Thanksgiving is filled with rich, comforting dishes, but a fresh fall salad can bring the perfect balance to the holiday table. Seasonal ingredients like crisp apples, juicy pears, roasted squash, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, pecans, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens make these salads colorful, flavorful, and perfect for autumn entertaining.

Whether you’re looking for an easy green salad, a hearty grain salad, a roasted vegetable salad, or a beautiful centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner, these 21 fall salads for Thanksgiving offer plenty of delicious options.

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1. Apple Cranberry Walnut Fall Salad

This colorful salad combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta over fresh greens.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens.
2. Add greens to a large serving bowl.
3. Add sliced apples, cranberries, walnuts, feta, and red onion.
4. Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
6. Toss gently and serve.

Serving Tip

Toast the walnuts for 5–7 minutes at 350°F for extra flavor and crunch.

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2. Roasted Butternut Squash Fall Salad

Roasted butternut squash gives this salad a naturally sweet and savory flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 5 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup goat cheese
• ¼ small red onion

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
4. Allow the squash to cool slightly.
5. Place greens in a large bowl.
6. Add squash, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and onion.
7. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
8. Drizzle over salad.
9. Toss gently before serving.

Serving Tip

Serve the squash slightly warm for a cozy Thanksgiving salad.

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3. Pear Pecan Fall Salad

Sweet pears, toasted pecans, and tangy blue cheese create an elegant autumn combination.

Ingredients

• 6 cups spring greens
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ½ cup blue cheese
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Add spring greens to a large bowl.
2. Arrange sliced pears over the greens.
3. Add pecans, blue cheese, and cranberries.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
5. Drizzle over the salad.
6. Toss gently.

Serving Tip

Use pears that are ripe but still firm enough to slice neatly.

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4. Pomegranate Spinach Salad

Pomegranate seeds add a beautiful jewel-like color to this Thanksgiving salad.

Ingredients

• 6 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ cup goat cheese
• 1 pear, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place spinach in a large serving bowl.
2. Add pomegranate seeds, walnuts, goat cheese, pear, and onion.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
5. Toss gently.
6. Serve immediately.

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5. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts make a crunchy salad that holds up especially well on a Thanksgiving buffet.

Ingredients

• 5 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan
• 1 apple, diced

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Remove damaged outer leaves from Brussels sprouts.
2. Thinly slice or shred the sprouts.
3. Place them in a large bowl.
4. Add cranberries, almonds, Parmesan, and apple.
5. Whisk dressing ingredients.
6. Pour over the salad.
7. Toss thoroughly.
8. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Serving Tip

This is an excellent make-ahead Thanksgiving salad because the Brussels sprouts don’t wilt quickly.

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6. Harvest Kale Salad

Kale provides a hearty base for this colorful autumn salad.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chopped kale
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 apple, diced

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Remove the tough kale stems.
2. Chop the kale into small pieces.
3. Add kale to a large bowl.
4. Drizzle with half of the dressing.
5. Massage the kale for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pecans, Parmesan, and apple.
7. Add the remaining dressing.
8. Toss well.

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7. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy roasted beets pair beautifully with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets
• 5 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup goat cheese
• ½ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Wrap beets individually in foil.
2. Roast at 400°F until tender.
3. Cool, peel, and slice.
4. Arrange greens on a serving platter.
5. Add sliced beets.
6. Sprinkle with goat cheese, walnuts, and cranberries.
7. Whisk dressing ingredients.
8. Drizzle over the salad.
9. Serve.

Serving Tip

Arrange the ingredients on a platter rather than tossing them together for a beautiful Thanksgiving presentation.

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8. Sweet Potato Spinach Salad

Roasted sweet potatoes make this salad hearty, colorful, and perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• 5 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup feta cheese

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes.
4. Cool slightly.
5. Place spinach in a bowl.
6. Add sweet potatoes, pecans, cranberries, and feta.
7. Whisk the dressing.
8. Drizzle over the salad.
9. Toss gently.

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9. Apple Fennel Fall Salad

Fresh fennel adds a delicate crunch and slightly sweet flavor to this refreshing salad.

