Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and embracing the flavors of the season. While we all love the classic turkey and stuffing, I truly believe that a fresh salad is a must-have on the holiday table. It brings a burst of color and a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich, hearty dishes. This Thanksgiving salad is like a breath of fresh air, combining roasted butternut squash, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed together with vibrant mixed greens. Trust me, the seasonal flavors in this salad will make it the star of your Thanksgiving feast! It’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, ensuring you have a light and healthy option that everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive in and get started on this delightful dish!
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens, washed and dried for that perfect crisp
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed to add a touch of sweetness
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, because who can resist that burst of tartness?
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped to bring in a delightful crunch
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a creamy, tangy finish
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced to give a little zing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, the base of our luscious dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, adding that perfect tangy kick
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is key!
How to Prepare the Salad Recipes Thanksgiving
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Let’s kick things off by bringing all those colorful ingredients together! In a large bowl, add your washed and dried mixed greens, followed by the cubed roasted butternut squash. The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the tartness of the dried cranberries, so go ahead and toss those in too! Next, sprinkle in the chopped walnuts for that delightful crunch, along with the crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish. Finally, add the thinly sliced red onion to give your salad that lovely zing. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a salad tongs to ensure all those flavors are well combined. It’s already looking so vibrant!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up that dressing that will take this salad to the next level! In a small bowl, pour in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This is where the magic happens! Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper for seasoning. Grab a whisk or a fork and mix everything together vigorously until it’s well blended. You want that beautiful emulsification to really bring out those flavors. Trust me, the smell of this dressing will have your mouth watering!
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Time to bring it all together! Drizzle the dressing over your colorful salad mix. The key here is to be gentle—use those tongs again or your hands to toss everything together until the greens are nicely coated in that luscious dressing. You want to make sure every bite has a bit of that tangy goodness on it. Oops! Don’t be afraid to taste as you go—you’ll want to make sure the balance is just right!
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Ah, the moment of truth! You can serve this salad right away, but if you have a little patience, letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can really enhance the flavors. The greens will soak in that delicious dressing, making it even tastier! Whether you choose to serve it immediately or let it chill, I promise your guests will be raving about this refreshing dish. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Seasonal flavors that perfectly capture the essence of Thanksgiving
- Healthy ingredients that bring a nutritious balance to your holiday feast
- Adds a vibrant splash of color and freshness to the table
- Simple yet elegant, making it a hit with both family and friends
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite seasonal fruits or nuts!
- Perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities
Tips for Success
Want to make this Thanksgiving salad truly shine? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it’s nothing short of perfection!
- Roasting Butternut Squash: For that sweet, caramelized flavor, roast your butternut squash at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Just toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before popping it in the oven. Keep an eye on it; you want it tender with a hint of golden brown!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to get creative! If you have apples or pears on hand, slice them up and toss them in for a nice crunch and sweetness. They pair beautifully with the other flavors!
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the dish even more. Just a sprinkle can add a beautiful aroma and fresh flavor!
- Let It Marinate: If you have time, let the salad sit for a bit after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be careful not to let the greens wilt too much!
- Toast the Walnuts: For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This enhances their nuttiness and adds a delicious crunch!
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepped ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
With these tips, you’ll not only impress your guests but also create a salad that’s bursting with flavor and freshness. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Thanksgiving salad:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, this salad is a wholesome addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this fabulous Thanksgiving salad? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the salad ingredients a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is sometimes rare with this salad!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. I recommend eating them within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture. Just remember, the greens may wilt a bit, but it’ll still taste great!
What variations can I try with this salad?
Oh, there are so many delicious variations! You can add sliced apples or pears for a sweet crunch, or toss in some roasted chickpeas for added protein. Want a bit more zing? Try adding some sliced radishes or a handful of arugula for a peppery kick! You could also switch up the cheese—goat cheese would be a fantastic alternative to feta. Get creative and make it your own!
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen butternut squash! Just make sure to thaw and drain it first before adding it to the salad. You might want to sauté it for a few minutes to warm it up and enhance the flavors!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Thanksgiving salad is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any packaged ingredients like the balsamic vinegar to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
I hope this FAQ section helps you whip up the perfect salad for your Thanksgiving celebration. Happy cooking and enjoy your feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Thanksgiving salad and now you’re wondering about leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly will ensure you can enjoy those delightful flavors even after the feast has ended.
First things first, if you have any leftover salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the greens fresh and crisp. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just be aware that the longer it sits, the more the greens will wilt due to the dressing. But don’t fret—the flavors will still be great!
If you’re not planning on eating the salad right away, I highly recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your salad will remain fresh and crunchy—no one likes a soggy salad, right?
Now, if you do decide to heat up any of the ingredients (like the roasted butternut squash), you can do so gently! Simply pop the squash in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. Just be careful not to overheat the greens—they’re best enjoyed chilled!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be set to savor this Thanksgiving salad well beyond the holiday! Enjoy every last bite!
Imprimer
Salad Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Additions You Need
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing Thanksgiving salad that combines seasonal flavors.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, butternut squash, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion.
- 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 or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time, just add dressing before serving.
- Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like apples or pears.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 28g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: salad recipes thanksgiving
