30 Best Thanksgiving Salads (Autumn Ingredients and Flavors)

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This collection exclusively features Thanksgiving salads that highlight Autumnal ingredients, such as apples, roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, Brussels sprouts, green beans, pecans, cranberries, pears, pomegranates, mandarin oranges, pumpkin seeds, and the list goes on and on! These Fall salads make a great addition to the Thanksgiving menu. They add freshness, colors, and vibrancy to otherwise heavy and creamy comfort food (stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes) that we often cook for the holidays.

 

The turkey day is not the same without Thanksgiving salads. I have started posting recipes online on this website since 2012, and this collection includes tried and true Thanksgiving salads (our top 30 holiday salads) - many of which have been reader favorites for years. You can serve these as side kicks alongside the traditional side dishes for your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Feast. All these recipes are full of Fall flavors and packed with fresh and seasonal ingredients. They contrast nicely and pair great with classic Thanksgiving dishes, such as green bean casserole, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, and turkey! I hope you try some of these Thanksgiving salads, in which case I am afraid they will steal the show, and you might forget all about turkey.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

• My other Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
• Spinach Salads
• Arugula Salads
• Broccoli Salads
• Pasta Salads
• Brussels Sprouts Salads
• Butternut Squash Salads
• Fruit Salads
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving salad?

My other Thanksgiving Recipe Collections

• If you're looking for a complete Thanksgiving menu that features everything: Fall-inspired holiday appetizers, side dishes, salads, main courses, pasta recipes, desserts, and even breakfast, check out my 50 Best Thanksgiving Recipes (The Complete Holiday Menu).
• If you're looking for side dish recipes to add to your holiday feast, check out my 60 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes collection. 
• For a MEATLESS, VEGETARIAN holiday menu that features many vegetarian holiday main dishes and side dishes, don't miss my 40 Best Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes.

Spinach Salads

These are not your regular spinach salads. In fact, spinach here serves merely as a "bed" over which you nestle Thanksgiving-inspired holiday ingredients, such as apples, pears, pecans, dried cranberries, roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other endless combinations. You can replace spinach with your favorite greens, such as arugula, mixed greens, kale, butter lettuce, etc. The salad dressings also use holiday condiments like maple syrup, balsamic glaze, etc.

Arugula Salads

Arugula is a beautiful Autumn green that provides a savory, peppery flavor contrast when combined with sweeter, Fall-inspired ingredients, such as apples, dried cranberries, mango, pears, and butternut squash. Replace arugula with your favorite greens, including spinach, kale, and butter lettuce.

Broccoli Salads

Broccoli shines as a Thanksgiving ingredient when combined with Autumn fruits and nuts, such as apples, dried cranberries, and pecans.

Pasta Salads

Pasta salads are great for making ahead and sharing. These crowd-pleasing recipes will bring vibrancy and colorfulness to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table.

Brussels Sprouts Salads

I've been including roasted Brussels sprouts in my Thanksgiving menu for years! Even if you hate these little cabbages, try them in these recipes, and you'll love them. These holiday recipes are always a hit whenever I share them with family and friends.

Butternut Squash Salads

If there is one vegetable that we firmly associate with Fall and Thanksgiving, it must be butternut squash. Sweet and nutty in flavor and orange in color, it always brings fun and brightness to the otherwise old and boring Thanksgiving menu. These butternut squash salads are incredibly easy to make and a must-try this holiday season!

Fruit Salads

Salads that incorporate fruit are some of my favorites! They provide a great contrast to the otherwise heavy traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving salad?

Or, do you serve a salad at all at your Thanksgiving celebration? What kind of greens do you prefer to serve this time of year: spinach, arugula, or kale? Please share your family favorites in the comments section below. My current 2 favorite Thanksgiving salads that I am including in my family's holiday menu are:

Fall Harvest Salad with Cooked Apples, Pecans, Spinach, and Maple-Lime Dressing

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with spinach, apples, dried cranberries, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese