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    30 Best Thanksgiving Salads (Autumn Ingredients and Flavors)

    By Julia | Updated: Nov 16, 2023 | Published: Nov 03, 2023 | 14 Comments

    3.1K shares
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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate policy.

    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.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries - on a white plate.

     
    Apple Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Goat Cheese in a white bowl.

    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.

    Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Pomegranate - in a white bowl.

    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.

    • Apple Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Goat Cheese in a white bowl.
      Apple Spinach Salad
    • 30-Minute Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
    • Christmas Salad
    • Beet Salad with spinach, mandarin oranges, red onion, pine nuts, feta cheese, and homemade Honey-Mustard Lemon Vinaigrette - in a white bowl.
      Beet Salad with Spinach and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing
    • Fall Harvest Salad with Apples, Pecans, Spinach, and Maple-Lime Dressing
    • strawberry spinach salad with blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and balsamic glaze in a bowl
      15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
    • Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds and Poppy Seed Honey-Lime Dressing on a white plate
      Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate
    • Beet Salad with Spinach, Cashews, and Goat Cheese
    • Fall Harvest Salad with Spinach, Butternut Squash, Apple, Pear, Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds, Bacon, Feta Cheese, Pomegranate Arils in a white bowl.
      Fall Harvest Salad
    • Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries
    • Berry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Raspberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic Dressing - in a white bowl.
      Berry Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Raspberries
    • Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Goat Cheese and Lemon-Honey Poppy Seed Dressing in a white bowl, with a fork in the bowl
      Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Goat Cheese
    • Spinach and Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
      Spinach and Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
    • simple beet salad with goat cheese - in a white bowl.
      Simple Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
    • Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Balsamic Vinaigrette - in a white bowl.
      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, Pecans, and Balsamic Dressin
      Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans
    • Strawberry Mango Salad
    • Beet and Mozzarella Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing
    • arugula salad with pears, apples, dried cranberries, cashews in a white bowl
      Arugula Salad with Pears, Apples, and Cashews
    • Fall Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, Dried Figs, and Almonds in a white bowl
      Fall Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, Dried Figs, and Almonds
    • Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, and Balsamic Dressing
      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.

    • Creamy Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries - in a white bowl.
      Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries
    • Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Bacon Salad - in a white bowl.
      Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Bacon Salad
    • Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Raisins, Dried Cranberries, and Pecans - on a white plate.
      Broccoli Bacon Salad with Pecans, Raisins, and Cranberries
    • Broccoli Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese

    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.

    • Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries in a white bowl.
      Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
    • Fall Salad with roasted butternut squash, toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, and bow-tie pasta - in a white bowl.
      Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
    • Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, Bow-Tie Pasta, and Dried Cranberries - in a white bowl.
      Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
    • Broccoli Pasta Salad with Cranberries, Apples, Cashews, and Red Onions in a white bowl.
      Broccoli Pasta Salad
    • Ham Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Green Onions, Olives, Mozzarella Cheese in a white bowl.
      Ham Pasta Salad (20-Minute Recipe)
    • Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Green Onions, and Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing in a white bowl.
      Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

    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 in a white bowl.
      Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
    • Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and Pine Nuts in a cast-iron pan
      Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries on a white plate.
      Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
    • Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Beets, Pecans, and Cranberries
      Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
    • mandarin orange salad with dried cranberries, walnuts, roasted Brussels sprouts, and balsamic glaze on a white plate
      Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mandarin Oranges, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries - on a white plate.
      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 on a white plate.
      Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
    • Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries in a white bowl.
      Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
    • Fall Harvest Salad with Spinach, Butternut Squash, Apple, Pear, Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds, Bacon, Feta Cheese, Pomegranate Arils in a white bowl.
      Fall Harvest Salad
    • Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Beets, Pecans, and Cranberries
      Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
    • Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, Bow-Tie Pasta, and Dried Cranberries - in a white bowl.
      Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
    • Butternut squash salad with spinach, cashews, pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and mustard honey-lime dressing in a white bowl.
      Butternut Squash Salad
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries - on a white plate.
      Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
    • Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds and Poppy Seed Honey-Lime Dressing on a white plate
      Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, Pomegranate
    • Fall Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, Dried Figs, and Almonds in a white bowl
      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.

    • Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing, with red apples, pears, clementine oranges (or mandarin oranges), kiwi fruit, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds
      Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
    • Creamy Grape and Apple Salad on a plate.
      Creamy Grape and Apple Salad

    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

    Fall Harvest Salad with Cooked Apples, Pecans, Spinach, and Maple-Lime Dressing - in a white bowl.

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

    Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with spinach, apples, dried cranberries, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese - in a white bowl.
    « 60 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Festive, Vibrant, and Tasty)
    40 Best Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes (Vegetarian Menu) »
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sherita Rubin

      January 09, 2024 at 7:59 am

      I found your recipe(s) on FaceBook, and started making and sharing your recipes with family members. We make dishes from your Album at least 4-5 nites a week! Absolutely love the flavors and combination. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Julia

        January 09, 2024 at 11:03 am

        Sherita, your comment really made my day! ❤️ I am so glad you found my website and that your family enjoys my recipes. 🙂

        Reply
    2. JoAnn Stringer

      December 30, 2023 at 9:23 am

      A friend shared your Christmas salad recipe with me and I discovered your Facebook page and website. I don’t think I’ve ever found a recipe site before where I really could see myself making and eating so many of the dishes. These suit my taste perfectly. I made the salad to take for my family Christmas dinner and one person commented it didn’t even need salad dressing, it was so moist and flavorful. The next time I will use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned as they were a bit too wet and floppy. I’m curious if you plan on making a cookbook?

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 30, 2023 at 5:43 pm

        JoAnn, I am so glad you discovered my site and my FB page! ❤️ So glad my recipes resonate with you! ❤️ Thank you for taking the time to share this thoughtful comment - it means a lot to me. I don't have a cookbook yet, but good to know that there is interest in it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. marcia d

      November 26, 2023 at 10:31 am

      I made your winter fruit salad for Thanksgiving. The lime juice in the dressing (and I added extra) keeps the apples from browning.

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 04, 2023 at 1:15 pm

        Marcia, so glad the winter fruit salad was a hit! Yes, extra lime juice is perfect for keeping the apples bright and fresh!

        Reply
    4. Brigitte

      November 25, 2023 at 7:53 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 04, 2023 at 1:16 pm

        Brigitte, thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! Glad you're finding the holiday recipes you like on my website! ❤️

        Reply
    5. Susan W

      November 25, 2023 at 11:42 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 03, 2023 at 2:45 pm

        Susan, your family will love the Christmas salad! Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    6. Peggy

      November 24, 2023 at 9:05 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 03, 2023 at 3:32 pm

        Peggy, I am so happy everyone loved the Christmas salad! Happy Holidays! ☃️☃️☃️

        Reply
    7. Cynthia

      November 22, 2023 at 1:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Julia

        December 01, 2023 at 9:59 pm

        Cynthia, thank you for such a generous comment - I really appreciate it! ❤️

        Reply

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    Julia is the author of JuliasAlbum.com (a food blog focused on easy dinner recipes, pasta dishes, salads made with seasonal ingredients). In this photo, Julia is pictured wearing a yellow sweater against an Autumn background.

    Hi, I'm Julia!

    I am a full-time food blogger living in beautiful Colorado. I focus primarily on savory recipes (protein-based & fiber-rich main dishes, pasta, salads) using fresh & seasonal ingredients. A food blogger since 2012, I help home cooks create well-balanced and visually appealing dinners (many of which are 30-minute ONE-PAN meals). Find out more about me and my cooking philosophy. 

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