This **Thanksgiving Salad** is a show-stopping dish that beautifully blends the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors of autumn. It combines tender roasted butternut squash, delightfully crunchy candied nuts, creamy feta cheese, and tart dried cranberries, all perfectly brought together with a simple, yet exquisite, balsamic dressing. This salad is more than just a side; it’s a vibrant celebration of fall, designed to complement your rich holiday feast without being an afterthought.

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The Holiday Salad That Steals the Show!

Every Thanksgiving, I find myself wanting to create a culinary balance on the table. While I adore all the rich, comforting classics like succulent turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes, I also crave a dish that feels fresh, vibrant, and light. For years, I struggled to find a salad that could genuinely stand up to these traditional giants and not just feel like an afterthought – something that truly belonged on the holiday plate.

After much experimentation, this Thanksgiving Salad emerged as the undisputed winner. The very first time I served it, I watched in amazement as my family piled it onto their plates just as high as the beloved mashed potatoes – a feat rarely achieved by a salad on Thanksgiving! Since then, it’s become a highly anticipated, annual request, proving that a fresh salad can indeed be a star in its own right.

What I particularly love about this recipe is its festive appeal. The warm, earthy hues of beautifully roasted squash, the deep crimson of dried cranberries, and the glistening sparkle of candied pecans create a visual feast. Yet, despite its elegant appearance, it remains wonderfully simple to prepare. I can easily pull it all together in those precious moments while the turkey rests, making it a stress-free addition to a busy holiday kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of seasonal flavors, appealing textures, and effortless elegance.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Salad: A Fresh & Flavorful Holiday Side

Searching for a side dish that’s both healthy and hearty, yet still feels indulgent enough for your holiday spread? This Thanksgiving Salad is the answer! It’s packed with seasonal goodness, offering a delightful contrast to traditional rich, heavy fare. Forget boring green salads; this vibrant creation features perfectly roasted butternut squash, sweet and tangy cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, and salty feta, all harmonized by a bright balsamic vinaigrette. It’s truly a celebration of fall flavors in every bite, promising to be a memorable addition to your holiday table.

Essential Ingredients for Your Holiday Salad

Crafting this incredible Thanksgiving Salad requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to its balanced flavor and delightful texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component shines:

• Butternut Squash: This autumnal staple is the heart of our salad. When roasted, its natural sweetness intensifies, and its texture becomes beautifully tender. For convenience, you can purchase pre-cut squash to save valuable time on a busy holiday. Look for firm, bright orange pieces.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil is essential for roasting the squash, helping it caramelize beautifully and adding a layer of rich, fruity flavor. It also forms the base of our simple yet effective dressing.
• Spinach & Mixed Greens: A robust base is crucial for this hearty salad. Baby spinach provides a tender, slightly earthy foundation, while mixed greens (like spring mix or a blend with arugula) add diverse textures and a peppery kick, ensuring every bite is interesting.
• Candied Pecans: These are a game-changer! Their sweet, crunchy coating provides an irresistible textural contrast to the soft squash and greens. If pecans aren’t your preference, feel free to swap them with candied almonds or candied walnuts for a similar effect.
• Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned berries bring a burst of tartness and chewiness, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the squash and candied nuts. They also add a beautiful festive color. Dried cherries or even golden raisins can be lovely alternatives.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta introduces a delightful salty, tangy, and creamy element that ties all the flavors together. Its crumbly texture melts slightly in your mouth, adding richness without being heavy. Goat cheese is an excellent substitute if you prefer a milder, tangier profile.
• Balsamic Dressing: This isn’t just any dressing; it’s a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that I’ve perfected over time. Its bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the other ingredients, creating a balanced and harmonious dish. I’ve dedicated a whole post to this versatile dressing because it’s truly that good and simple to make from scratch!

Tips for Ingredient Selection

For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, vibrant produce. When selecting butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform, unblemished skin. If you’re using a bagged mix of greens, ensure they are crisp and not wilted. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite nuts or cheeses to customize this Thanksgiving Salad to your taste preferences!

How To Make This Easy Thanksgiving Salad

Creating this festive Thanksgiving Salad is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps. The key is to prepare the components efficiently to assemble a fresh and flavorful dish just before serving.

1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop your butternut squash into even, bite-sized 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures uniform cooking. Place the diced squash on a large sheet pan, drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Arrange the squash in a single, well-spaced layer on the pan to encourage even roasting and slight caramelization. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove, stir gently to flip the pieces, and return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and slightly golden at the edges. Allow the roasted squash to cool completely before adding it to the salad to prevent wilting the greens.
2. Prepare the Balsamic Dressing: While the squash roasts and cools, prepare your dressing. For the best results, follow the dedicated recipe for the balsamic vinaigrette (linked in the ingredients list). Typically, this involves combining all dressing ingredients in a mason jar or a small bowl and shaking or whisking until emulsified and well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad Components: In a large serving bowl, combine your baby spinach and mixed greens. Once the roasted butternut squash has cooled, add it to the bowl along with the crunchy candied pecans, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Dress and Serve Immediately: This salad is truly at its best when served fresh, immediately after dressing. Just before serving, drizzle a desired amount of the balsamic vinaigrette over the assembled ingredients. Gently toss the salad to ensure all components are lightly coated with the dressing. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Serve this vibrant Thanksgiving Salad right away and enjoy the symphony of flavors!

