26 Seasonal Salads for Your Thanksgiving Feast

While preparing a memorable Thanksgiving dinner typically focuses on the main event – turkey, stuffing, sides, and sweet treats – With an abundance of culinary delights spread out before you, the notion of adding a salad to the mix might appear frivolous and uninspiring? A refreshing side dish for your Thanksgiving celebration: consider crafting a stunning salad with a medley of autumnal flavors, featuring seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash and crisp apples.

To provide a delightful contrast to the rich dishes, consider offering a few lighter options that will leave your guests feeling revitalized. While salads may not always be associated with heftiness, they can indeed pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutritional value. Here’s a revised version:

Discover 15 robust salads that can easily stand in as a satisfying main course. Plus, explore our collection of 31 mouthwatering and fulfilling salads that will never fail to impress!

Let’s adjust the dish for optimal visual appeal: Move the seitan roast slightly to the left and reposition the mashed potatoes to create a balanced composition on the plate. To elevate your Thanksgiving celebration, ensure a spacious table to accommodate these mouthwatering, seasonal salads showcased on our website.

Source: Sweet Potato Caesar Salad

While simplicity may define Caesar salad’s essence, it’s precisely this unassuming nature that makes it a timeless classic, effortlessly elevating even the most humble gatherings into a culinary celebration. This autumnal twist on Sweet Potato Caesar Salad, reimagined by chef Florian Nouh, combines the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes with the richness of vegan Parmesan dressing and the satisfying crunch of cheesy breadcrumbs, perfect for a cozy fall gathering. Rich with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, this dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and presentation that surpasses even the most gourmet salads offered at upscale eateries, leaving you utterly satisfied and eager for another bite. Experience the unparalleled satisfaction of doing it yourself and discover why homemade is the new trend that’s here to stay – once you try it, there’s no going back!

Chinese-inspired Cabbage Salad with Pan-seared Tofu and Creamy Spicy Peanut Dressing

For those seeking a salad that harmoniously balances crunchiness, savoury notes, sweetness, and a touch of heat, look no further than Gabrielle St.’s Chinese Cabbage Salad with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Dressing – an unparalleled culinary experience. Claire. This vibrant, colorfully composed dish is effortlessly assembled while packing a punch of flavor. The peanut dressing boasts a sweet-free profile, instead incorporating a zesty kick from the harmonious blend of fresh orange and lime juices.

vegan thanksgiving cookbook

Thanksgiving is uniquely synonymous with warm, comforting home cooking that evokes a sense of cozy nostalgia and togetherness among loved ones.

Discover the secret to a plant-based Thanksgiving with One Green Planet’s Gratitude, an ultimate guide to creating a new family tradition. In our comprehensive cookbook, discover 100 beloved plant-based Thanksgiving recipes that will delight your taste buds. From sweet treats like Soft Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts and Spiced Apple Cake with Cashew Frosting to indulgent desserts such as Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Nut Crumble Topping, you’ll find a variety of options to satisfy any craving. Hearty entrees, including Roast Root Vegetable Stack With Dukkah and Vegducken: Butternut Squash Stuffed With Eggplant, Zucchini, and Mushroom Lentil Stuffing, offer satisfying alternatives to traditional turkey dishes. Plus, don’t miss Seitan Roast With Sausage and Pear Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy – the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal!

What a delightful summer salad! Here’s how you can bring it together:

Toss together 1 pound fresh green beans, 2 cups sliced corn kernels, and 1 medium roasted squash (such as acorn or butternut), all on a large plate.

Next, whisk together in a small bowl 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.

This vibrant Green Bean, Corn, and Squash Salad, elevated by a bright and zesty basil dressing, is an ideal choice for satisfying your cravings for fresh greens during the peak summer squash season. To preserve their vibrant hues and satisfying texture, the green beans and corn receive a brief, gentle blanching in boiling water. With its pungent flavour profile combining garlic, lemon zest, and fresh basil, this vinaigrette has the potential to transform into a tenderising marinade when given sufficient time to infuse into the greens prior to serving. Toasted pine nuts contribute a depth of creamy, rich flavour, as well as a satisfying textural contrast with their added crunch. Utilize the available resources at your disposal or cultivate fresh ingredients from your own backyard to create a unique and flavorful dish.

What’s a flavorful salad to serve at your next gathering? Try roasting radicchio and carrots for a delightful twist on the classic mix.

Discover the uncharted flavors in this innovative Roasted Radicchio and Carrot Salad With Shallot Vinaigrette, courtesy of culinary innovator Sarah Gory. A delectable union of flavours unfolds in this straightforward yet sophisticated salad, where the subtle tang of radicchio harmonizes beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted carrots, all tied together by a zesty shallot-based dressing that adds a burst of freshness to each bite. This stunning centerpiece adds a burst of vibrancy to any tabletop, its freshness radiating a warm welcome to all who gather.

What’s for lunch? Bring on the bold flavors of this Carrot and Celeriac Noodle Salad recipe!

