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    Home » Recipes » Salad » Fall Salad

    Thanksgiving Salad

    Published: Nov 13, 2022 · Modified: Nov 23, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    This Thanksgiving Salad looks impressive but is easy to make and doesn't require any cooking. It's full of simple, seasonal fall ingredients that even picky eaters will want on their plate.

    Thanksgiving salad with apples and pears.

    This Thanksgiving Salad recipe is ready in only 10 minutes and can be make the morning of the big day (see instructions below). It doesn't require your oven or any cooking, and uses ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

    It's also made with simple ingredients that will appeal to the whole family, even if you have a few pick eaters at your table.

    This recipe is versatile — you can add or subtract ingredients easily — and is a recipe that's meant become part of your family's own Thanksgiving traditions.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.

    • Spring mix lettuce (or spinach, arugula)
    • Apple
    • Pear
    • Dried cranberries
    • Pecans
    • Feta
    • Pomegranate seeds
    • For the dressing: olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard

    Instructions

    Here's how to make this recipe in 3 simple steps:

    1. Make the dressing: in a small bowl, stir or whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    2. Mix the salad: add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle as much of the dressing as preferred on top and toss to mix.
    3. Serve: serve immediately. If you need to make this salad ahead of time: wait to add the apple, pear (because they will brown), and the dressing until just before serving.
    Thanksgiving salad with pomegranate seeds.

    Substitutions

    Here's some of the most popular substitutions and additions for this recipe:

    • Lettuce: instead of a spring mix, you could use arugula or spinach.
    • Pear: I've used Bartlett pears, but any variety will work.
    • Pecans: swap these for walnuts, almonds or candied nuts if you prefer.
    • Feta: a wide range of cheeses would be tasty in this recipe. For example, parmesan, romano, goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola.
    • Dressing: this recipe uses a simple, homemade apple cider vinaigrette. You could swap this out for any store-bought similar dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette.

    About The Dressing

    The dressing for this recipe is an easy 5-ingredient apple cider vinaigrette. It's the perfect complement to the fall-inspired flavors in this recipe.

    Other dressings that would be tasty include: balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or apple vinaigrette.

    Thanksgiving salad in white bowl.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, here's how: assemble the salad except for the apples and pears and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix the dressing and store it separately.
    Just before serving the salad, slice the apples, pears, and toss the salad in the dressing. You could do this up to several hours before serving it (not overnight).

    How many servings does this recipe make?

    This recipe makes about 6 servings as a side salad. If you need to make it for a larger crowd, it would be easy to double the recipe.

    Similar Recipes

    For more Thankgiving salad recipes, check out these favorites:

    • Apple Brie Salad
    • Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
    • Or you can browse all of our fall salad recipes here: Fall Salad Recipes.
    Thanksgiving salad with apple vinaigrette.

    If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & rating at the bottom of this page!

    Print
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    Thanksgiving salad with apples and pears.

    Thanksgiving Salad Recipe


    • Author: Megan
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This Thanksgiving Salad looks impressive but is easy to make and doesn't require any cooking. It's full of simple, seasonal fall ingredients that even picky eaters will want on their plate.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 6 cups spring mix lettuce (or spinach, arugula)
    • 1 red apple, thinly sliced
    • 1 pear, thinly sliced
    • ½ cup dried cranberries
    • ½ cup chopped pecans
    • ½ cup crumbled feta
    • ½ cup pomegranate seeds

    Apple cider dressing:

    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    1. Make the dressing: in a small bowl, stir or whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    2. Mix the salad: add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle as much of the dressing as preferred on top and toss to mix.
    3. Serve: serve immediately.
    4. If you need to make this salad ahead of time: wait to add the apple, pear (because they will brown), and the dressing until just before serving.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: thanksgiving, salad, apples, pears, fall, autumn, harvest, apple cider, dressing, green, leaf, arugula, holiday, big, large, cranberries, pecans

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @her.wholesome.kitchen — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    More Fall Salads

    • Farro Salad
    • Sweet Kale Salad
    • Leftover Turkey Salad
    • Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Megan

      November 23, 2022 at 5:23 am

      You can leave the pomegranate seeds out and it will still be delicious! Or substitute with 1 cup of blueberries or 1 cup of clementine slices 🙂

      Reply
    2. Megan

      November 23, 2022 at 5:24 am

      Thank you, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
    3. Pam

      December 31, 2022 at 10:35 am

      How long can the dressing be stored? I made this salad for Christmas and have plenty of dressing left. I want to make it for New Year’s Day, so one week of dressing being stored in the refrigerator.

      Reply
      • Megan

        January 01, 2023 at 5:11 am

        It will still be good! 🙂 The dressing lasts up to a month stored in the fridge (in an airtight container). Hope you enjoy & thanks for trying the recipe!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Megan! I'm a health coach & I love to create salad recipes that are simple and delicious.

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