41 Thanksgiving Salad Ideas to Add a Little Crunch to Your 2025 Table

Preparing a Thanksgiving salad is the perfect way to add a healthy dish to an abundant Thanksgiving feast. With crispy apples, fresh beets and peppery arugula in season during the fall, salad can be a colorful and fresh addition to your holiday menu. A variety of salads also make for great vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.

But do people eat salad at Thanksgiving? More and more, yes. According to Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate, a balanced meal should lean heavily on vegetables and fruits, which is exactly where a bright, crunchy salad helps. It cuts through the richer dishes on the table and gives guests a refreshing break between bites of turkey, stuffing and potatoes. Salad is an excellent dish to round out your festive Thanksgiving meal, no matter if you're dining at home or one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

So, what kind of salad goes well with a turkey dinner? Think balance: crisp greens, a bit of sweetness from fruit, some crunch from nuts or seeds and enough acidity in the dressing to keep everything feeling light. We’ve rounded up some of the best Thanksgiving salad recipes to add color, texture and freshness to your holiday spread.

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• Classic Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
• Unique Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
• Crunchy Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
• Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
• Thanksgiving Salad Dressing Recipes

Classic Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

1. Thanksgiving Salad

This colorful blend of smoked almonds, crumbly blue cheese and pickled apples hits all the fall notes. It’s the kind of traditional Thanksgiving salad that adds sweetness, crunch and tang in one bowl.

2. Three-Bean Salad

Combine blanched green beans with canned kidney beans and white beans for a side that’s fresh but still substantial. Blanch the green beans until just tender, then toss everything together and finish with a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. It’s hearty enough to sit beside the turkey without feeling heavy.

3. Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil cuts through the richness of mashed potatoes and stuffing. It’s a simple salad with just a few ingredients and pairs perfectly with those heavier Thanksgiving meals. Toss the greens with lemon, olive oil and a little salt, and you’ve got a bright, quick option for anyone wanting a lighter plate.

4. Caesar Salad

There’s nothing like the classics when it comes to Thanksgiving salads, and a Caesar doesn’t need a seasonal twist to earn its place on the table. The traditional version works best here. It’s easy to pull together, and you can level it up with homemade croutons or a from-scratch dressing if you want something a little fresher.

5. Festive Kale Salad

Kale holds up beautifully on a holiday table and can even be dressed ahead of time. Pickled cranberries and quinoa give it enough substance without weighing the plate down, and a tangy homemade lemon dressing pulls everything together. It’s a colorful option for Thanksgiving and fits right into plenty of fall salad ideas beyond the holiday, too. 

6. Greek Salad

Combine red onion, cucumbers, feta and olives for a fresh, easy addition to the Thanksgiving table. Toss everything with a classic Greek dressing made with oregano and garlic, and you’ve got a bright, tangy salad that sits nicely alongside roasted turkey.

7. Collard Green Salad

Collards (or kale if your guests aren’t fans) add a sturdy, earthy base, while black beans and crispy onions give it texture. The creamy buttermilk dressing ties everything together in a satisfying way.

8. Chopped Salad

Sometimes the simplest option is the right one. Chop up your favorite vegetables for a classic salad on the Thanksgiving menu — think crisp cucumber, zesty tomato and whatever else you like to keep on hand. Each bite is fresh and straightforward, and you can set out a few dressings, like Italian or homemade ranch, so everyone can make their plate the way they like it.

9. Winter Salad

Sometimes salads feel out of place on a winter table, but that couldn’t be further from the truth — you just have to rethink what a salad can be. Build a warmer winter Thanksgiving salad with roasted vegetables, your favorite nuts and a handful of dried fruit for sweetness. It’s cozy, substantial and the kind of dish people end up asking for year after year.

Unique Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

10. Cornbread Salad

What are five traditional Thanksgiving foods? Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and cornbread usually top the list — which is why a cornbread salad fits right in. This version layers freshly baked cornbread with pinto beans, corn, veggies and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. It's familiar but will surprise people because it's not quite what they're used to.

11. Carrot Salad

Carrot salad might sound boring at first, but this version is anything but. Toss thinly sliced carrots, red apples, toasted pecans and raisins with a zesty dressing for a mix that’s colorful and crunchy. You can even make this one the day before, so it saves prep time on the big day. And we all know that can be a big win.

12. Chef’s Salad on a Stick

Chef’s salad on a stick is an easy Thanksgiving appetizer that feels a little more fun than a standard platter. Load up skewers with a mix of meats, cheeses and fresh veggies so there’s something for everyone. Finish with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite.

13. Ranch Chopped Salad

For those guests who prefer something more familiar than the usual Thanksgiving salads, this one does the trick. Fill a bowl with lettuce, cheddar cheese, bacon and tomato, then top with homemade ranch dressing. It’s simple, comforting and fits naturally into the holiday meal.

14. Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice is one of those newer, trendy ingredients showing up on more holiday tables, so why not lean into it and impress your guests with a little modern flair? Arrange rows on a platter with wild rice, crispy bacon, fresh apple slices, grapes, arugula, blue cheese crumbles and roasted pecans. Serve a maple mustard dressing on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.

15. Antipasti Chopped Salad

Transform your Thanksgiving charcuterie board into a tasty salad. Combine romaine lettuce, pepperoncini, sliced provolone, salami and pepperoni into a salad bowl. Toss the dish with a zesty red wine vinegar dressing and top with freshly baked croutons. 

16. Roasted Beet Salad

Beets are coming back in style, which makes them a natural fit for a modern Thanksgiving salad. Roast red and yellow beets, then use them to blend a zesty vinaigrette that brings the whole dish together. Drizzle it over a mix of lettuce, grapefruit, goat cheese and blanched hazelnuts for a sweet-and-savory side.

17. Broccoli Salad

Craft a smoky and creamy broccoli salad that your guests will love this Thanksgiving. Fill a bowl with broccoli florets, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, almonds and crumbled bacon. Toss this dish with a creamy dressing incorporating apple cider vinegar and granulated sugar.

18. Chicken Parm Salad

Your guests won’t stop raving about a chicken parm salad at your Thanksgiving. Serve slices of lightly breaded chicken over a bed of arugula and roasted tomatoes and peppers. Drizzle the salad with a homemade cherry tomato and garlic dressing.

Crunchy Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

19. Waldorf Salad

A crunchy mix of apples, grapes and toasted walnuts gives this salad that classic sweet-meets-savory balance. Layer the chopped fruit and nuts over a bed of crisp lettuce, then finish with a homemade creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice and a touch of honey for tang and sweetness.

20. Green Bean Salad

Sure, this one’s a classic, but it delivers the crunch. Put together a green bean Thanksgiving salad with lightly cooked green beans, red onions, tomatoes and olives. Finish it with goat cheese, crispy almonds and a zesty red wine vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.

21. Shaved Fennel Salad

Since this section is all about the crunch, this fennel salad delivers it in a few different ways. The fennel adds a light snap, but the real crunch comes from the apples, radishes and toasted pine nuts. Toss them together with shaved Parmesan, then whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey and mustard into a tangy dressing that brings all those textures together.

22. Radicchio Salad

Radicchio pairs well with fresh fruit like orange or pear, adding a little sweetness to balance its bite. Toss in walnuts, feta cheese and a garlic–honey dressing for a salad with plenty of texture and flavor.

23. Bibb Salad 

Bibb lettuce works well here because its soft, buttery leaves balance out the heavier dishes on the Thanksgiving table. The crunch comes from the radish slices, which add a sharp, crisp bite to the mix. Pair them with creamy avocado and finish with a simple homemade vinaigrette for a light salad with just enough texture to keep things interesting.

24. Big Green Salad

Mix kale, Brussels sprouts, pine nuts and yellow beet for a refreshing blend with plenty of crunch. Drizzle a homemade lemon vinaigrette over the top to tie everything together and add a bright finish to the Thanksgiving plate.

25. Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn adds smoky sweetness, while peppers, walnuts and feta bring crunch and creaminess. It’s bright, colorful and one of the easiest sides to scale for a crowd.

26. Grape Salad

We hear you — grapes in a salad? But hear us out. They bring a crisp bite and a burst of sweetness that feels familiar but just different enough to get people talking. For a sweet-and-savory Thanksgiving side, slice the grapes in half and fold them into a mix of cream cheese, sour cream and a little brown sugar. Top it with toasted pecans for extra crunch and you’ve got a dish that always surprises in the best way.

Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

27. Festive Thanksgiving Salad

It’s surprisingly easy to make your Thanksgiving salads dairy-free. Plenty of modern recipes lean on cheeses or creamy dressings, but you don’t need either to build something flavorful. Try a mix of fresh pear, pomegranate seeds (or syrup) and chopped nuts over a bed of mixed greens. Add homemade croutons for extra texture and finish with a red wine vinaigrette for a crisp, refreshing salad that stays completely dairy-free.

28. Wedge Salad

Craft a crispy Thanksgiving salad with wedge lettuce, marinated tomatoes and bacon crumbles. Keep it dairy free with a homemade ranch made from mayo, oat milk, apple cider vinegar, garlic and a few simple spices. You still get that creamy, tangy flavor without any dairy, and it pairs perfectly with the crunch of the lettuce.

29. Couscous Salad

Couscous makes a great base for a dairy-free Thanksgiving salad because it already has a soft, fluffy texture that doesn’t need cheese or creamy dressings to feel complete. Mix it with chickpeas, diced cucumber, tomatoes and plenty of fresh parsley for freshness. A drizzle of lemon juice and tahini adds all the richness and tang you’d normally expect from dairy, without needing any at all.

30. Kale Citrus Salad

Kale shows up again here because it’s so flavorful and holds its own without any dairy. For a bright, dairy-free Thanksgiving salad, pair it with pickled red onions, grapefruit slices, pomegranate seeds and cranberries. A zesty citrus dressing pulls everything together and keeps the whole dish feeling fresh and lively.

31. Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Salad

If you’re wondering what you can serve on Thanksgiving instead of turkey, a hearty vegetable salad is an easy, dairy-free swap. Roasted sweet potato wedges and cauliflower give it enough substance to stand on their own, especially when paired with mixed lettuce. A simple mix of olive oil and sherry vinegar keeps the dressing light and completely dairy free.

32. Watercress Salad

Combine a zesty lemon vinaigrette with fresh vegetables to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving salad that’s dairy-free. Mix in green apple and almonds for a crispy bite. Your guests will love digging into this salad alongside the traditional turkey meal.

33. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts add great texture when mixed with a bed of greens for a simple Thanksgiving salad. Add crispy bacon bits and finish with a warm apple cider vinegar dressing for a cozy, fall-ready combination that fits right in with the rest of the meal.

34. Simple Green Salad

Simple greens always work when you need a healthy Thanksgiving salad. Mix lettuce, cucumber, green onions and any other green vegetables you like for an easy side. Set out a few dressings, like ranch or balsamic, so guests can customize their plates however they prefer.

35. Southwest Salad

A zesty southwest salad brings a bright, fresh contrast to the Thanksgiving table. Brown rice, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans and tortilla chips add texture, while the avocado gives the whole salad its creaminess without needing any dairy. Toss everything with a tangy lime vinaigrette, and if you want it more substantial, you can always add roasted chicken or shrimp.

36. Leek, Mushroom and Escarole Salad

Leek, mushroom and escarole make an easy Thanksgiving salad with plenty of earthy flavor. Layer thinly sliced leeks and mushrooms over a bed of escarole, then finish with a homemade red wine vinaigrette. It comes together quickly and adds a nice, lighter contrast to the rest of the meal.

Thanksgiving Salad Dressing Recipes

37. Apple Cider Vinaigrette

For that clean, tangy flavor, an apple cider vinaigrette is a go-to choice. It works especially well with salads that use apples, roasted squash or mixed greens. Shake it in a jar and it’s ready to pour, no fuss needed. 

38. Cranberry Vinaigrette

Send your guests home with a jar of homemade cranberry vinaigrette. Make a batch for your Thanksgiving salad, then bottle the extra as a simple Thanksgiving gift. The tart, bright flavor works with just about any fall salad.

39. Buttermilk Ranch

Homemade ranch dressing brings a fresh, herby flavor you don’t get from the bottled versions. The mix of mayo, tangy buttermilk and simple spices gives it that classic creamy texture that works on everything from salads to crudités. 

40. Caesar Dressing

A homemade Caesar dressing brings all the rich, savory notes that make the classic work. Whisk together garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, then blend it with mayo or yogurt for that creamy texture. It’s bold without being heavy, and it adds a familiar punch of flavor to any autumn salad.

41. Thousand Island

A Thousand Island dressing comes together easily with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whisk together mayonnaise, finely grated onion, ketchup, relish, lemon juice, paprika and a pinch of salt for a creamy, tangy sauce with a little sweetness. It works well spooned over a wedge salad or drizzled onto simple greens when you want something a bit richer.

From crafting the perfect salad for your meal to finding the best Thanksgiving activities, there are tons of ways to make your gathering memorable for your guests. Providing a fresh salad is the best way to round out the big feast with a healthy dish — and any of these salads is anything but boring!

And don't worry if you miss any ingredients on the day, there are plenty of stores open on Thanksgiving. Your guests will love the nutritious and refreshing option of a festive salad to add to their Thanksgiving plate. Or they'll enjoy exploring a few non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes.

For even more fun Thanksgiving food ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!