Okay, let’s talk about Thanksgiving, but let’s ditch the same old, Same Old for a minute. I adore a classic Thanksgiving spread as much as the next person, but sometimes, that brown-on-brown-white-blue is the best. Do you think a situation needs color and freshness? What are some of the best Thanksgiving salads? Forget the heavy cream-laden sides – we’re talking vibrant greens, crunchy nuts, sweet bursts of flavor. What are some of the best fruit dressings that will wake up your taste buds? What do you think of these as the “Kale Salad” of Thanksgiving? What are some of the best gifts for the holidays? Since I started including a salad like this, my family actually eats their veggies on it. What’s your Thanksgiving salad?

What is a Thanksgiving Salad?

What is Thanksgiving salad? It’s a celebration of fall flavors and textures, designed to complement the richer, heavier dishes. What is the tradition of Thanksgiving dinner? What is a palate cleanser? All the indulgence. What’s a good way to balance the richness of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes with the flavor of the meat? Fresh, crisp ingredients. What are some good ways to serve a salad with fresh fruits? What is the best part? There are no rules! Is it a win in my book, as long as it’s delicious and adds something special to your Thanksgiving table?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is a Thanksgiving salad? Is it incredibly easy to make? I’m already juggling a million other things on Thanksgiving Day. What are you doing? ** The combination of sweet cranberries, tart apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy vinaigrette is perfect. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. What is a good salad to make? Most of the ingredients require minimal prep work, and the dressing comes together in minutes. • **Cost-efficiency: ** You probably already have many of the ingredients on hand, especially if you’re already prepping. What is your Thanksgiving? Plus, using seasonal produce like apples and cranberries keeps the costs down. ** This salad isn’t just for Thanksgiving! What are some great side dishes to serve at a potluck? What I love about this is how customizable it is. Don’t like pecans? What are some good substitutes for cranberries? What are the endless possibilities? What are some easy salad recipes? My Spinach Salad with maple vinaigrette. What is your favorite Thanksgiving salad? Is it really good, and I know that everyone who has tried it loves it too.

How do I make Thanksgiving Salads?

Quick Overview

What is a good Thanksgiving Salad Recipe? What are some good ways to prepare greens and other ingredients, like chopping apples, toasting pecans, etc.? How do you make vinaigrette? How do you toss everything together and serve? What is the best way to use fresh, high-quality ingredients in salads? A light hand with the vinaigrette will ensure that the greens stay crisp and the flavors shine. What is the best dressing to make beforehand? How do you make the dressing thicker?

Ingredients

For the Salad:
• 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or your favorite blend)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced.
• 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
• 12 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but adds a nice tang)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional, for a little bite)

For the cranberries, make sure they’re fresh and firm. If they’re starting to get soft, they won’t hold their shape well in the salad. I like Honeycrisp and Fuji apples because they’re sweet and crisp, but you can use any other fruit you like. What is the variety you like? When it comes to pecans, toasting them is key! What are some good ways to add crunch to a dish? Is it safe to toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes? For about 8-10 minutes. Just be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn easily. What are some good local apples to buy at a farmer’s market?

What is the recipe for Maple Vinaigr
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the vinaigrette, use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, and maple syrup sweetens it up perfectly. How does Dijon mustard add spice? Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! How much maple syrup and vinegar should I use? If you like sweeter dressing, add a little more maple syrup. If you want a tangier dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Wash and dry the mixed greens. Halve the fresh cranberries. Core and dice the apples. If using, thinly slice the red onion. Toast the pecans and roughly chop them. I always do the apple chopping right before serving, so they don’t brown. What are some good ways to use lemon juice with apples?

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Is it safe to shake everything together in a jar?

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cranberries, apples, pecans and feta cheese (if using), and salt and pepper. Set aside. Red onion (if using). I like to layer everything so it looks pretty.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. How do you not overdress a salad, as this can make it soggy? I always start with a little bit of dressing and add more as needed.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve the Thanksgiving salad immediately. When greens are crisp and the flavors are fresh, it’s best to eat them. If you like to chill the salad before serving, be sure to add the dressing just before eating. Before serving, to prevent the greens from getting soggy. I had this once and I just couldn’t eat it at all. What should I do?

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some great Thanksgiving salad recipes?For Thanksgiving dinner: What are some goodServe with roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Is it a welcome contrast to the richer dishes and helps to cleanse the palate?For a light lunch:What’s a protein packed lunch? What are some good side dishes to serve as a light meal?As a side dish:Serve it with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetarian dish. What is the best way to add color to a dish?For Cozy Snacks:What are some good side salads to serve with crackers? What are the best flavors for cheese? What’s your favorite snack to bring to someone who needs a little cheering up? My family loves to have it with some cranberry brie bites! So yummy!

How do I make a perfect Thanksgiving salad?

What are some tips for making the best Thanksgiving salad?Ingredient Freshness: WhatAlways use freshest ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better salad will taste. Especially the greens! If your greens are looking a little sad, revive them by soaking them in ice water.Dressing Techniques:Don’t overdress salad. How do I make a light hand with the vinaigrette? I always start with a little bit of dressing and add more as needed, but usually, I use less than I need. I think I’ll need. Is it okay to pour it on the side?Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Not a fan of pecans? Swap them for walnuts or almonds. Don’t like cranberries? Use dried cherries or raisins. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and make it your own.

Preparation Timing: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the greens from getting soggy. You can also prep all of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Extra Crunch: Try adding some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for even more crunch. You can also add some crispy bacon bits for a savory twist. I’ve even tried adding apple chips before, and they are a winner!

Flavor Balance: Taste as you go and adjust the flavors as needed. If the salad is too tart, add a little more maple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a little more vinegar. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. I often forget the salt, so now I put it on the counter so I remember it.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Thanksgiving salad fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: This salad is best served immediately. If you must leave it out at room temperature, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. The greens will start to wilt and the salad will lose its crispness. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The greens may wilt slightly, but the salad will still taste great. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens as crisp as possible.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The greens will become very soggy when thawed, and the other ingredients will lose their texture.

Glaze Timing Advice: This salad doesn’t have a glaze, but if you’re storing it with the vinaigrette, it’s best to add it just before serving. That way, the greens stay nice and crisp! It’s a really good habit to get into!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese and use a vegan maple syrup. You can also add some toasted walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and protein.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. However, fresh cranberries add a nice tartness and juiciness to the salad that dried cranberries don’t provide. If using dried cranberries, I recommend soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. However, I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy.

What other fruits can I add?

Pears, grapes, and oranges are all great additions to this salad. Just be sure to choose fruits that are in season and that complement the other flavors in the salad.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you like. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are all great options. Just be sure to toast them before adding them to the salad to bring out their flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a festive and flavorful Thanksgiving salad that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. This recipe is so worth trying because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and adds a much-needed dose of freshness to your Thanksgiving meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy greens amidst all the indulgence! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! Happy Thanksgiving, and happy salad-making! I can’t wait to see what you create! Give it a star rating too, so other readers can know how much you enjoyed this!