How can a salad steal the show on Thanksgiving Day?

With the right ingredients, colors, and crunch, even a simple side dish can bring balance to a rich holiday meal.

While the turkey may be the star, a fresh, vibrant salad can add brightness and a welcome contrast to the table.

This collection of easy Thanksgiving salads offers a variety of flavors, textures, and seasonal produce.

Think crisp apples, roasted sweet potatoes, creamy goat cheese, hearty grains, and zesty vinaigrettes – all crafted to complement traditional dishes.

Each recipe in this list is simple to prepare but full of flavor, making it perfect for busy holiday cooks.

From the classic broccoli salad to fruity favorites like pear and strawberry spinach, and creative twists like farro or roasted cauliflower salads, there’s something here for every palate.

Some can even use leftovers, like the turkey salad, or double as vegetarian mains.

Need something crunchy, sweet, savory, or light?

These 36 salad recipes cover it all, without taking hours to make.

Keep reading and discover which fresh creation will earn a spot on your Thanksgiving menu this year.

26 Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

1. Thanksgiving Green Salad

Thanksgiving Green Salad

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2. Easy and Festive Thanksgiving Salad

Easy and Festive Thanksgiving Salad

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3. Thanksgiving Green Salad (Crowd-Pleaser!)

Thanksgiving Green Salad (Crowd-Pleaser!)

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4. Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Salad

Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Salad

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5. Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

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6. Thanksgiving Salad

Thanksgiving Salad

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7. The Perfect Thanksgiving Salad (15 Minutes!)

The Perfect Thanksgiving Salad (15 Minutes!)

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8. Apple Gorgonzola Salad

Apple Gorgonzola Salad

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9. Thanksgiving Salad With Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Salad With Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette

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10. Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas

Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas

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11. Thanksgiving Salad With a Simple Dressing

Thanksgiving Salad With a Simple Dressing

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12. Thanksgiving Chopped Salad

Thanksgiving Chopped Salad

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13. Salad with Brie, Apple, and Shallot Vinaigrette

Salad with Brie, Apple and Shallot Vinaigrette

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14. Thanksgiving Salad Recipe With Cranberries

Thanksgiving Salad Recipe With Cranberries

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15. Best Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Best Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

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16. Simple and Healthy Roasted Vegetable Thanksgiving Salad

Simple and Healthy Roasted Vegetable Thanksgiving Salad

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17. Leftover Turkey Salad

Leftover Turkey Salad

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18. Pea Salad

Pea Salad

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19. Delicious Thanksgiving Salad

Delicious Thanksgiving Salad

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20. Arugula Burrata Salad With Prosciutto

Arugula Burrata Salad with Prosciutto

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21. Adorable Thanksgiving Salad With Butternut Squash “Turkey”

Adorable Thanksgiving Salad With Butternut Squash "Turkey"

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22. Thanksgiving Salad With Wild Rice and Lemon Dressing

Thanksgiving Salad With Wild Rice and Lemon Dressing

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23. Thanksgiving Salad With Thyme Balsamic Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Salad With Thyme Balsamic Vinaigrette

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24. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

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25. Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Cranberry Cinnamon Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Cranberry Cinnamon Vinaigrette

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26. The BEST Thanksgiving Fruit Salad – Easy & Delicious!

The BEST Thanksgiving Fruit Salad - Easy & Delicious!

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