17 Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes You Must Try

Salads might not be the first thing that comes to mind on Thanksgiving, but they’re a great way to balance the rich, heavy dishes on the table. Fresh greens, seasonal fruits, roasted veggies, and flavorful dressings can make salads feel festive and worthy of a holiday spread.

They add color, crunch, and freshness while still fitting right in with turkey, stuffing, and gravy. From light side salads to hearty bowls that could stand on their own, these recipes are delicious, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to brighten your table.

Here are 17 of the best Thanksgiving salad recipes you must try:

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Sweet roasted butternut squash tossed with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and goat cheese makes for a colorful, hearty salad. A maple vinaigrette ties it all together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 27g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad recipe.

2. Apple Walnut Salad

Crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese over a bed of greens create a sweet and savory combo. A honey mustard dressing makes this salad extra refreshing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Apple Walnut Salad recipe.

3. Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries

Shaved Brussels sprouts mixed with cranberries, pecans, and parmesan create a crunchy, tangy dish that works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries recipe.

4. Pear and Pecan Salad

Juicy pear slices, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles over spinach make this salad elegant and flavorful. A light balsamic vinaigrette brings it together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 21g
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Pear and Pecan Salad recipe.

5. Cranberry Spinach Salad

Baby spinach leaves tossed with dried cranberries, red onion, and sunflower seeds make a bright, crunchy salad that’s quick to throw together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 19g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Cranberry Spinach Salad recipe.

6. Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

Roasted sweet potatoes tossed with kale, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds make this salad hearty and full of texture. A tahini dressing adds a creamy finish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 29g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Kale and Sweet Potato Salad recipe.

7. Quinoa Harvest Salad

Protein-packed quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables, cranberries, and pecans makes this salad both filling and festive. Great for prepping ahead of time.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 34g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Quinoa Harvest Salad recipe.

8. Spinach and Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted beets with fresh spinach, goat cheese, and walnuts create an earthy, sweet, and creamy salad perfect for a holiday spread.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 23g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Spinach and Roasted Beet Salad recipe.

9. Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad

Wild rice paired with cranberries, celery, and almonds makes for a chewy, nutty salad that doubles as a hearty side dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 36g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad recipe.

10. Arugula and Prosciutto Salad

Peppery arugula topped with thin slices of prosciutto, shaved parmesan, and pears makes for an elegant, lightly salty holiday salad.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 14g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 2g

Get the Arugula and Prosciutto Salad recipe.

11. Pomegranate and Feta Salad

Juicy pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and walnuts sprinkled over greens create a colorful, tangy, and sweet salad that brightens up the Thanksgiving table.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Pomegranate and Feta Salad recipe.

12. Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Roasted cauliflower tossed with chickpeas, parsley, and lemon tahini dressing makes a warm, satisfying side dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.

13. Butternut Squash and Farro Salad

Nutty farro mixed with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and kale makes this salad hearty enough to stand on its own.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 7g

Get the Butternut Squash and Farro Salad recipe.

14. Apple Cabbage Slaw

Shredded cabbage and apples tossed in a light vinaigrette create a crisp, refreshing side dish that balances out heavier Thanksgiving plates.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Apple Cabbage Slaw recipe.

15. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta give a fresh, protein-rich salad that works well as a lighter side dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 26g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe.

16. Roasted Carrot and Lentil Salad

This salad combines roasted carrots, lentils, and herbs for a protein-packed and earthy dish with plenty of texture.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 8g

Get the Roasted Carrot and Lentil Salad recipe.

17. Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing

A refreshing mix of apples, pears, grapes, and oranges tossed in a light citrus dressing makes a sweet and juicy ending to the holiday meal.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 170
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 1g
5. Fiber: 5g

Get the Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing recipe.