Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food! One dish that always steals the show at my holiday gatherings is this refreshing salad. It’s vibrant, packed with flavors, and adds a beautiful pop of color to the table. Trust me, the crunchy walnuts paired with sweet dried cranberries and tangy feta cheese create a delightful medley that perfectly complements any Thanksgiving spread. Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to whip up, making it a breeze for busy holiday prep. I love how this salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a light and healthy option amidst all the hearty dishes. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (rinsed and dried)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Dry
First things first, you’ll want to rinse and dry those mixed greens thoroughly. It’s essential to get rid of any grit or dirt that might be hiding in there. Plus, if the greens are wet, the dressing won’t stick properly, and we don’t want a watery salad! I like to use a salad spinner for this—it’s a game changer! Just give them a good spin until they’re nice and dry.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and toss in your beautiful mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. Just layer them in, and don’t be afraid to get a little colorful! I love how each ingredient brings its unique flavor and texture to the mix. It’s like a festival of freshness!
Step 3: Add Dressing
Next up, it’s time to drizzle that balsamic vinaigrette all over your salad. This step is crucial because it ties all those flavors together. You want just enough to coat everything without drowning it—aim for that perfect balance! I usually start with less and then add more if needed. A little goes a long way!
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Now comes the fun part! Gently toss the salad to combine all those yummy ingredients. Be careful not to bruise the greens; a light touch is key. I like to use my hands for this—you can really feel how everything mixes together. Just be sure to incorporate everything evenly so every bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Finally, serve the salad right away for the best freshness. I recommend putting it on a beautiful platter or individual bowls to really showcase the colors and textures. Trust me, nothing beats the crunchiness of those greens and nuts when it’s fresh! If you have to make it ahead of time, hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and delicious.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For a serving size of about 1 cup, you can expect the following:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
While this salad is packed with wholesome ingredients, remember to adjust your servings based on your dietary needs. Enjoy this refreshing dish guilt-free at your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Refreshing taste that balances out heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
- Colorful and visually appealing, making it a showstopper on your table.
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Customizable to your tastes—adjust ingredients to your heart’s desire!
- Perfect for a crowd; this salad yields six generous servings.
- All the textures—from crunchy walnuts to juicy tomatoes—make every bite exciting.
- Lightens up your holiday spread without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your Thanksgiving salad turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients based on your personal taste. If you love a bit more crunch, throw in some sliced bell peppers or even some radishes for a peppery bite. If feta isn’t your thing, try goat cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free!
For a heartier version, you could add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein. Trust me, this salad can easily transform into a filling meal if you want it to! And if you’re looking to make it vegan, simply omit the cheese—there are plenty of delicious vegan dressings that can elevate the flavors without the dairy.
Also, consider toasting your walnuts or any nuts you’re using. To do this, just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re fragrant. It adds a whole new dimension of flavor! And remember, if you prepare the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain those fresh, crunchy greens. Happy salad-making!
Variations
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving salad is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or the season! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Nutty Delight: Switch things up by using different nuts! Try pecans for a sweeter flavor, or sliced almonds for an extra crunch. You can even toss in some pumpkin seeds for that fall vibe!
- Cheese Swap: If feta isn’t your favorite, feel free to replace it with goat cheese for a creamier texture, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese that melts well.
- Seasonal Fruits: Add some seasonal flair by incorporating fruits like sliced apples or pears for a juicy sweetness. Pomegranate seeds are also a gorgeous addition that brings a pop of color and a wonderful tartness!
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten up the flavors. These herbs can really elevate the salad and add a fresh aroma that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Grain Boost: For a heartier salad, throw in cooked quinoa, farro, or even roasted sweet potatoes. These ingredients not only add texture but also make the salad more filling!
- Dress It Up: Experiment with different dressings! A honey mustard vinaigrette or a creamy ranch can take this salad in a whole new direction. Just remember to balance flavors so they complement the salad ingredients.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature Thanksgiving salad! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun. Enjoy getting creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving salad properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you have any leftovers, I recommend transferring the salad into an airtight container. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This will help maintain the crispness of the greens and prevent them from getting soggy. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days, but trust me, it’s best when fresh!
As for reheating, salads like this one aren’t meant to be heated. The lovely crunch of the greens and the freshness of the other ingredients just won’t shine through if you microwave it. Instead, just enjoy it cold! If you find you have extra salad that you can’t finish, consider using the greens in a wrap or as a topping for a sandwich the next day. That way, you can still savor those vibrant flavors without losing any of that delightful crunch!
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Thanksgiving Salads: 7 Bright Flavors to Delight You
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust ingredients based on your preference.
- For a vegan option, omit cheese.
- Can be made ahead of time; add dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving salads
