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.
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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.
- Apple Spinach Salad
- 30-Minute Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
- Christmas Salad
- Beet Salad with Spinach and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing
- Fall Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans, Spinach, and Maple-Lime Dressing
- 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate
- Beet Salad with Spinach, Cashews, and Goat Cheese
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries
- Berry Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Raspberries
- Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Goat Cheese
- Spinach and Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
- Simple Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Avocados (and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing)
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.
- Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans
- Strawberry Mango Salad
- Beet and Mozzarella Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing
- Arugula Salad with Pears, Apples, and Cashews
- Fall Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, Dried Figs, and Almonds
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest, Parmesan, and Balsamic Dressing
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 Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
- Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mandarin Oranges, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
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!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
- Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Butternut Squash Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate
- Fall Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, Dried Figs, and Almonds
- Quinoa Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Feta, Pine Nuts
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
I made your winter fruit salad for Thanksgiving. The lime juice in the dressing (and I added extra) keeps the apples from browning.
Made both the Brussel sprout dishes: the one with bow-tie pasta, butternut squash, pecans, dried cranberries w/the maple and lime, also the one with pumpkin seeds, squash & dried cranberries w/maple syrup & cinnamon! Both were huge hits at our family's Thanksgiving. Thanks, Julia, and Happy Thanksgiving!
The fall salad was delicious!!! No leftovers at Thanksgiving. Can't wait to make the Christmas Salad!! I was designated to bring the salad to my in-laws' family Christmas gathering.
Happy thanksgiving! I am so grateful for all your wonderful recipes! Keep them coming. I've made your Christmas salad for Thanksgiving - it was a great hit. The goat cheese combined with the dressing was creamy and paired well with pomegranate and other ingredients.
So glad I found your FB page. Thanks for all the great recipes you share! I've tried quite a few already and have many more saved.