Looking for Thanksgiving salad recipes to brighten up your holiday table? This curated collection of 25 festive salads has you covered, with everything from crisp harvest greens and roasted veggie tosses to citrusy sides that balance out all the cozy classics. These dishes add color, freshness, and a little lightness to the feast-no Jello, Cool Whip, or mayonnaise mountains in sight.
I know "healthy eating" isn't exactly the theme of Thanksgiving, but I couldn't resist curating this list with a Mediterranean diet sensibility in mind. The best Thanksgiving salads strike a balance in terms of flavor and texture: crisp greens against a bit of creamy cheese, tart-sweet fruit alongside roasted squash, or a citrusy vinaigrette that cuts through the buttery richness of everything else on your plate.
In this collection, you'll find plenty of those classic greens-fruit-nuts combos, plus a few offbeat ideas for the creative cooks among you. Keep an eye out for some outstanding salad dressings, too-bright vinaigrettes, pomegranate drizzles, and more that are worth bookmarking for future dinners (this pomegranate vinaigrette is a long-time favorite). So grab your serving bowl, gather a little inspiration, and dive into these Thanksgiving salads that will add color, freshness, and personality to your holiday table.
Fresh & Flavorful Greens
Lead with something bright, crisp, and refreshing. These salads all start with a base of crisp greens, and pair beautifully with all the rich Thanksgiving sides.
Cozy Fall Vegetable Creations
If your idea of a great salad involves roasted veggies combined with gorgeous greens, this section's for you. These recipes bring extra autumn comfort to the meal while keeping things fresh and balanced.
Bright & Fruity Favorites
Sweet-tart fruit, nuts, and colorful greens make these salads pop. They're festive, palate-cleansing, and a beautiful way to add something fresh to a holiday spread.
Wholesome Grains & Hearty Sides
These salads bring texture, staying power, and a bit of surprise to the table. From nutty grains to protein-packed quinoa, they're a satisfying way to round out the menu.
For the broccoli and Brussels sprouts lovers
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts offer the perfect opportunity to combine your Thanksgiving salad and green vegetable side dish into one. That leaves more room on everyone's plates for mashed potatoes and gravy!
For the Caesar salad lovers
Caesar salad is arguably one of the biggest crowd pleasers in the salad world. Sometimes it's just the best way to go. Here are a few recipes to keep it interesting (and one for my vegan friends).
Not sure which salad pairs best with your menu? Drop a note in the comments-I'm always happy to help you choose a perfectly-paired dish, track down a hard-to-find ingredient, or suggest swaps for guests with dietary restrictions. And if you make one of these recipes, I'd love to hear how it turned out!
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