Fresh + Festive: 6 Must-Make Thanksgiving Salads 🍁🥗


Hey there friends,

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about that table full of cozy dishes. But let’s be honest—between the stuffing, the gravy, and the pies, our plates could use a little fresh, colourful balance, right?

So this week, I rounded up six of my favourite Thanksgiving-ready salads from the blog. They’re bright, seasonal, super easy to pull together, and… major bonus… they hold up really well on a crowded holiday table. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these are total crowd-pleasers.

🥗 1. Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberries

This one tastes like pure fall in a bowl. Toasty farro, sweet roasted squash, tart cranberries—every bite is cozy and satisfying.
Check it out → https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/farro-salad-with-butternut-squash/

🥦 2. Healthy Broccoli Salad (No Mayo!)

A lighter take on the classic! This crisp, colourful broccoli salad swaps out the heavy dressing for something bright and refreshing. Perfect for balancing a richer holiday menu.
Recipe here → https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/healthy-broccoli-salad-without-mayo/

🍂 3. Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Think roasted veggies, pasta, and the best fall flavours all tossed together. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but still fits right in with your Thanksgiving spread.
Grab the recipe → https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/autumn-pasta-salad/

🥬 4. Chopped Kale Salad with Creamy Dressing

This salad is simple, vibrant, and keeps its crunch for hours (aka great for prepping ahead!). The creamy dressing ties everything together so nicely.
Make it here → https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/easy-chopped-kale-salad/

🥕 5. Thanksgiving Salad with Butternut Squash and Lentils

Loaded with lentils, roasted squash, apples, and all the fall goodness—it’s nutrient-dense, pretty on the table, and seriously delicious.
Full recipe → https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/thanksgiving-salad-with-butternut-squash-and-lentils/

🍎 6. Apple and Wild Rice Salad

This one has a lovely mix of sweet apples, nutty wild rice, and crunchy veggies. It’s one of those salads that disappears fast at potlucks!
Check it out → https://www.salads4lunch.com/salads-and-salad-dressings/apple-and-wild-rice-salad/

P.S. — Looking for a fun and festive way to serve appetizers or light bites? Check out this cute Thanksgiving turkey-shaped charcuterie board! It’s not only adorable, but also super practical — you can fill it with cheese, nuts, fruit, crackers, or even some of those salad ingredients. It makes a whimsical centerpiece for your table and doubles as a tasty appetizer station.

I hope these bring something fresh and festive to your Thanksgiving table this year. If you end up making one (or more!), tag me on Instagram or leave a comment—I’d love to hear which one made the cut!

Wishing you a delicious and joyful holiday season!

Happy soup making,
Janice
salads4lunch.com

P.S. Don't forget, the passcode is romainecalm (all lowercase). If you make the Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder, be sure to tag me on Instagram—it's one of my personal favorites!

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SALADS FOR LUNCH

Each month, I send out a guide of tasty and nutritious soups and salads that use the fruits and vegetables that are the freshest in the upcoming month, plus actionable tips on how to live active and enjoy life. Join 4,000+ subscribers at the link below and get access to my FREEBIE LIBRARY that includes: 5 FREE digital cookbooks, FREE digital Meal Planning, Grocery List and Planning Pages to help you organize your life, and FREE Phone Backgrounds to inspire you to eat healthy and fresh.

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