Ingredients

• 5 cups mixed greens
• 2 apples
• 1 small fennel bulb
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup Parmesan

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Thinly slice apples and fennel.
2. Place greens in a large bowl.
3. Add apples, fennel, walnuts, cranberries, and Parmesan.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients together.
5. Pour over salad.
6. Toss gently before serving.

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10. Cranberry Orange Fall Salad

Fresh oranges bring brightness to this colorful autumn salad.

Ingredients

• 5 cups mixed greens
• 2 oranges
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ½ cup feta cheese

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Peel the oranges and separate them into segments.
2. Add greens to a serving bowl.
3. Add orange segments, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
4. Whisk together the dressing.
5. Drizzle over the salad.
6. Toss gently.

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11. Roasted Carrot Arugula Salad

Sweet roasted carrots pair wonderfully with peppery arugula.

Ingredients

• 5 cups arugula
• 3 cups carrots, sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes.
4. Allow carrots to cool slightly.
5. Place arugula in a bowl.
6. Add carrots, feta, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries.
7. Whisk dressing ingredients.
8. Drizzle over the salad.
9. Toss gently.

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12. Wild Rice Harvest Salad

Wild rice gives this Thanksgiving salad a hearty texture and nutty flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 3 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• 1 apple, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook wild rice according to package directions.
2. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Add wild rice and greens to a large bowl.
4. Add cranberries, pecans, apple, feta, and parsley.
5. Whisk dressing ingredients.
6. Pour over the salad.
7. Toss gently.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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13. Fall Quinoa Salad

This nutritious quinoa salad works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 apple, diced
• ½ cup feta
• ¼ cup parsley

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook and cool quinoa.
2. Add quinoa and greens to a large bowl.
3. Add cranberries, pumpkin seeds, apple, feta, and parsley.
4. Whisk together the dressing.
5. Pour over the salad.
6. Toss well.

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14. Pear Pomegranate Salad

This elegant combination of pears, pomegranate, and pecans is ideal for Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

• 5 cups spring greens
• 2 pears
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup goat cheese

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place greens on a large platter.
2. Slice pears thinly.
3. Arrange pears over the greens.
4. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and pecans over the top.
5. Add goat cheese.
6. Whisk dressing ingredients.
7. Drizzle over the salad before serving.

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15. Roasted Cauliflower Autumn Salad

Roasted cauliflower brings a savory, nutty flavor to this fall-inspired salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted almonds
• ½ cup Parmesan
• ¼ cup red onion

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25 minutes until golden.
4. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Place greens in a large bowl.
6. Add cauliflower, cranberries, almonds, Parmesan, and onion.
7. Whisk dressing ingredients.
8. Drizzle over salad.
9. Toss gently.

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16. Maple Pecan Spinach Salad

Maple and pecans make this simple spinach salad taste wonderfully festive.

Ingredients

• 6 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup pecans
• 1 apple
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup goat cheese

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Add spinach to a large serving bowl.
2. Slice the apple.
3. Add apple, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
6. Toss gently.

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17. Thanksgiving Broccoli Crunch Salad

This crunchy salad is perfect for preparing ahead of the holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup finely sliced red onion
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place broccoli in a large bowl.
3. Add cranberries, sunflower seeds, onion, and cheddar.
4. Mix dressing ingredients.
5. Pour dressing over the broccoli.
6. Toss well.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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18. Autumn Cobb Salad

This hearty salad is ideal when you want something more substantial than a simple green salad.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chopped romaine
• 2 cooked chicken breasts
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 1 avocado
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup blue cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place chopped romaine on a large platter.
2. Slice chicken, eggs, and avocado.
3. Arrange chicken, eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and cranberries over the lettuce.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients.
5. Drizzle over the salad.
6. Toss immediately before serving.

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19. Autumn Apple and Kale Salad

Crisp apples and hearty kale make this salad ideal for a Thanksgiving buffet.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chopped kale
• 2 apples
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup Parmesan
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Remove kale stems.
2. Chop kale finely.
3. Place kale in a large bowl.
4. Add half the dressing.
5. Massage kale for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add sliced apples, walnuts, cranberries, Parmesan, and pumpkin seeds.
7. Add remaining dressing.
8. Toss thoroughly.