A refreshing twist on traditional noodle salads: This Carrot and Celeriac Noodle Salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures for a quick and nutritious meal. A vibrant medley of flavors and textures unfolds as carrot and celeriac noodles are expertly coated in a zesty blend of Dijon mustard, warm maple syrup, and a squeeze of citrusy lime juice, finished with a satisfying crunch from the toasted pumpkin seeds.

Roasted Purple Cabbage with Creamy Green Goddess Dressing

The humble cabbage receives an unexpected upgrade when paired with a drizzle of dressing, revealing a surprisingly sophisticated taste experience. Roasted purple cabbage takes center stage when paired with the creamy essence of green goddess dressing – a harmonious union achieved by gently roasting cabbage wedges, then elevating them with a zesty blend of tahini and fresh basil, finished with a satisfying crunch from smoky hazelnuts. This vibrant dish boasts a delightful texture and an added bonus: it’s incredibly nutritious.

Zucchini ribbon and caramelized hearts of palm salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Meet the unorthodox yet tantalizing Zucchini Ribbon and Caramelized Hearts of Palm Salad, courtesy of chef Tori Cooper. The dish features a foundation of delicate zucchini ribbons, elevated by a medley of fresh flavors, including sweet corn, juicy blackberries, fragrant herbs, and creamy avocado, with the added depth provided by caramelized hearts of palm. The zesty, citrus-herb dressing would undoubtedly draw attention away from the subtly sweet and refreshing crunch of the hearts of palm. The harmony of flavors in this salad – a masterful blend of pungent basil, savory saltiness, subtle sweetness, and tangy acidity – is truly exceptional.

Source: Kale Falafel Salad Bowl

This vibrant Kale Falafel Salad Bowl by Stephanie McKinnie embodies the essence of comforting cuisine. This rich and savory dish is not only packed with bold flavors but also satisfyingly filling, making it an ideal standalone meal. With its rich harmony of flavors, textures, and nutrients, the salad is elevated to new heights by the creamy, spicy zing of the tahini jalapeño vinaigrette.

Source: Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

This delectable Thai-inspired Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad, courtesy of Tori Cooper, is a symphony of flavors. A colorful medley of fresh vegetables – crisp green cabbage, bold red cabbage, vibrant carrots, sweet bell peppers, and refreshing cucumbers – meets savory indulgence with salted candied cashews, followed by the satisfying crunch of ramen noodles, all harmoniously combined in a spicy red curry sauce. Will you ever gaze upon a salad in the same way again?

What’s your favorite fall salad? This Roasted Beet Salad With Pumpkin Seed Dukkah and Lemon Garlic Dressing is a seasonal masterpiece that combines the sweetness of roasted beets with the nutty, earthy flavors of pumpkin seed dukkah.

The individual components of this Roasted Beet Salad With Pumpkin Seed Dukkah and Lemon Garlic Dressing, crafted by Jodi Kay, are a culinary delight in their own right – but it’s when they’re combined that true gastronomic magic unfolds. Roasted beets infuse a subtle sweetness into the dish, while the quinoa provides a satisfying texture and filling quality; the creamy dressing, meanwhile, pays homage to classic Caesar flavors with its rich, velvety consistency. With its nutty flavor and crunchy texture, the dukkah also serves as a discreet means of incorporating seeds into your daily diet; we recommend preparing an excess quantity to utilize in various salads and sandwiches.

Source: Broccoli Salad

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Buffy-Ellen Gill’s delectable raw Broccoli Salad gets a vibrant boost from its Italian-inspired flavors. Savour the sumptuous combination of sun-kissed sun-dried tomatoes, robust Kalamata olives, pungent red onion, and snappy red bell pepper, harmoniously united by the rich, velvety balsamic glaze. This recipe yields enough to be served over two meals. Consider incorporating chickpeas and diced potatoes to amplify the dish’s substance?

What’s a tasty salad without some crispy bacon? This Tempeh Bacon Salad With Marinated Mushrooms is the perfect combination of savory flavors and textures.

To start, you’ll need to cook your tempeh in a pan with some oil until it’s nice and crispy, then chop it up into little pieces. Meanwhile, marinate some mushrooms in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and thyme for at least 30 minutes to get that deep flavor going on. Then simply combine the two, along with some chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and a vinaigrette dressing of your choice – voila! A salad that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.

For those who crave a dynamic and flavorful salad, Christine DesRoches’ Tempeh Bacon Salad With Marinated Mushrooms is an ideal choice. Here’s a revised text:

Indulge in a medley of flavors featuring crunchy lettuce, crispy tempeh “bacon,” juicy tomatoes, earthy marinated mushrooms, rich creamy cashew sauce, and a tangy kick from sun-dried tomato dressing – a symphony of tastes awaits. This salad boasts a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.

What a delightful springtime salad! This Roasted Radish and Brussels Sprout Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s fresh flavors.

