25 Fresh Thanksgiving Salads to Balance Out the Feast

Fresh Thanksgiving salads are a great way to bring some balance to the rich, hearty dishes on the table. These crisp, vibrant recipes add color and a refreshing bite that’s perfect for cutting through all the heavy classics. Whether you’re looking to keep things light or just want something that feels fresh and lively, these salads bring exactly what the feast needs. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Overhead image of sweet and creamy goat cheese salad. — Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

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, goat cheese, and walnuts combine for a salad that’s quick to make and easy to personalize. The mix of earthy, creamy, and crunchy elements complements the richness of a Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted Vegetable Salad

A roasted vegetable salad dressed with a light vinaigrette brings seasonal flair to the table. Serve it warm or chilled for an easy, versatile addition to the feast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a Caprese salad that feels crisp and bright. This simple dish brings refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving classics.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Raw Carrot Salad

This raw carrot salad offers crisp texture and vibrant flavors with little effort. It’s a quick way to add a lighter option to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

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

Cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans tossed in tangy dressing create a simple, flavorful salad. It brightens the table and balances out the richness of holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Kale Harvest Salad

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

Kale, carrots, and dates in a light vinaigrette bring a nourishing option to your spread. This quick salad complements the season’s indulgent menu with ease.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Kale Salad With Cranberries

Kale with cranberries, lemon, and nuts adds brightness and texture to the meal. Its quick preparation makes it a practical addition to complement heartier entrees.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

An overhead image of Vegan Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts in wooden bowl. — Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shaved Brussels sprouts and chickpeas with vegan Caesar dressing create a light plant-based side. It’s a refreshing option that fits seamlessly into a holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Arugula, cucumbers, cranberries, and goat cheese paired with a lemon vinaigrette feel vibrant and fresh. This salad adds variety and balance to your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Creamy Goat Cheese Salad with Fruit and Cranberry

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon. — Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Broccoli apple salad with yogurt dressing combines crunch and creamy flavors effortlessly. It’s a refreshing option that’s simple to prepare for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon. — Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Red cabbage and apples with tangy dressing bring a pop of crunch and color to the spread. This fresh side pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Spiralized beets, parsnips, cranberries, and blue cheese with balsamic dressing feel festive and vibrant. This side balances roasted root vegetables with refreshing flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is a quick, versatile dish for the holiday table. It’s an easy addition that works as both a side and a light main option.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken 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 with apple slices and poppy seed dressing combines crisp textures with a touch of sweetness. This fresh salad complements heavier Thanksgiving dishes effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

A slice of toast with cranberry chicken salad on top. — Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Cranberry chicken salad with yogurt and walnuts highlights seasonal flavors in a simple way. It’s a versatile dish that adds balance to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Bay scallops, corn, and tart cherries on baby kale with cherry Dijon dressing feel light and festive. This side adds brightness and pairs well with traditional holiday fare.
Get the Recipe: Bay Scallop Baby Kale Corn Salad

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Butternut squash, arugula, and feta with vinaigrette celebrate the season’s produce. It’s an easy side that complements the richness of Thanksgiving entrees.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Roasted sunchokes and fennel with lemon mustard dressing make a vibrant salad. This light dish pairs beautifully with heavier Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad

Honeycrisp Salad

Honeycrisp apples and spiced cider vinaigrette make a quick, fruity nod to fall. It’s a refreshing addition to balance the richness of the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Steak and squash with apple maple vinaigrette highlights bold seasonal flavors. This salad pairs bright freshness with classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Autumn Salad with Chicken

Fruit, nuts, feta, and chicken create a fall-inspired salad ready in minutes. It complements a variety of Thanksgiving dishes with its seasonal charm.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Couscous Salad With Tofu

Vegan couscous salad with tofu and lemon dressing is light and easy to prepare. It’s a refreshing option that pairs well with heartier holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad With Tofu

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

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

Quinoa salad with cranberries, pecans, and herbs feels vibrant and flavorful. It’s a versatile side dish that brings freshness to Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Rotisserie chicken, citrus, and kale combine for a hearty chopped winter salad. Its bold flavors and fresh ingredients complement the richness of a holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl. — Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing bring balance and texture to this side. It’s an effortless way to lighten up the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing