Oh, let me tell you, salads for Thanksgiving dinner are an absolute must! They bring a fresh and vibrant contrast to all those rich, savory dishes on the table. This salad is one of my favorites because it’s super easy to whip up and bursting with flavor. The crunchy walnuts and creamy feta really elevate the mixed greens, and the balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Trust me, when you serve this salad, it’ll be the refreshing highlight of your Thanksgiving feast! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies among all the delicious indulgence.
Ingredients List
For this delicious Thanksgiving salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (I love using a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine for a variety of textures)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add a sweet burst of flavor)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (it’s all about that sharp contrast)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (creamy and tangy, it’s the star of the show)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (they add a lovely nutty flavor and crunch)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade, it brings everything together beautifully)
Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste or to make a larger batch if you’re expecting a crowd! Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors in every bite!
How to Prepare Salads for Thanksgiving Dinner
Preparing this Thanksgiving salad is a breeze! I promise you won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning salad ready to impress your guests in no time. First, you’ll want to wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner for the best results, making sure they’re nice and crisp. While they’re drying, grab a big bowl and start chopping and dicing the veggies. Once everything’s ready, it’s time to combine! Toss the mixed greens with those juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sharp red onions.
Next, sprinkle in the creamy feta cheese and the walnuts for that delightful crunch. Now comes the fun part—drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the top and give everything a gentle toss to coat. Be careful not to be too rough; we want to keep those greens looking beautiful! Serve this salad immediately for the freshest taste, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to eat. This way, it’ll stay crisp and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens until they’re crisp and ready.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts to the bowl.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even coverage.
- Toss everything gently to combine while keeping the ingredients intact.
- Serve the salad right away, or store the greens and dressing separately until serving time.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this vibrant salad! Each serving is estimated to have around 200 calories, with 12g of fat and 6g of protein. You’ll also get about 15g of carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Loaded with fresh, healthy ingredients that add color and nutrition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Combines a delightful mix of textures and flavors—from crunchy walnuts to creamy feta.
- Versatile and adaptable; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Perfect for balancing out those rich holiday dishes, making it a refreshing addition to your spread.
- Great for meal prep—just keep the dressing separate until serving for maximum freshness.
Tips for Success
To really make this Thanksgiving salad shine, here are my top tips! First, always wash your greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit—this makes a big difference in taste! If you can, use a salad spinner; it’s a game changer for getting those leaves crispy. Next, don’t be shy with your balsamic vinaigrette; drizzle it on just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. If you want to add grilled chicken or other proteins, make sure they’re chilled before mixing them in. Finally, feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses for a unique twist! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with this Thanksgiving salad, I’ve got some fun ideas! You can easily add different vegetables like roasted bell peppers for a smoky flavor or shredded carrots for a pop of color. Want to make it heartier? Toss in some grilled chicken or even slices of turkey if you have leftovers! For a delightful twist, try adding sliced apples or pears for a sweet crunch, or sprinkle in some dried cranberries for that classic holiday touch. You can also switch out the feta for goat cheese or even blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving salad pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional dishes! Serve it alongside a golden-brown roasted turkey—its juicy flavors complement the freshness of the salad perfectly. You can also dish it up with creamy mashed potatoes, rich stuffing, or even savory green bean casserole for a delightful contrast. If you’re planning to add a side of cranberry sauce, the sweetness will harmonize wonderfully with the salad’s tangy feta and balsamic vinaigrette. And don’t forget about warm rolls or cornbread; they make the meal feel extra cozy. Trust me, your guests will love this vibrant addition to their plates!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving salad properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you have leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 2-3 days. Just remember, it’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain that crisp texture of the greens. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette on top before serving.
As for reheating, there’s no need! This salad is best enjoyed cold, so just grab it from the fridge and dig in. Enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Print
Salads for Thanksgiving Dinner: 5 Fresh Choices to Wow
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious salad perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese and walnuts to the bowl.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Use your favorite dressing if you prefer something other than balsamic.
- This salad can be prepared in advance; just add dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: salads for thanksgiving dinner
