15 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes salads

Thanksgiving isn’t all about turkey and casseroles — salads can bring balance, color, and freshness to your holiday table.

From sweet fruit salads to hearty grain and vegetable mixes, these 15 Thanksgiving salad side dishes are the perfect complement to your feast.

🥬 1. Autumn Harvest Salad

A colorful mix of greens, apples, pecans, and cranberries that captures the flavor of fall.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens

• 1 apple, sliced

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup pecans

• 2 tbsp vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

🥕 2. Roasted Carrot and Quinoa Salad

Warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients — perfect for a healthy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted carrots

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Roast carrots until tender.

2. Mix with quinoa, olive oil, honey, and cumin.

🍎 3. Apple Walnut Salad

A refreshing crunch with crisp apples, walnuts, and a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, diced

• ¼ cup walnuts

• ½ cup celery

• ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mix apples, walnuts, and celery.

2. Stir in dressing and chill before serving.

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🥦 4. Broccoli Cranberry Salad

A sweet and tangy salad that’s a crowd favorite at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.

2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

🥔 5. Roasted Potato Salad

A warm twist on classic potato salad with herbs and olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted baby potatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Mix roasted potatoes with olive oil, mustard, and parsley.

2. Serve warm or chilled.

🥬 6. Kale and Cranberry Salad

A nutritious salad with kale, nuts, and a sweet-tart cranberry dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped kale

• ¼ cup almonds

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Massage kale with olive oil.

2. Toss with almonds, cranberries, and vinegar.

🍠 7. Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad

Roasted sweet potatoes add heartiness to this colorful salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 roasted sweet potato, cubed

• ¼ cup feta cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss spinach with roasted sweet potatoes and feta.

2. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

🥒 8. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Light, crisp, and refreshing — a perfect balance to heavy Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumber and tomato.

2. Add dressing and toss gently.

🧀 9. Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Sweet pears and tangy blue cheese make an elegant Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens

• 1 pear, sliced

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles

• ¼ cup walnuts

Instructions:

1. Arrange greens, pears, and blue cheese on a plate.

2. Top with walnuts and drizzle of honey.

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🌽 10. Corn and Black Bean Salad

A colorful, protein-packed salad that brings a Southwestern flair to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn

• 1 can black beans, drained

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

🥬 11. Caesar Salad with a Twist

Classic Caesar with crunchy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups romaine lettuce

• ½ cup roasted chickpeas

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp Caesar dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss lettuce with dressing.

2. Top with chickpeas and parmesan.

🍊 12. Citrus Pomegranate Salad

A bright and zesty fruit salad that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, segmented

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• 2 cups arugula

• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Arrange arugula, orange, and pomegranate in a bowl.

2. Drizzle with honey.

🧄 13. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy roasted beets with creamy goat cheese — a classic fall favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted beets, cubed

• 2 cups mixed greens

• ¼ cup goat cheese

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Arrange greens and beets in a bowl.

2. Sprinkle goat cheese and drizzle glaze.

🧅 14. Brussels Sprouts Slaw

Crunchy shredded Brussels sprouts mixed with tangy dressing and almonds.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts with almonds and dressing.

2. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

🥖 15. Pasta Salad with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A hearty cold pasta salad that complements roasted meats perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta

• 1 cup spinach

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, spinach, and tomatoes.

2. Add olive oil and vinegar, toss well.

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These 15 Thanksgiving salad side dishes balance richness with freshness, color, and crunch.

Whether you’re serving traditional mains or creative twists, these salads make your table more vibrant and inviting.