34 Thanksgiving salads even picky relatives will love

Thanksgiving salads are a great way to add something fresh and flavorful to the table, even for the relatives who usually stick to the classics. These recipes are full of bold flavors and textures that make people actually want to eat their greens, not just pick at them. They’re simple enough to make without stress but still feel special, giving your holiday spread a bright, tasty boost. Whether your table is crowded or casual, these salads can hold their own and get people talking.

A close-up of a plate of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad. — Thanksgiving Fruit Salad. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl. — Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Carrots and dates tossed with kale create a simple salad that comes together in about 15 minutes. Its sweet and earthy notes add a seasonal touch that complements other dishes on a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Green Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side. — Green Salad with Cranberries and Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tangy goat cheese, cranberries, and crunchy pecans combine in a quick 10-minute salad. This mix brings a balance of textures and flavors that fits naturally among richer dishes at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Kale Salad With Cranberries

Kale with cranberries, lemon, and nuts makes a crisp, textured side ready in minutes. Its bright flavors offer a refreshing counterpoint on a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Chickpea tuna salad requires no cooking and assembles quickly. Its hearty ingredients make it an easy addition to a Thanksgiving salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasted vegetables tossed in a light vinaigrette can be served warm or chilled. They add versatility and a simple, flavorful option to a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Fresh fruits in this salad bring crisp and wholesome flavors that contrast heavier dishes like casseroles or roasts. Quick to assemble, it brightens a Thanksgiving salad display.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni with celery, red pepper, gherkins, and hard-boiled eggs chills well and keeps each bite firm. Its tangy dressing balances sweet and savory, making it a practical choice for a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Roasted Butternut and Feta Salad

A bowl of Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad. — Roasted Butternut and Feta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted butternut squash or pumpkin with arugula and feta comes together quickly. It highlights seasonal ingredients and fits neatly on a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut and Feta Salad

Crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Shaved brussels sprouts salad in a wide bowl with wooden salad forks. — Crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Shaved Brussels sprouts with apples, pecans, and dried cranberries are tossed in a lemon Dijon dressing. The crunchy, bright mix works well alongside heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry chicken salad with chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, and celery takes just 10 minutes to prep. Its combination of flavors adds texture and freshness to a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp apples in a spiced cider vinaigrette give this salad crisp autumn notes. Its fruity profile provides a clean, fresh counterpoint on a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic reduction is fresh and straightforward. Though traditionally served in summer, its bright flavors can complement lighter Thanksgiving salad options.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese. — Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air-fried apples, kale, and candied almonds create a crisp and refreshing salad. Its texture and seasonal flavors make it a suitable addition to a Thanksgiving salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side. — Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Goat cheese, arugula, pistachios, and grapefruit combined with roasted beets in a citrus vinaigrette bring balance to heavier holiday dishes. This makes it a vibrant component of a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Autumn Salad with Chicken

Chicken, fruit, nuts, and feta create a textured salad with seasonal notes. Quick to assemble, it brings a fresh element to a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad with apples, celery, and grapes mixes crisp textures with a creamy dressing. Its chilled preparation keeps it convenient for a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Chickpea Salad

Bright herbs, citrus dressing, and chickpeas form a salad that holds up well when made ahead. Its firm texture adds variety to a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Seafood Orzo Salad

Seafood orzo with herbs, lemon, and tender squid is light yet flavorful. This salad brings coastal freshness to a Thanksgiving salad without heavy prep.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Orzo Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts with various toppings and a mustard balsamic dressing provide crisp textures. Its robust flavors make it a practical addition to a Thanksgiving salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

An overhead image of two bowls of lemon garlic kale salad. — Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic kale with pecorino and toasted pepitas comes together in minutes. It pairs well with richer dishes on a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

A white bowl of cranberry fluff salad topped with mini marshmallows, pecans, and cranberries on a marble surface, with a spoon and a plaid cloth nearby. — Cranberry Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Cranberry Ambrosia Salad combines cranberries and shredded coconut in a creamy dressing. It brings a sweet-tart option to a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon and blueberries is a cold, nutrient-rich dish. Easy to prep ahead, it adds a fresh and structured element to a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Pecan Cranberry Quinoa Salad

A glass bowl filled with quinoa, dried cranberries, and pecans. — Pecan Cranberry Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Quinoa with pecans, feta, herbs, and dried cranberries can be made ahead and transported easily. Its hearty yet fresh profile fits well on a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Kale with prunes, pomegranate, and feta under a tangy vinaigrette creates texture and flavor contrast. It pairs effectively with heavier dishes on a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Roasted sunchokes and fennel with baby greens and lemon mustard dressing form a bright, crisp salad. This combination adds freshness to a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Cold Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

A bowl of green bean salad with feta cheese, sliced almonds, red onions, and lettuce, served with a fork and spoon. — Cold Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Cold green bean salad with Dijon vinaigrette and toasted almonds brings a crunchy, tangy option. Its quick preparation makes it a practical addition to a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Cold Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

Koginut Squash Bowl

Koginut squash bowl with greens and autumn tones reflects seasonal produce. Its composition works well on a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Koginut Squash Bowl

Brussels Sprouts Salad

A white bowl filled with salad containing orange slices, dried cranberries, red onion, shredded greens, and bacon bits, with a fork resting inside. Small bowls of toppings and dressing nearby. — Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, and honey-orange dressing give a balanced, crisp salad. It offers variety to a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Radicchio endive chicken salad with honey mustard dressing balances hearty and fresh flavors. This combination is fitting for a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Mixed Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls. — Mixed Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mixed fruit salad with cranberries, apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds mixes sweet and tart flavors. Its crisp, colorful textures enhance a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Fruit Salad

Three Bean Salad

Green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas with radishes and vinaigrette assemble quickly and taste better after chilling. It adds a bright, easy option to a Thanksgiving salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

Autumn Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta salad with spinach, roasted squash, pecans, and feta cheese, placed on a textured mat, with a spoon and sliced squash nearby. — Autumn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Autumn pasta salad with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and maple Dijon dressing brings fall flavors into one bowl. Its mix of sweet and savory elements complements a Thanksgiving salad spread.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale apple salad with poppy seed dressing and massaged greens highlights crisp textures and fruity notes. It creates a lively option for a Thanksgiving salad.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Close-up of Grilled Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad in a bowl. — Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Roasted beets with goat cheese and toasted walnuts offer earthy and creamy textures. This combination balances heavier holiday dishes on a Thanksgiving salad table.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad