I am so ready to freshen up that holiday spread this year! There is something about a gorgeous, crunchy, colorful salad sitting right next to all those cozy, heavy classics that just makes the whole table feel complete. I rounded up 22 of my favorite Thanksgiving salad recipes, each one bringing those traditional fall flavors into something bright and new. You are going to love these!

1. Persimmon and Arugula Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

Peppery arugula is the perfect partner for sweet persimmons, salty cheese, and those maple glazed pecans. I love that this beauty comes together in just a few minutes, but it tastes like something truly special. That maple mustard vinaigrette brings a lovely tang, and the whole dish is so versatile. You can serve it next to turkey or pot roast and it just works.

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2. Cranberry Jell-O Salad

Sometimes you just need that sweet, jiggly, nostalgic dish on the holiday table, you know? This one has that perfect tart cranberry flavor and looks absolutely stunning in a classic gelatin mold. It adds such a fun party feel to the spread. I love that it can do double duty as a side dish or a simple dessert.

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3. Harissa Carrot & Parsnip Salad with Quinoa, Radicchio & Yogurt Sauce

If you want something a little fancy on the table, this is it. I pack this bowl with radicchio, quinoa, harissa roasted carrots and parsnips, and chopped hazelnuts. It all gets topped with a creamy vegan yogurt sauce, then finished with fresh dill and orange zest. This one is bound to be the showstopper of the night.

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4. Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad

Do you have someone at the table who swears they hate Brussels sprouts? This dish is about to change their mind for good. I shred those little sprouts and toss them with smoky bacon, pecans, and plenty of cheese. It is so savory and satisfying that it might just steal the spotlight from the turkey this year.

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5. Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

This is the kind of elegant dish I want to serve at a fancy brunch or a holiday gathering with friends. The mix of juicy melon, fresh basil, creamy burrata, and salty prosciutto is just so good. I add tomatoes and salted nuts for extra texture, then finish it with a luscious fig and balsamic vinaigrette. It is a total showstopper.

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6. Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

A classic Caesar is always a crowd pleaser, but this version is such an upgrade. Instead of regular croutons, I use roasted delicata squash, and let me tell you, it is a game changer. Toss that with kale, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts for a serious flavor explosion. The traditional Caesar dressing gives it that tangy, irresistible finish we all love.

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7. Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta

I know the green bean casserole is a classic, but this year I am switching things up. This fresh twist on the traditional side is crunchy, healthy, and totally irresistible. Toasted almonds and feta take those green beans to a whole new level. Sorry, Granny, but this one is a keeper.

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8. Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Spicy Pepitas and Cranberries

Soft, sweet, and creamy acorn squash makes the perfect base for some louder, bolder flavors. I love how the spicy pumpkin seeds and tart cranberries play off that subtle sweetness. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and crumbled goat cheese adds such a pop of color and flavor. This salad is anything but boring.

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9. Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Let us be real, the leftovers are the best part, and this salad makes them feel brand new. Day old turkey gets a whole new life with a zesty cranberry vinaigrette. It has all the best flavors of the holiday dinner but in a much lighter, fresher package. This is my favorite way to stretch that turkey into something truly crave worthy.

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10. Thanksgiving Lentil Salad

This is the ultimate fall salad for my vegetarian friends, and honestly, everyone else too. Caramelized butternut squash, toasted pecans, sweet raisins, kale, and red onion all mix into a hearty lentil base. There are a few steps to prep, but you can totally assemble it a day ahead. Just wait to drizzle the Dijon dressing over the top until right before you serve it.

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11. Autumn Apple Kale Salad with Fennel, and Goat Cheese

There is so much going on in this bowl, and I mean that in the best way. Fennel, apples, and cranberries bring the sweetness while chewy kale, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans balance everything out. I toss it all in a mustard and maple dressing that really doubles down on that sweet and savory combo. Every forkful is a little adventure.

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12. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Good luck trying not to snack on this before the guests arrive, because it is that crunchy and creamy. I mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a simple, delicious dressing, then toss in apples and cranberries for a sweet little twist. It is surprisingly healthy and such a great way to get in some extra fruit and veggies. I love this one year round.

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13. Apple Pecan Feta Spinach Salad

If you are craving something light and healthy alongside all the heavy comfort food, this is the one. Tart apple slices tuck right into leafy spinach with cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta for the freshest bite. It works beautifully as an appetizer before the big meal. Honestly, I think it is even better the next day when you want a break from leftover turkey.

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14. Roasted Hasselback Butternut Squash Salad

I am a little obsessed with butternut squash, and this salad is why. It adds such a sweet, hearty bite to the greens, especially when you pair it with creamy goat cheese and maple pecans. The caramelized shallot and Dijon vinaigrette is zesty and bold in the best way. This one is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

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15. Pomegranate Salad with Kale, Wild Rice, and Feta

Those bright little pomegranate seeds look like jewels scattered all through this festive side. I love serving this for Thanksgiving or Christmas because the color is just so cheerful. It is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can easily bulk it up into a satisfying vegetarian main. The wild rice and feta make every bite so delicious.

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16. Toasted Farro with Pear, Hazelnut and Arugula

I love how flexible this hearty salad is. You can serve it warm as a filling vegetarian main or chill it down for a gorgeous side dish. The chewy farro, sweet pear, and toasty hazelnuts mingle with the fresh arugula in the most satisfying way. It is nutty, a little sweet, and just feels so good to eat.

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17. Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is pure autumn on a plate, and I cannot get enough of it. You get the sweet, soft bites of roasted sweet potato playing against crisp Honeycrisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. I love adding creamy goat cheese and juicy chicken to make it feel extra hearty. A good drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette over the top just ties every single flavorful bite together.

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18. Roasted Beets and Carrots Salad with Burrata

This one is simple, light, and just bursting with the prettiest colors. Golden beets and bright orange carrots make it a total feast for the eyes, and the creamy burrata takes it right over the top. It comes together fast, which I love on a busy holiday. This is the perfect fresh way to kick off your feast.

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19. Cranberry Pecan Cucumber Salad

I am always looking for something a little unexpected for the table, and this one is a total winner. Crisp cucumbers, toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese come together in the most mind blowing way. It is fresh, simple, and makes a big impression without a lot of fuss.

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20. Radicchio Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

I love the contrast of bitter radicchio and sweet pears in this fun salad. Sharp cheddar, chewy farro, and nutty pecans make it feel so hearty and satisfying. The most time consuming part is just cooking the farro for a bit, but the rest comes together fast. That maple vinaigrette takes all those flavors to new heights, and you are going to want to make it every single year.

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21. Brussels Sprout Slaw with Cranberries, Cashews, and Apples

Planning a Thanksgiving buffet? This make ahead slaw is a total lifesaver. You do not have to worry about it wilting, because it stays fresh and crunchy while you wait for everyone to arrive. Shredded Brussels sprouts, cashews, cranberries, and apples make the most delicious combination. Everyone is going to devour this one.

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22. Buckwheat, Apple, Cranberry Avocado Salad

The citrus scented vinaigrette on this one is so good I could honestly eat it with a spoon. Fresh lemons, maple syrup, and Dijon come together in the most heavenly way. Drizzled over tender buckwheat, crunchy apple slices, and creamy avocado, it is just pure deliciousness. This salad is nutty, fruity, and completely dreamy.

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