5 Delightful Thanksgiving Salads for Your Festive Table

As Thanksgiving approaches, we often find ourselves planning a menu filled with the classics—turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes galore. But what about adding a fresh twist to your festive table? This year, consider embracing the beauty of salads that not only bring vibrant colors to the spread but also offer a delightful burst of flavors. These five Thanksgiving salads will not only captivate your taste buds but also make for an enticing and healthy addition to your celebration.

Let’s make the most delicious Thanksgiving salads for a yummy holiday

Image Credit: Ahead of Thyme

5 Delightful Thanksgiving Salads for Your Festive Table

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This salad is fresh, nutty, and full of vitamins 

Image Credit: Hungry Healthy Happy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 medium-sized beets, a mix of red and golden for a vibrant display
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or your choice)
• 4 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup of candied pecans, roughly chopped
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
2. Peel and slice the beets into thin rounds.
3. Toss the beet slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Arrange the seasoned beet slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for about 25–30 minutes until the beets are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Let the beets cool to room temperature.
7. On a large platter or individual salad plates, arrange the mixed greens.
8. Top with roasted beet slices, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans.
9. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing before serving.

Who Should Make This Salad?

If you’re a fan of contrasting flavors and textures, this salad is for you. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the tanginess of goat cheese, and the crunch of candied pecans create a symphony of taste sensations.

The perfect Thanksgiving salad for goat cheese lovers 

Image Credit: Hungry Healthy Happy

Harvest Quinoa Salad

The best of the best, all in one delicious salad

Image Credit: Recipe Runner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of butternut squash, diced
• 1 cup of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup of dried cranberries
• ½ cup of toasted pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and broth, then bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Let it cool.
3. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
4. Toss diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
7. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and toss to combine.
8. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Who Should Make This Salad?

If you appreciate the heartiness of grains paired with the sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the savory touch of roasted vegetables, this salad deserves a place on your Thanksgiving table.

If you love roasted vegetables and quinoa, this salad is for you

Image Credit: Recipe Runner

Kale and Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A combination of sweet and savory freshness

Image Credit: Dishing Out Health

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
• 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
• ½ cup of dried cranberries
• ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup of chopped pecans
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine kale and apples.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the kale and apple mixture, then toss until well coated.
4. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Before serving, sprinkle the dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped pecans on top.

Who Should Make This Salad?

For those who appreciate the crispness of fresh kale paired with the sweetness of apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the creamy richness of blue cheese, this salad is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

This Thanksgiving salad is crispy, sweet, tart, and creamy 

Image Credit: Dishing Out Health

Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberry Dressing

Sweet potato lovers, this salad is the perfect match for you 

Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 cups of sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup of chopped pecans, toasted
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the cranberry dressing. In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground
5. nutmeg. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
6. Let the dressing cool slightly, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
7. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes and toasted pecans.
8. Drizzle the cranberry dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Who Should Make This Salad?

If you’re seeking a salad that embodies the flavors of fall, this sweet potato salad with cranberry dressing will be a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving menu.

Cranberries and sweet potatoes are a match made in heavan 

Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Cranberry Pomegranate Spinach Salad

This salad is vibrant and refreshing — the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner table

Image Credit: Julia’s Album

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 6 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup of chopped pecans, toasted
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine fresh baby spinach leaves, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and toss until well coated.
3. Sprinkle with toasted pecans before serving.

Who Should Make This Salad?

If you appreciate the vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of a salad, this cranberry pomegranate spinach salad will delight your taste buds and elevate your Thanksgiving table.

Elevate your festive dinner with this mouthwatering fall salad 

Image Credit: Julia’s Album

A Salad for Every Palate

As you prepare to gather with loved ones and celebrate Thanksgiving, these five salads offer a delightful departure from tradition. Whether you opt for the earthiness of roasted beets, the heartiness of quinoa, the crispness of kale and apples, the warmth of sweet potatoes, or the refreshing burst of cranberry and pomegranate, these salads will make your festive table shine. So, why not add a new twist to your Thanksgiving tradition this year? Embrace the beauty of salads and savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures they bring to your holiday feast. Your guests will be grateful for the fresh and delicious addition, and you’ll relish the joy of creating a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Cheers to the vibrant colors and delightful tastes of Thanksgiving salads!

Now you know how to make the most delicious Thanksgiving salads!

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