Thanksgiving Salad Ideas for Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is a good opportunity to be indulgent when it comes to food. We get together and celebrate what life has given us, and often, that translates in to tables full of decadent and delicious share dishes. It is always great to have a fresh salad at hand to have a little rest in between slices of roast turkey and pumpkin pie. It is the perfect side dish or even a main dish for those who prefer for taste or dietary reasons.

Thanksgiving roasted vegetable salad ideas

The oven is already warm, so why not roast a few vegetables and impress your guests with plenty of flavors?

1. Cold and fresh ratatouille

This grilled salad twist on the French classic has grilled tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash, and bell pepper, with some fresh basil leaves, your favorite pesto, and coral lettuce, all tossed together for a delicious side or full meal.  

2. Roasted zucchini and roasted corn salad

As easy and delicious as it comes. Roast some zucchinis and fresh sweet corn slices, let them cool, and toss them with freshly crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean vibe. 

Thanksgiving green salad ideas

Nothing beats the freshness of raw salad leaves. They will add texture to the overall meal and be the ideal bed for the most delicious ingredients. 

3. Watercress salad

Watercress is a crisp, peppery, and vitamin-rich leaf that often goes unnoticed. Serve it fresh with a sweet vinaigrette. 

4. Baby spinach leaves and pear slices

A classic. Baby spinach, pear slices (choose firm fruits), honey mustard dressing,and some goat's cheese. You can't go wrong with this one. 

Thanksgiving protein-rich salad ideas

A bit bored with the classic Thanksgiving turkey, but still needing a protein pick-me-up? Try these delicious options full of proteins.

5. Hearty chicken Caesar salad

This absolute classic can be a complete meal in itself. The key is a perfectly grilled chicken breast. Smother the chicken with olive oil, salt, and a bit of brown sugar, so it gets a good caramelization.

6. Thai beef salad

This salad made with sirloin steak is refreshing and filling at once. Flavors will pop with the irresistible combination of lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, mint, basil, fresh chili, and garlic. The beef is tender and melts in a perfect symphony of acidity, heat, and sweetness. 

7. Black beans, tomato, mango, coriander, and chopped red onion

This twist on pico de gallo will get your guests coming back for seconds. Simply combine canned and drained black beans with freshly chopped tomato, Kensington mango, coriander, and chopped red onion. It is fresh, filling, and works either as a side or as a complement for meat dishes. 

Thanksgiving grain-based salad ideas

Fiber is king. These salads use grains as a base and can also work as perfect side dishes. 

8. Quinoa and pomegranate salad

The ancient Andean grain and the Middle Eastern pomegranate come together in a combo that has crunchiness and bursts with freshness. Simply add apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. 

9. Farro salad

Instead of using brown rice, replace it with Farro and add in pomegranate, slivered almonds, chopped coriander, olive oil, and lime juice.

Thanksgiving salads kids will love

It is tricky to get the little ones to eat their greens, but these salads will have them wanting seconds.

10. Coleslaw combo

There's nothing that kids love more than sultanas. For your Thanksgiving coleslaw, simply add sultanas or dried cranberries and get that veggie quota into your kids. 

11. Bacon, blueberries, and balsamic vinegar reduction

Kids tend to overlook lettuce and sometimes just use it as a bargaining chip to get more dessert. But they won't be able to resist the salty-sweet-tangy combo of crunchy bacon bits, fresh blueberries, and sweet balsamic reduction. 

12. The Waldorf salad

The classic salad is made with fresh apples, celery, walnuts, grapes, and a not-so-healthy mayo dressing. Ditch the mayo and use creamy Greek yogurt instead. You will get a similar texture but less saturated fat. 

Thanksgiving seafood salads

Get ocean flavors on your plate with these inspired options. 

13. Deconstructed sushi salad

Get some Boston lettuce and toss in avocado, fresh salmon, crunchy sesame, and a dressing made with soy sauce,rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

14. Prawn and mango salad

Believe us, once you discover how well mango and prawns go together, this salad will become a Thanksgiving classic in your household. Simply add your favorite lettuce and a simple vinaigrette. 

15. Surimi sticks salad

Does your Thanksgiving salad look and taste a bit boring? Add some chopped surimi sticks. 

Salads from around the world

Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to celebrate other culture's cuisines, like these below: 

16. Greek salad

A classic made with freshly chopped tomato and cucumber, onion, and feta cheese. Add some Kalamata olives and opa! 

17. Taco salad

Iceberg lettuce, corn, freshly chopped tomato, tortilla chips– nothing can go wrong. 

18. Cucumber, carrot, and jicama with chili powder

A Mexican classic, this salad combines jicama, carrot, and cucumber sticks smothered with fresh lime juice and delicious chili powder. 

Thanksgiving fruit salads

Fruit does not need to be relegated to desserts! Try these options for a burst of freshness. 

19. Watermelon, mint, and feta cheese

The combo sounds a bit odd, but it is the most delicious thing ever. It is excellent as an appetizer as well. 

20. Roasted apricots for a tangy and sweet treat

If your salad looks a bit sad, grill some apricot halves inside against the heat until caramelized. Toss them in and let the magic happen.

Salads are a healthy crowd pleaser

Indulgence is a great thing during the holidays, but having a balanced diet is essential all the time. You won't need to sacrifice flavor with these ideas, but you will gain a good dose of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. And remember, you can always rely on Instacart for the freshest produce on same-day pick-up or delivery.