio tossed with a light berry ROSÉ vinaigrette—made with real berries. It is then sprinkled with strawberry infused cranberries and roasted sliced almonds. It really is a WOW factor salad!

Plus, it is gluten and dairy free as well as vegetarian and vegan making it the perfect beet taco topping! Find out where you can get a bag using this store locator. 

Strawberry salad kit

The key to a great salad bar is to choose a variety of salads so your guests have plenty to choose from. Serve them all up in separate bowls for a pretty, yet simple presentation. 

I love a mixture of wood, clay and glass bowls. You can also serve up the salads with different spoons like wood, gold flatware and tongs. 

A variety of salads on a plate

When doing this salad bar during the holidays, add some large ornaments around the bowls atop a red holiday table runner. Add a pretty 3-4′ flocked decorative tree in the middle of the table and you have a beautiful and festive spread!

Christmas tree and salad on a table Big bowl of salad with dressing

Toppings are another great thing to keep in mind for your salad bar, especially if you aren’t going to be using pre-made kits. Here are some of my favorite salad toppings…

  • Tortilla strips
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Beets
  • Cottage Cheese

Salads in a wood and ceramic bowl

  • Peas
  • Jalapeños
  • Carrots
  • Bacon Bits
  • Shaved Parmesan
  • Eggs
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers

Thai chili mango salad in a bowl and bag

Crunchy quinoa and dried fruit like you find on this delicious Taylor Farms Thai chili mango chopped salad also make great toppings. Adding other veggies like shaved Brussels sprouts also take salads to the next level. 

A variety of beans and cheeses can give your salad more of a Mexican flare or Mediterranean vibe depending on who ones you use. No matter which salads you serve or which toppings you set out, everyone is sure to love the option to create their own spectacular plate! 

Salsa ranch salad kit and bowl

Holiday Cookie Boxes

Making holiday cookie boxes are easier than you might think. I would say that sourcing the boxes was the hardest part. After looking high and low all over the internet to find cute boxes, like I wanted all I seemed to find were custom made. 

I decided I wanted to do something easier so that you guys could recreate it yourself. So, I went to my local Michaels store and started with this big box (that is actually a canvas). 

Girls in kitchen making holiday cookie boxes

We then added in two of these little .99 cent wood holiday boxes you find in the front area of the store. You can put them in right by each other or you can turn one vertical and one horizontal like we did. 

Ginger molasses cookies on a cake stand

Be sure to have plenty of cookie options available for your friends whoa remaking the boxes. I had each girl bring 2-3 dozen so everyone had enough to choose from and I didn’t have to make them all myself. 

Plus, from what I’ve experienced in the past, everyone wants to contribute something when they come to a party. A simple request like cookies pleases everyone. 

Girl smiling with a holiday cookie box

I recommend a variety of shapes and sizes so that you have a fun look to your box. Long, skinny ones, big wide and round ones as well as tiny cookies. Differ in colors as well with white, chocolate and even some candies. 

Holiday cookie box

Cookie boxes don’t have to be limited to just cookies. Add in some chocolate covered pretzels, white yogurt pretzels and candy canes are all great options. 

You could even throw in some peppermint candies and chocolates. The point is, get creative and have fun. It is a holiday cookie box after all. 

Girls holding cookie boxes

Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies really do make any holiday gathering delicious! Here are a few of my favorites…

  • Decorated Sugar Cookies
  • Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies
  • BEST Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Grinch Cookies
  • Gluten-Free Mint Cookies from Meaningful Eats

Chocolate mint cookies

Easy Cookie Party Decor

When each gal arrives, have a cute red and white striped apron waiting for each one. I like to also include a spatula and Christmas cookie cutter as well. 

A spatula and holiday apron with cookie cutter

Felt or wool holiday garland is a great decoration that can be hung anywhere or you ca simply drape it on the counter around cake stands full of Christmas cookies. 

Holiday cookies and an apron

Simple Holiday Snacks

I am ALL about keeping things simple during the holidays. Especially when it comes to snacks. I love ready made, yet healthy options like these Taylor Farms veggie trays. 