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20. Roasted Beet and Apple Salad

Sweet roasted beets and crisp apples create a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 apples
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Roast beets at 400°F until tender.
2. Cool and peel the beets.
3. Slice into wedges.
4. Place greens on a platter.
5. Add beets and sliced apples.
6. Sprinkle walnuts, goat cheese, and cranberries over the top.
7. Whisk dressing ingredients.
8. Drizzle over the salad.
9. Serve.

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21. Thanksgiving Harvest Salad with Squash, Apples and Cranberries

This colorful harvest salad brings together several classic fall ingredients in one beautiful dish.

Ingredients

• 5 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups roasted butternut squash
• 1 apple
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup red onion

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roast cubed butternut squash until tender and caramelized.
3. Let the squash cool slightly.
4. Place mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
5. Add roasted squash, sliced apple, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and red onion.
6. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
7. Drizzle over the salad.
8. Toss gently.
9. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip

For a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, arrange the ingredients on a large platter instead of tossing them together.

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Tips for Making Fall Salads for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving cooking can be hectic, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Prepare Greens Ahead

Wash and thoroughly dry your greens earlier in the day. Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels.

Roast Vegetables in Advance

Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and cauliflower can be roasted several hours ahead.

Make Dressing Ahead

Most vinaigrettes can be prepared 2–3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Add Nuts at the Last Minute

Keep pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds separate until serving to preserve their crunch.

Don’t Dress Leafy Salads Too Early

Add dressing shortly before serving so the greens stay crisp and fresh.

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Best Fall Salads for Thanksgiving

If you don’t have time to make all 21 recipes, these are some of the best choices:

Best Overall: Apple Cranberry Walnut Fall Salad

Best Make-Ahead: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Best Festive: Pomegranate Spinach Salad

Best Hearty: Wild Rice Harvest Salad

Best Vegetarian: Roasted Butternut Squash Fall Salad

Best Elegant: Pear Pomegranate Salad

Best Crunchy: Thanksgiving Broccoli Crunch Salad

Best Simple: Maple Pecan Spinach Salad

Best Colorful: Roasted Beet and Apple Salad

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Thanksgiving fall salad?

The best Thanksgiving salads combine fresh greens with seasonal ingredients such as apples, pears, cranberries, pomegranate, roasted squash, sweet potatoes, pecans, walnuts, and maple-based dressings.

Can I make these salads ahead of time?

Yes. Most components can be prepared ahead. Keep greens, dressing, fruits, vegetables, and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

What greens are best for fall salads?

Popular choices include:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Arugula
• Romaine
• Spring mix
• Baby kale
• Mixed greens

What fruits go well in Thanksgiving salads?

Apples, pears, oranges, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and grapes are all excellent choices.

What nuts are best for fall salads?

Pecans and walnuts are particularly good because their rich, nutty flavors pair well with fall fruits and maple-based dressings. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are also delicious.

How do I keep apples from browning?

Toss sliced apples with a small amount of lemon juice. This helps slow oxidation and keeps them looking fresh.

What dressing goes best with fall salads?

Apple cider vinaigrette, maple balsamic dressing, honey mustard dressing, and cranberry vinaigrette are all excellent choices for Thanksgiving salads.

Can I make these salads vegetarian?

Yes. Most of these salads are naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use plant-based cheese or omit the cheese.

What Thanksgiving foods pair well with fall salads?

These salads pair beautifully with:

• Roast turkey
• Honey-glazed ham
• Mashed potatoes
• Stuffing
• Sweet potato casserole
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole
• Dinner rolls
• Turkey gravy
• Roasted vegetables

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Final Thoughts

These 21 fall salads perfect for Thanksgiving dinner are an easy way to bring fresh seasonal flavors to your holiday table. From crisp apple and cranberry salads to hearty wild rice and quinoa salads, every recipe offers a delicious contrast to rich Thanksgiving favorites.

For an easy crowd-pleaser, try the Apple Cranberry Walnut Fall Salad. For something elegant, choose Pear Pomegranate Salad. If you need a make-ahead option, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad and Thanksgiving Broccoli Crunch Salad are excellent choices.

With colorful fruits, crunchy nuts, roasted vegetables, and flavorful homemade dressings, these fall salads can make your Thanksgiving dinner feel fresh, festive, and complete.