19 Vibrant Thanksgiving Salad Recipes for a Colorful Feast
Looking for a fresh and tasty addition to your Thanksgiving feast?
Try making some delicious salads!
In this article, we’ll share simple and flavorful Thanksgiving salad recipes that everyone will enjoy.
These salads are a perfect way to balance out your holiday meal.
Let’s get started!
1. Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
Roasted sweet potatoes add a delicious warmth to this Thanksgiving salad, paired with earthy kale for a nutritious base.
The contrast between the sweetness of the potatoes and the slight bitterness of the kale creates a delightful balance.
Toss with a light vinaigrette and a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a festive touch.
This salad is perfect as a side dish, offering bold flavors that complement a Thanksgiving spread.
2. Cranberry Pecan Salad
Cranberries are a Thanksgiving classic, and this salad embraces them fully.
Mixed greens are topped with tangy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese or feta cheese.
The addition of a cranberry vinaigrette ties everything together.
It’s a refreshing, light option to balance the rich main dishes, offering a great mix of textures and flavors.
3. Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad
Roasted butternut squash is a fall favorite, and its natural sweetness shines in this salad.
Paired with peppery arugula and topped with a simple balsamic dressing, this dish is a beautiful blend of flavors.
Add a handful of walnuts or pomegranate seeds for extra crunch and color.
This salad feels hearty enough for the cooler weather yet fresh enough to be a side.
4. Apple Walnut Salad
Crisp apples and toasted walnuts bring an autumnal flair to this Thanksgiving salad.
Combined with mixed greens and a sharp cheddar cheese, this dish offers a wonderful contrast of textures.
A honey mustard dressing elevates the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
This salad is both light and filling, making it an ideal addition to a heavy holiday meal.
5. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
A twist on the classic Caesar salad, this version uses shaved Brussels sprouts in place of romaine lettuce.
Tossed with a rich, creamy Caesar dressing and topped with Parmesan, it’s a heartier take on the beloved favorite.
Add croutons for some crunch, and you’ve got a flavorful, unexpected salad that’s sure to stand out on your Thanksgiving table.
6. Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
This vibrant salad features fresh spinach leaves as the base, while jewel-like pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor and color.
The sweet-tart bite of pomegranate pairs wonderfully with the earthy spinach.
For added texture, toss in some toasted almonds and feta cheese.
A light citrus dressing enhances the flavors, making this a refreshing complement to heavier dishes.
7. Warm Farro and Roasted Vegetable Salad
This hearty salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, combining the nutty flavor of farro with roasted fall vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and onions.
Toss everything with a balsamic glaze and fresh herbs for a savory, slightly sweet dish.
The warm grains and roasted veggies make it a cozy, filling side that works beautifully with turkey or other mains.
8. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Sweet, ripe pears and bold gorgonzola cheese come together in this elegant Thanksgiving salad.
Tossed with a mix of greens and candied walnuts, the flavors are balanced and indulgent without being heavy.
A drizzle of honey or a light vinaigrette rounds out the dish, making it a sophisticated side for any Thanksgiving feast.
9. Shaved Fennel and Citrus Salad
This refreshing salad offers a bright contrast to the rich dishes typically found at Thanksgiving.
Thinly shaved fennel adds a mild licorice flavor, while slices of orange or grapefruit bring a tart sweetness.
Tossed with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, this salad is light, crisp, and a great palate cleanser amidst the holiday fare.
10. Harvest Quinoa Salad
Packed with protein and flavor, this quinoa-based salad is filled with roasted veggies, dried cranberries, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
The quinoa serves as a sturdy base for all the autumnal ingredients, creating a healthy, filling side dish.
A maple vinaigrette brings a subtle sweetness that ties the whole salad together.
It’s the perfect option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter dish.
11. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This beautiful salad is both visually striking and delicious.
Roasted beets bring an earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with tangy goat cheese.
Add a bed of mixed greens and some candied pecans for extra crunch.
Finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table.
12. Green Bean and Almond Salad
Green beans aren’t just for casseroles!
This salad features crisp, blanched green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a zesty lemon dressing.
The almonds add a delightful crunch, while the citrus brightens the dish.
It’s a light and refreshing side that can serve as a healthier alternative to heavier, creamy green bean dishes.
13. Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad
Wild rice brings a hearty, nutty flavor to this salad, paired with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of chopped pecans.
Add fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette, and you’ve got a satisfying, flavorful dish.
The wild rice provides texture and depth, making this a substantial addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
14. Carrot and Raisin Salad
This classic Thanksgiving salad is simple but full of flavor.
Shredded carrots are mixed with sweet raisins and tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing.
It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, offering a crunchy, light side that complements the heavier, savory dishes typically served at the Thanksgiving meal.
15. Baby Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Though strawberries may seem like a summer fruit, they work surprisingly well in a Thanksgiving salad.
Paired with baby spinach, candied pecans, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is fresh, sweet, and a little indulgent.
It adds a lovely contrast to the richer flavors on the table, making it a refreshing choice for your holiday spread.
16. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
This salad is perfect for those looking for a more substantial side.
Roasted cauliflower and chickpeas are tossed with a cumin-spiced dressing and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
The result is a warm, filling salad that feels comforting yet light.
It’s a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving meal, offering bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
17. Autumn Slaw with Maple Dijon Dressing
This crunchy slaw combines shredded cabbage, apples, and carrots with a creamy maple Dijon dressing.
The blend of sweet and savory makes it a perfect side for Thanksgiving, and the crisp texture adds variety to the table.
You can toss in some pumpkin seeds or cranberries for extra autumn flair.
This dish is a great alternative to heavier, mayonnaise-based slaws.
18. Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
For a refreshing twist, try this light salad made with slices of creamy avocado and tart grapefruit.
The combination of these two fruits creates a delicious contrast, while a simple olive oil and lime dressing enhances their natural flavors.
It’s a bright, fresh side that pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, offering a light respite from heavier dishes.
19. Red Cabbage and Apple Salad
This vibrant, crunchy salad features shredded red cabbage and crisp apples tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
It’s a simple yet flavorful side that brings a touch of sweetness and acidity to the Thanksgiving table.
The bright colors and bold flavors make this dish a standout, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of traditional holiday fare.
Wrap Up
With these delicious Thanksgiving salad recipes, your holiday table will be full of fresh, vibrant flavors.
From sweet potatoes to cranberries, these salads are sure to impress your guests and balance out the rich main dishes.
Enjoy a tasty, festive feast with these yummy salads.
Happy Thanksgiving!