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5 from 2 votes

Thanksgiving Salad

By
Chelsea Lords

This Thanksgiving Salad features tender roasted butternut squash, crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta, and tart dried cranberries, all tossed in a light and flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect vibrant side dish to complement any holiday meal.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Servings:
6 servings as a side dish

Video

Watch how to make this delicious Thanksgiving Salad:

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced butternut squash (see note 1)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach and mixed greens
• 1/3 cup honey-roasted pecan pieces (see note 2)
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries (or dried cherries)
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 batch balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash and chop it into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the diced squash on a large sheet pan and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the squash in an even, spaced-out layer on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and stir. Return to oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes or until crisp-tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside and allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.
2. Prepare the balsamic dressing by following the instructions from the linked recipe in the ingredient list.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach and mixed greens. Add the cooled roasted squash, honey-roasted pecan pieces, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. This salad is best served immediately after it’s dressed. Drizzle some of the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Add additional dressing to taste, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, festive Thanksgiving Salad!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For the squash, you’ll typically need one small-to-medium butternut squash, which should yield approximately 4 cups once diced.

Note 2: You can easily use store-bought honey-roasted pecans for convenience, or if you prefer a homemade touch, you can candy your own pecans following a simple recipe.

Storage: Once dressed, the Thanksgiving Salad is best enjoyed right away. The greens can wilt quickly after dressing. However, you can prep the roasted squash and the balsamic dressing 2–3 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. If the dressing separates during storage, let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes, then shake vigorously to recombine before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 186 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 16.7g
|
Protein: 2.9g
|
Fat: 13.4g
|
Cholesterol: 4.2mg
|
Sodium: 51.1mg
|
Fiber: 2.4g
|
Sugar: 9.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

What to Serve with This Thanksgiving Salad

This versatile Thanksgiving Salad pairs beautifully with a wide array of holiday dishes. Its fresh and bright profile cuts through richer flavors, offering a delightful balance to your festive spread. Here are some perfect accompaniments for a complete and memorable holiday menu:

• Crockpot Turkey Breast: A succulent and tender turkey breast cooked to perfection in a slow cooker makes an ideal main course. Don’t forget a side of homemade Cranberry Sauce to complete the classic pairing!
• Au Gratin Potatoes: For a comforting and incredibly cheesy side, au gratin potatoes offer a luxurious complement to the fresh salad. Their rich creaminess is a wonderful contrast.
• Thanksgiving Dressing or Corn Casserole: These hearty, savory dishes are quintessential holiday sides. The salad provides a welcome freshness alongside their comforting textures.
• Soft Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft, and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices and completing your plate.
• Complementary Vegetables: Enhance your vegetable spread with other seasonal favorites such as Roasted Sweet Potatoes, a classic Green Bean Casserole, or crispy Roasted Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture to the feast.

Why This Salad is a Thanksgiving Must-Have

This Thanksgiving Salad isn’t just another dish; it’s an essential component for a balanced and memorable holiday meal. Its vibrant colors instantly brighten the table, while its fresh, crisp textures provide a much-needed counterpoint to the generally rich and heavy fare. The combination of sweet roasted butternut squash, tangy cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, and salty feta creates a symphony of flavors that delights the palate. It’s a healthy, yet satisfying, option that ensures everyone at the table can enjoy a fresh bite amidst the traditional indulgence. This salad proves that a nutritious dish can be just as exciting and anticipated as any classic holiday offering, making it a truly indispensable part of your Thanksgiving tradition.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of this Thanksgiving Salad recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Greens: While spinach and mixed greens are wonderful, consider adding massaged kale for extra heartiness, or a peppery arugula for a more pungent flavor profile.
• Nuts: Beyond pecans, try candied walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a slightly different crunch and flavor. For a savory twist, use plain toasted nuts.
• Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, crumbled goat cheese offers a creamier, tangier alternative. Shaved Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles could also add a unique depth.
• Fruit: Dried cherries or even finely diced apples or pears can be swapped for cranberries. For an extra festive touch, toss in some fresh pomegranate arils.
• Grains: To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked quinoa or farro to the salad.
• Protein: For a non-holiday meal, grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas would transform this side into a fulfilling main course.

No matter how you customize it, this Thanksgiving Salad is guaranteed to bring a burst of fresh flavor to your holiday table. Its ease of preparation and impressive presentation make it a foolproof choice for hosts looking to offer something special without added stress. Enjoy the process of creating and savoring this delightful seasonal dish!