These best Thanksgiving salad recipes bring crunch, color, and fresh fall flavor to the holiday table. From cozy roasted squash to bright pomegranate and pear, these salads balance out the rich mains (and sneak in some veggies too).
Thanksgiving may be all about turkey, stuffing, and pie, but let’s be honest—a fresh, crunchy salad is the unsung hero that balances it all out. I picked these salads because they bring cozy roasted veggies, bright seasonal fruit, and flavorful dressings that make them both festive and satisfying. Whether you want something hearty with grains or light and crisp with apples and pears, these are the Thanksgiving salads you’ll actually be excited to eat (and maybe sneak seconds of).
You may also want to check out these other vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, these best Thanksgiving sides, or these Thanksgiving appetizer recipes.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
This kale salad is loaded with roasted chunks of sweet potato, crunchy seeds, and a tangy dressing that makes kale actually fun to eat. It’s hearty, colorful, and naturally gluten-free.
Butternut Squash Pomegranate Salad
Think roasted butternut squash, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a nutty crunch in every bite. This butternut squash pomegranate salad is a showstopper that’s both gluten-free and vegetarian.
Hearty Broccoli Salad
When I want a salad that actually feels like a side dish and not an afterthought, I make hearty broccoli salad with roasted broccoli, crunchy bits, and a punchy dressing. It’s cozy, colorful, and meal-prep friendly—basically the bowl that disappears first.
Autumn Delicata Squash Salad
The autumn delicata squash salad mixes roasted squash with apples, greens, and a maple-mustard vinaigrette that screams fall in the best way. A cozy but fresh side dish. Recipe from Dishing Out Health.
Gluten-Free Stuffing Salad With Warm Sweet Onion Dressing
This gluten-free stuffing salad is like Thanksgiving stuffing went to the spa—crunchy, toasty, and topped with a warm onion dressing that’s basically a hug in salad form. Recipe from Cotter Crunch.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shaved Brussels sprouts, parmesan, and a zingy lemon dressing make this salad crisp, savory, and surprisingly addictive. Recipe from Platings And Pairings.
Autumn Glow Salad With Lemon Dressing
This autumn glow salad is full of roasted cauliflower, kale, and a creamy lemon dressing that somehow makes veggies taste like comfort food. Vegetarian and gorgeous on the table. Recipe from Pinch Of Yum.
Harvest Cranberry Persimmon And Burrata Salad
This harvest cranberry persimmon and burrata salad is creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once, thanks to juicy fruit, burrata cheese, and a festive cranberry dressing. Recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Thanksgiving Salad
Loaded with greens, apples, pecans, and dried cranberries, this thanksgiving salad is one of those easy, throw-it-together recipes that still looks fancy. Recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Chicken Apple Salad Stuffed Avocados
These chicken apple salad stuffed avocados are creamy, crisp, and a fun low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-friendly way to sneak in some protein at the holiday table. Recipe from I Heart Umami.
Apple Slaw
This apple slaw is crunchy, tangy, and a little sweet—basically the fresh bite you need between turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s also gluten-free. Recipe from Platings And Pairings.
Maple Roasted Squash Salad
With maple-roasted squash, greens, and a simple vinaigrette, this maple roasted squash salad feels festive but is super easy to pull off. Recipe from The Modern Proper.
Broccoli Rabe Kale Harvest Salad
This broccoli rabe kale harvest salad has bitter greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and a hearty crunch—basically fall in a bowl, with a healthy twist. Recipe from The First Mess.
Persimmon Salad
Sweet, juicy persimmons with greens, nuts, and cheese make this persimmon salad both light and indulgent. A fun way to use seasonal fruit. Recipe from Dishing Out Health.
Sweet Potato Arugula Wild Rice Salad
This sweet potato arugula wild rice salad is hearty, colorful, and loaded with texture thanks to wild rice, nuts, and a zingy dressing. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Recipe from Cookie And Kate.
Pear Salad
Crisp pears, creamy cheese, and toasted nuts make this pear salad a simple yet elegant addition to the Thanksgiving table. Recipe from Feasting At Home.
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