Girls eating veggie tray around a counter

I love that I can easily set it out and not have to worry about any other dishes. My friends also commented at this gathering that they loved the cucumbers… “I’ve never seen them in a veggie tray, I love it!” was the comment I specifically heard. 

It’s true, these trays are full of premium, crisp veggies that everyone will enjoy snacking on. Here are some of my other favorite easy snack ideas…

Veggie tray

  • Hummus and Crackers
  • Chips and Sour Cream Chip Dip
  • Fruit and Fluff
  • Cheeseball and Crackers
  • Healthy Holiday Appetizers Board
  • Guacamole Cups with Shrimp
  • Gluten-Free Charcuterie and Cheeseboard

Veggie tray

Veggie Tacos

These vegetarian tacos are so full of flavor without the meat! They are both beautiful to serve and so good for your body. They definitely make even the biggest meat eaters happy. 

Salad bar beet tacos

How to make salad bar beet tacos

  • Cook the rice in a rice cooker with vegetable broth
  • Meanwhile, toss the beets in a bowl with 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. olive oil and all the dill
  • In another bowl, toss the corn with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. olive oil
  • In a frying pan, cook corn tortillas that have been smeared with a bit of butter for 30 seconds per side

Vegetarian Beet Tacos step by step photos

  • Top warm tortillas with beets, rice and corn
  • Finish with tossed Taylor Farms Strawberry Rose Salad
  • Optional: Add edible flowers for presentation

Here are some other great recipes to go with these tacos…

Guacamole Stuffed Tater Tots

Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic

Blackberry Sage Lemonade

 

Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

Salad Bar Beet Tacos + Holiday Cookie Boxes

4.8 from 5 votes
Putting together a simple salad bar with beet tacos for the holidays makes things so much easier. Add in these darling cookie boxes and you have the perfect healthy and indulgent party spread! 
PRINT RECIPE
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: side dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beet, salad bar, tacos
Servings: 8 tacos
Calories: 187kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 C white rice
  • 2 C vegetable broth
  • 4 beets, cooked and peeled
  • 1 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp dill
  • 1 C corn, cooked
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 bag Taylor Farms Strawberry Rose Salad Kit

Instructions

  • Cook the rice in a rice cooker with vegetable broth
  • Meanwhile, toss the beets in a bowl with 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. olive oil and all the dill
  • In another bowl, toss the corn with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. olive oil
  • In a frying pan, cook corn tortillas that have been smeared with a bit of butter for 30 seconds per side
  • Top warm tortillas with beets, rice and corn
  • Finish with tossed Taylor Farms Strawberry Rose Salad
  • Optional: Add edible flowers for presentation

Nutrition

Serving: 1taco | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share:

Filed Under: Christmas, Entertaining, Side Dishes Tagged With: christmas, entertaining, salad

Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi, I'm Chandice!

Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

FREEBIES

Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

Get your FREE Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Electronic Cookbook!

Subscribe to get your FREE electronic Cookbook of our 10 Favorite Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Recipes & our Newsletters!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription & get your eBook to start baking!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie says

    December 8, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    I would have never thought to out beets in a tortilla- fabulous! I love the sunflower crunch salad kit- would love to try the spiced apple

    Reply
  2. Steph says

    December 7, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    Avocado ranch!

    Reply
  3. Ashley keinath says

    December 7, 2020 at 3:32 pm

    Tomato and Avocado!! I love the diversity in the recipe

    Reply
  4. Natalie says

    December 6, 2020 at 10:34 pm

    I love that this recipe uses beets in a unique way! It is a great way to eat healthy yet still be super tasty!

    Reply
  5. Mira V says

    December 6, 2020 at 5:04 am

    I love Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kit, I tried so many and was never disappointed in any.

    Reply
  6. Lindsay says

    December 6, 2020 at 1:56 am

    Avocado ranch for the tacos

    Reply
  7. Lindsay A. says

    December 5, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    I love Taylor Farms salad kits! I’ve tried numerous ones, but haven’t yet tried the Thai Chili Mango or the Salsa Ranch, so I’d use either of those two as a taco topper! The cookies are stunning and the wooden boxes from Michaels are GENIUS – I’m saving this post for gifting inspo!

