When we think about Thanksgiving, our minds usually go straight to turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But let’s not forget about the humble salad! A great Thanksgiving salad can add a fresh, colorful, and healthy touch to your holiday spread. It’s that balance we need amid the richness of the main dishes. If you’re looking for something simple yet delicious to serve, a well-prepared salad can really stand out without adding too much extra effort.
I’ll share some ideas for salads that feel special enough for the big day, yet easy enough to whip up without causing extra stress. We’ve got enough to juggle with cooking and family, right?
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Why Add a Thanksgiving Salad to Your Menu?
With all the heavy, comforting dishes served at Thanksgiving, a light salad can be a great way to balance things out. It’s refreshing, it adds color, and it helps keep the meal from feeling too rich. Plus, when you add seasonal ingredients like apples, cranberries, and nuts, it still feels festive.
Here’s why a salad might be the secret star of your Thanksgiving dinner:
- Color and Variety: It’s a great way to add more color to your table. You’ve got the deep browns and oranges from other dishes. A salad can pop with greens, reds, and purples.
- Lighter Option: Not everyone wants to fill up on stuffing and potatoes. Having a fresh option gives people the chance to make a healthier choice.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Many salads can be prepped in advance. That means one less thing to do on the big day.
Simple Thanksgiving Salad Ingredients That Shine
There are plenty of ingredients you can toss together that feel festive and hearty without being overly complicated. Here’s a list of some of my favorites to throw into a Thanksgiving salad. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste:
- Greens: Arugula, spinach, kale, or mixed greens are all great bases. They bring a bit of bitterness or peppery flavor to balance the sweeter and heavier dishes.
- Fruits: Apples, pears, or dried cranberries add a sweet bite. Their natural sugars help complement the savory notes in your meal.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and texture. They’re also rich in flavor, especially when toasted.
- Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese. Just a little goes a long way, and it brings a tangy richness to the salad.
- Grains: Quinoa or farro can bulk up the salad if you want something a bit more filling but still light. Grains add a nice chew and a bit of substance.
- Veggies: Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. They’re soft, warm, and add that perfect autumn flavor.
- Dressing: A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing. You don’t need anything fancy here. The ingredients in the salad should be the real stars.
Arugula and Roasted Butternut Squash Thanksgiving Salad
Let’s put together a simple recipe using some of those ingredients. This is my go-to Thanksgiving salad. It’s easy, it’s got great texture, and it works well with just about everything else on the table.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh arugula
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare your salad dressing by whisking together the olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, dried cranberries, and pecans.
- Once the squash has cooled a bit (you don’t want it to wilt the greens), add it to the salad.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the top and drizzle with your homemade dressing.
This salad is sweet, savory, and has the perfect crunch. You can even make the dressing and roast the squash the day before to save yourself some time.
Wooden Salad Bowl Set
This 12.5-inch acacia wood salad bowl set includes a large bowl, serving spoon, and fork, perfect for preparing and serving salads. Made from natural wood, it features unique grain patterns and a smooth, food-safe surface.
Creative Add-Ons
If you want to take your salad to the next level, here are a few more ideas for ingredients that work beautifully in Thanksgiving salads. You can easily switch these in or out depending on what you have on hand.
- Pomegranate Seeds: They add a bright pop of color and a little tartness. Plus, they just look festive!
- Caramelized Onions: If you have the patience, caramelized onions bring a deep sweetness that works great in salads. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These are another great addition if you’ve already got the oven going for the squash. Just slice them thinly and toss them into your salad.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Want to make it a little heartier? Adding slices of hard-boiled egg can make this salad more filling without making it heavy.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture that pairs well with tangy dressing and crunchy nuts.
How to Make Your Salad Ahead of Time
One of the best things about Thanksgiving salads is that many of the components can be prepped ahead of time. This means less stress when it comes to getting everything on the table.
- Greens: You can wash and dry your greens the day before. Just store them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture and keep them fresh.
- Roasted Vegetables: Squash, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts can be roasted the day before. Just warm them up slightly before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing: Most salad dressings can be made days in advance. Store them in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.
- Nuts and Cheese: Toast your nuts the day before, and crumble any cheese ahead of time. That way, you can just toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
What to Serve With Your Thanksgiving Salad
A good Thanksgiving salad pairs well with just about everything on the table, but it’s especially nice with the main dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve your salad alongside the traditional Thanksgiving spread:
- Turkey: The greens and dressing cut through the richness of the turkey. The tartness of cranberries or pomegranate seeds pairs well with roasted meats.
- Mashed Potatoes: A forkful of salad alongside a bite of mashed potatoes can keep things from feeling too heavy.
- Stuffing: The freshness of a salad can balance out the savory, dense flavors of stuffing.
Arugula and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups of fresh arugula
- 1 small butternut squash peeled and cubed
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare your salad dressing by whisking together the olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, dried cranberries, and pecans.
- Once the squash has cooled a bit (you don’t want it to wilt the greens), add it to the salad.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the top and drizzle with your homemade dressing.
Final Touches for Your Thanksgiving Salad
While you don’t need to go overboard, a few simple touches can elevate the presentation of your Thanksgiving salad. After all, the holidays are all about making things feel a little more special.
- Serve It Family-Style: Use a large, beautiful bowl. Family-style serving makes it easy for everyone to grab a portion. It also makes the salad a centerpiece, showing off those gorgeous colors.
- Add a Garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra pomegranate seeds or nuts on top just before serving. It makes the salad feel polished and finished.
- Keep It Fresh: Don’t dress the salad until the last minute. Nobody likes soggy greens, so keep that dressing on the side until everyone is ready to eat.
When you’re trying to juggle all the dishes for Thanksgiving, a salad might seem like the last thing you want to worry about. But trust me, with a few simple ingredients and a little prep work, you can throw together a Thanksgiving salad that’s fresh, delicious, and easy. Plus, your guests will appreciate having something light and refreshing on their plates!
