When it comes to Thanksgiving, we often think of hearty dishes like turkey and stuffing, but let’s not forget the power of a fresh, vibrant salad! This colorful salad is not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly complements your holiday spread. Imagine the crunch of crisp mixed greens, the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, and the creamy tang of feta cheese all tossed together in a delightful balsamic vinaigrette. Trust me, this salad will brighten up your table and make your taste buds sing! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving feast. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (I love using a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for that perfect crunch)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add a sweet pop of flavor that’s irresistible)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the feta)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (it gives a nice sharp bite—just don’t go overboard!)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (these add a delightful nutty flavor and crunch)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (homemade or store-bought, it ties everything together beautifully)
How to Prepare Salad Recipes Thanksgiving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it’s super handy and gets them nice and dry so the dressing sticks better.
- In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Just give it a gentle mix—no need to be rough!
- Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over the top of your salad. This is where the magic happens—those flavors are going to blend beautifully!
- Now, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette all over the salad. You can always add more later if you like it extra zesty, but start with a modest amount.
- Finally, toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mush the tomatoes or feta; we want to keep that delightful texture!
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their peak. If you need to make it ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!
Tips for Success
Here are a few of my favorite tips to take this salad from good to absolutely fantastic! First, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. You can add roasted sweet potatoes for some warmth or swap out the walnuts for pecans if you prefer. Also, if you’re a fan of a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!
Another great idea is to mix in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. And remember, if you’re making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain that fresh crunch and vibrant colors. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so this is just a general guideline. In one serving of this vibrant salad, you can expect around 180 calories, with 12g of fat (2g saturated), 5g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates, including about 3g of fiber. It’s a light yet satisfying option that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table without weighing you down. Enjoy the freshness while being mindful of your dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly fresh and colorful, adding a vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving table.
- Ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to your feast.
- Versatile enough to customize with seasonal ingredients or your favorite toppings.
- The combination of flavors and textures pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- Light yet satisfying, it offers a refreshing balance to heavier meals.
- Everyone will love it, from kids to adults—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions
This salad is not just a star on its own; it complements a variety of Thanksgiving dishes beautifully! Serve it alongside succulent roasted turkey for a refreshing contrast, or with honey-glazed ham for a delightful flavor pairing. It also goes wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or savory stuffing—just imagine that crunch against the soft textures! For a lighter option, it’s fabulous next to grilled vegetables or a hearty soup. Trust me, this salad will bring a pop of color and freshness to your holiday spread, delighting everyone at the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again, as this helps maintain that delightful crunch! If you’ve mixed everything together, try to consume it within a day for the best flavor and texture. As for reheating, this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so just give it a quick toss with some fresh dressing when you’re ready to serve it again. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy for your Thanksgiving feast!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, goat cheese is a fantastic alternative! You can also try using crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor or even some fresh mozzarella for a milder touch.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the label on the balsamic vinaigrette if you’re using store-bought to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can give this salad a hearty boost, making it a more filling option for your Thanksgiving meal.
How long will leftovers last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your salad will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Just remember to keep that dressing separate until you’re ready to dig in!
Salad Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Ways to Brighten Your Feast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and colorful salad perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 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 the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the feta cheese and walnuts to the bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize with seasonal vegetables.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Make it ahead by keeping the dressing separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: salad recipes thanksgiving