    Reply
  8. Beth Beaty says

    December 5, 2020 at 1:42 pm

    I love their salads. Never thought about using them on tacos before. I’ll have to try!

    Reply
  9. Carol Clark says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:49 am

    Avocado Ranch salad

    Reply
  10. Georgiana says

    December 4, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    Beets are delicious and I like that addition.

    Reply
  11. Emily says

    December 4, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Grilled fish tacos!

    Reply
  12. Paula Decaria says

    December 4, 2020 at 5:22 pm

    I have never thought of using beets in tacos, but I love beets, so I need to try this!

    Reply
  13. Elle says

    December 4, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    Beets are one of my winter favorites!

    Reply
  14. Denise M says

    December 4, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    I use their Avocado Ranch salad for my tacos and burrito bowls

    Reply
  15. Tim says

    December 4, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    Salad kits are a great all-in-one option for tacos. I like a Southwestern flavor to my food, so the Salsa Ranch would be my top choice.

    Reply
    • Chandice says

      December 5, 2020 at 12:47 am

      Yes, I love them too! So great for everything from tacos to regular salads!

      Reply
  16. Ray says

    December 4, 2020 at 2:37 pm

    The corn adds a nice addition and I enjoy cheese as a topping.

    Reply
  17. Patricia E says

    December 4, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    I never thought of using beets for tacos. I would totally use the cabbage to top shrimp or even fish tacos. The possibilities are endless.

    Reply
  18. Kim says

    December 4, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    If I had salad ready on hand I feel like I would eat a lot more of it

    Reply
  19. Maryann D. says

    December 4, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    The Strawberry Rose salad Kit from Taylor Farms would be wonderful to try and I do love their products. The recipe seems so tasty to try and the cookies look fantastic!

    Reply
  20. Renata S says

    December 4, 2020 at 11:19 am

    I love the beets in this recipe and I also love avocado as a topper!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Chandice of This Vivacious Life

Hi there, I’m Chandice!

I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

Read More

Freebies

Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

Get your FREE Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Electronic Cookbook!

Subscribe to get your FREE electronic Cookbook of our 10 Favorite Gluten-Free Holiday Treats Recipes & our Newsletters!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription & get your eBook to start baking!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

As seen in/on:

Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

Strawberry basil margarita mocktail in a cup with a heart stirrer

Valentines Mocktails 20+ Recipes

Galentine's parties are so much fun because they are a beautiful but laid back way to get your gal pals together in February. Serve up our strawberry basil margarita mocktails and chocolate dipped strawberry sugar cookies. Heart shaped waffles are great too! || This Vivacious Life #galentines #valentinesday #partyideas #galentinesday #thisvivaciouslife

Galentine’s Party & Strawberry Basil Margarita Mocktail

These ooey, gooey red velvet cookies are moist, soft and so delicious they will make your valentine swoon!

Ooey Gooey Red Velvet Cookies {Gluten-Free}

Featured Posts

Overhead photo of gluten-free cinnamon rolls on a white plate, on top of a blue and white towel, being cut into with a fork

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (The BEST & Fluffiest!)

Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and jar of ingredients

BEST Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (In a Jar Option)

Shortstack of pancakes with syrup being drizzled on top

Gluten-Free Pancakes (Fluffy Buttermilk)

Gluten-free crescent rolls that are literally the BEST you have ever tasted! Flaky, fluffy and so delicious nobody would ever know they are gluten-free!

Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls

Three square waffles on a white plate with berries

BEST Gluten-Free Waffles

Instant pot gluten-free mac and cheese is a creamy, hearty dish the whole family will love. It literally takes under 10 minutes and the kids will love it! You can mix in ham, beef or even bacon for an extra filling dish.

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

Check out my e-book!

Sheet Pan Meals and More gluten-free e-book

Gluten Free on a Budget

Our cookbook is now available right here!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Footer

As seen on

Copyright This Vivacious Life© 2021

Get your FREE eCookbook of 5 Gluten-Free Instant Pot Dinner Recipes
Subscribe to get your free eCookbook and our latest content by email.
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.