When it comes to Thanksgiving gatherings, salads often get overlooked, but trust me, they’re the unsung heroes of the feast! This refreshing salad is not just a colorful addition to your table; it’s a bright and zesty contrast to all those hearty dishes we love. Picture crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts dancing together, all topped with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect way to lighten up your meal and ensure everyone has a little something fresh on their plates. Plus, this salad is super easy to whip up, making it one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes salads to serve. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Recipes Salads
- 4 cups mixed greens (washed and dried)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or substitute with goat cheese if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (feel free to swap with any nuts you like)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Recipes Salads
Step 1 – Prepare the Greens
First things first, let’s get those mixed greens ready! I like to rinse them under cold water in a colander to make sure all the dirt and grit are gone. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner if you have one. This step is super important because no one wants a soggy salad, right? Fresh, crisp greens are the star of the show here!
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and toss in the washed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Just imagine that lovely rainbow of colors coming together! Gently fold everything together with your hands or salad tongs until it’s nicely mixed. It’s like a little salad dance party in there!
Step 3 – Add Toppings
Next up, let’s make it pretty! Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top, followed by the chopped walnuts. I always like to take a moment here to admire the presentation because we eat with our eyes first! The creamy feta and crunchy walnuts add such a delightful contrast to the vibrant veggies.
Step 4 – Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. I love to give it a good whisk—think of it as shaking up your salad’s flavor! You want to make sure all those ingredients blend beautifully together, creating a luscious dressing that will elevate your salad.
Step 5 – Toss and Serve
Finally, drizzle that flavorful dressing over your salad and toss everything together gently. You want to make sure every leaf is coated without crushing the delicate ingredients. Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness! This salad is perfect on its own or as a delightful side to your Thanksgiving spread. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Made with fresh, vibrant ingredients that add color to your Thanksgiving table.
- Perfectly balances rich flavors of the holiday with a light and refreshing crunch.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, fitting seamlessly into any Thanksgiving spread.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or cheese—go ahead, make it your own!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all guests.
- Great for leftovers; it still tastes amazing the next day!
Tips for Success
To make this salad truly shine, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First off, always use the freshest ingredients you can find. Crisp greens and ripe tomatoes will make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you can’t find feta cheese, goat cheese is a fantastic substitute—it adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. And if you’re looking to add some protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas are great options!
For presentation, consider serving your salad in a large, colorful bowl to really showcase the vibrant ingredients. You could even layer the ingredients instead of tossing them for a stunning visual effect—think of it as a healthy, edible centerpiece! And don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra walnuts and feta on top just before serving for that finishing touch. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Lastly, if you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to ensure everything stays nice and crisp. You want that delightful crunch when it hits the table! Enjoy your salad-making adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so delicious!), storing this salad properly is key to keeping it fresh. First, make sure to transfer any uneaten salad into an airtight container. This helps prevent it from getting soggy and losing that delightful crunch. I recommend storing the mixed salad and the dressing separately, if possible. This ensures your greens stay crisp and vibrant for as long as possible!
You can keep the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to enjoy it as soon as you can, since salads are always best fresh. Now, if you’re like me and love a good meal prep, you can prepare all the salad ingredients ahead of time, just keep them in separate containers. When you’re ready to serve, toss them together with the dressing, and voilà—fresh salad in a flash!
As for reheating, I wouldn’t recommend it. This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, and reheating could turn those lovely greens into a wilted mess. So, let’s keep it fresh and crisp, shall we? Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Recipes Salads
When indulging in this vibrant and refreshing salad, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and amounts used:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g
This salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish while still keeping it light and fresh. Perfect for balancing out all those rich Thanksgiving flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the freshness and crunch of the greens.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, goat cheese is a fantastic alternative! It adds a nice creaminess that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You could also try crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to double-check any packaged ingredients, like nuts or dressings, for any hidden gluten.
How can I add more protein to my salad?
Great question! You can easily add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some quinoa for a protein boost. This makes the salad heartier and can help it serve as a main dish!
Can I use different greens?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your greens. Spinach, arugula, or even kale can make a lovely base for this salad. Just be sure to wash and dry them well before mixing!
What should I do with leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness. Enjoy it for lunch or as a side with dinner!
Can I make a larger batch for a crowd?
Of course! This salad is easily scalable. Just double or triple the ingredients based on your needs. It’s a colorful and delicious addition to any Thanksgiving gathering!
thanksgiving recipes salads: 5 fresh delights to try
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 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 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese and walnuts on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute feta with goat cheese if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken for more protein.
- Use any nuts you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving recipes salads
