Holiday spreads can get heavy fast, but that’s where fresh greens come to the rescue. These salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner keep things bright, crisp, and full of flavor, giving your plate a little balance next to the rich mains. They look just as good as they taste, making them perfect for guests who eat with their eyes first. Plus, they’re easy to prep ahead, which means one less thing to stress over. With salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner, you get color, crunch, and a touch of freshness in every bite.
Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad brings together crunchy florets, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries for a mix that never feels boring. The creamy dressing ties everything together without overpowering the freshness. It’s easy to prep ahead and chill until serving time. Add it to your salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner lineup for something cool and refreshing among the warm sides.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Shredded Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pecans, and tangy goat cheese come together in this crisp salad. The lemon Dijon dressing adds a bright flavor that complements rich main dishes. It’s simple to make and even better after chilling for a bit. This belongs on the list of salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner that balance the heavier parts of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Italian Sub Salad
This Italian sub salad takes all the bold flavors of your favorite sandwich and turns them into something lighter. You get all the tangy meats, cheese, and dressing, but without the bread. It’s fast to assemble and surprisingly hearty. Perfect for a quick lunch or as part of your salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Salad
Butternut Squash Salad
Roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, feta, and pecans give this salad a warm and cozy vibe. The mix of textures, from soft squash to crunchy nuts, keeps it interesting. A drizzle of simple vinaigrette pulls everything together. It’s a smart pick for anyone wanting fall flavor without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Salad
Greek Salad
This Greek salad is all about crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a quick olive oil dressing. It comes together in just minutes and adds a refreshing note to any meal. You can keep it traditional or add extra toppings like olives or cucumber. It’s one of those salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner that never feels out of place.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower
This veggie salad mixes broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for a colorful and crunchy side. A sprinkle of cheese and diced peppers brings extra flavor without much work. It’s quick to prepare and holds up well in the fridge. Great for potlucks or holiday tables when you need something fresh and easy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower
Beet Salad with Feta Cheese
Roasted beets and feta cheese create a salad that’s simple but full of character. The combination of earthy and salty flavors pairs well with roasted meats or grains. It looks vibrant on the table and tastes just as good the next day. A solid pick if you want variety among your salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta Cheese
Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Sweet potatoes, quinoa, and kale come together for a hearty but healthy salad. The creamy balsamic date vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness that balances everything out. It’s satisfying without feeling too heavy. Perfect for meal prep or as a nutritious side during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Wild Rice Salad
This wild rice salad combines pomegranate, chickpeas, and an orange dressing for a bright, nutty flavor. It’s vegan, colorful, and full of texture. The ingredients blend nicely and keep their freshness even after a day in the fridge. It’s one of those salad recipes for thanksgiving dinner that surprises people in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Tomato Burrata Salad
This tomato burrata salad is simple but feels special every time. The creamy burrata melts into juicy tomatoes and crisp arugula for that perfect balance of rich and fresh. A drizzle of olive oil and a swipe of pesto bring everything together without overdoing it. It’s the kind of salad that turns a basic meal into something worth bragging about.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad
Autumn Pasta Salad
This autumn pasta salad packs in all the cozy flavors of fall, sweet squash, tart apples, and crunchy pecans in every bite. The mix of textures keeps it interesting, and the vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right amount of tang. It works just as well for lunch as it does for a potluck. You’ll be surprised at how fast this one disappears.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
This potato salad sticks to the classics but nails the details. Soft potatoes meet crunchy celery and tangy mustard dressing for a combo that hits every note. It’s creamy without feeling heavy and works with almost anything on the table. You’ll end up grabbing seconds before you realize it.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries
This salad with goat cheese and cranberries hits that sweet-salty spot just right. The creamy goat cheese plays off the tart cranberries and candied pecans in the best way. It’s quick to toss together but feels like something you’d order at a nice café. Great as a side or light lunch, especially when you want something that feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries
Butternut Squash and Feta Salad
This salad brings roasted butternut squash and salty feta together for a mix that just works. The warm squash pairs perfectly with crisp greens and a light dressing that keeps everything fresh. It’s hearty enough to hold its own as a meal but still bright enough for a starter. A solid go-to when you want something cozy but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Feta Salad
Farro Salad
This farro salad has that perfect chew from the grains with plenty of crunch from veggies. It’s packed with flavor and stays good even after sitting for a while, which makes it great for meal prep. Add some lemon or herbs to freshen it up, and you’ve got a solid lunch that actually feels like food, not filler.
Get the Recipe: Farro Salad
Orange Salad
This orange salad keeps things simple but interesting with juicy slices, crisp greens, and honeyed hazelnuts. The mix of textures gives every bite a little something extra. It’s light, bright, and perfect when you want a break from the usual heavy holiday dishes. A little crunch and sweetness go a long way here.
Get the Recipe: Orange Salad
Harvest Salad
This harvest salad has everything that makes fall food fun, apples, sweet potatoes, bacon, and a tangy poppy seed vinaigrette. The mix of salty, sweet, and crunchy hits every craving at once. It looks impressive on the table but takes almost no effort to pull together. Perfect for any fall dinner or casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad
Lacinato Kale Salad
This kale salad turns a hearty green into something totally crave-worthy. Roasted squash adds a little sweetness, while nuts or seeds bring the crunch. It pairs easily with just about any main dish, from turkey to roasted chicken. Plus, it stays fresh even after sitting for a bit, so no rush to eat it right away.
Get the Recipe: Lacinato Kale Salad
Thanksgiving Salad
This Thanksgiving salad brings color and crunch to your holiday spread. Fresh apples, cranberries, and nuts mix together for a combo that feels festive but still light. It’s the perfect reset between all the rich dishes on the table. You’ll want to save a little room for this one.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Salad