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:
* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
* 2 large radishes, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

While raw radishes can indeed pack a punch of heat, the process of roasting tames their spiciness, allowing their inherent sweetness to shine through. Experience the transformative power of roasted radishes – a game-changer for even the most skeptical of radish haters – with this ingenious recipe from Jenn Sebestyen: Roasted Radish and Brussels Sprout Salad. Savoring the harmonious union of succulent Brussels sprouts, expertly roasted to a satisfying crunch, and infused with the revitalizing essence of lemon zest and the subtle warmth of thyme, this delectable creation embodies the quintessential charm of holiday gatherings.

What a delightful combination!

Once you’ve had a taste of these innovative Wedge Salads With Shiitake Bacon, courtesy of Cruelty Free Family, you may find it challenging to settle for the classic versions again. Munching on these delightful treats is an absolute pleasure. Here’s a revised version:

Savoring the unique fusion of shiitake mushroom “bacon” and creamy cashew-based blue cheese dressing, nestled atop a crispy iceberg lettuce wedge, these bite-sized salad morsels are an unforgettable culinary delight. Savour these bites on their own, or present them as an innovative hors d’oeuvre.

Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad. A delightful fusion of earthy sweet potatoes and nutty cauliflowers, elevated by a medley of herbs and spices, all harmoniously bound together in a zesty dressing?

The Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad from Crazy Vegan Kitchen bursts with vibrant flavor courtesy of its cumin-sumac dressing. A vibrant medley of roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, and fresh spinach is elevated by the addition of juicy pomegranate seeds, while a tangy dressing combining apple cider vinegar, warm sumac, and rich pomegranate molasses brings all the flavors harmoniously together. The inclusion of pomegranate seeds infuses a surprising pop of sweetness, beautifully harmonizing with the rich flavors of the roasted vegetables.

What’s Cooking Good Looking? – Spinach Salad with Barley and Bacon

This spinach salad with barley-bacon blend, courtesy of Zsu Dever, warms the senses with a medley of nutrient-rich components, including earthy Porcini mushrooms, intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, tender zucchini, and sweet leeks, all elevated by a savory, smoky essence. This delectable recipe also features rich, smoky barley bacon as a key component. When cooked, barley exhibits a pleasant chewiness, while a light crispness emerges when prepared with oil, rendering it an excellent substitute for bacon. Experience the delight of a freshly prepared salad by whipping it together.

What a delightful combination! This sweet potato and beet salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Ksenia Prints’ Sweet Potato and Beet Salad defies conventions by reimagining familiar components in a striking new arrangement, resulting in a truly exceptional culinary experience. Tender beets and yams are roasted to perfection, their natural sweetness enhanced by a gentle caramelization. Sliced into thin medallions, they’re stacked high on each other like a vibrant, earthy tower. A delicate sprinkle of peppery watercress adds a pop of freshness, while a drizzle of rich, savory miso dressing ties the dish together with its deep umami flavor. Present this vibrant salad as a sophisticated opening course, and your guests will forever reevaluate their perceptions of sweet potatoes and beets.

Toss together 4 cups of tangy sauerkraut, the crunch of 1/2 cup diced apple, and the sweetness of 1/2 cup caramelized onions to create a refreshing salad that’s perfect for fall?

This sauerkraut salad with apples and onions, courtesy of Bianca the Green Creator, is an effortless creation that makes a compelling addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. A harmonious blend of bold flavours and satisfying textures unfolds as toasted walnuts, shredded carrots, crisp Granny Smith apple segments, and a hint of earthy cumin meld together in perfect culinary synergy.

What’s the perfect blend of healthy, hearty, and utterly delicious? Look no further than this show-stopping Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Salad!

This vibrant Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Salad, courtesy of Aysegul Sanford, is a masterful harmonization of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. Cauliflower is initially coated in a rich and aromatic mixed spice dressing before being roasted to perfection in the oven, yielding a tender and flavorful result. Comprising lentils, succulent Medjool dates, crunchy toasted almonds, and a lush bed of greens, the dish is transformed. This salad, topped with the pungency of red onion and finished with a drizzle of rich, creamy dressing, deftly balances warmth, sweetness, and tanginess in harmony.

Source: Warm Root Vegetable Salad

Get ready to wow your guests with this delightful Warm Root Vegetable Salad from celebrated chef Sonja Trurnit – the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast! The addition of lentils not only contributes a significant source of protein but also infuses the dish with an unmistakable earthy essence. Left slightly tender, these strands retain their firmness, injecting a satisfying crunch into the salad. Sliced avocado contributes a rich, velvety texture that rounds out the dish.

Source: Quinoa Salad

The harmonious union of sweet beets and nutty hazelnuts elevates the flavors in Cathy Elton’s Quinoa Salad to a new level. The resulting salad is a masterpiece of flavour and aesthetics, sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colours and delectable taste.

Roasting sunchoke and apple to perfection elevates this herb salad to new heights.

The sunchoke, alternatively referred to as the Jerusalem artichoke, is a subterranean tuber belonging to the same botanical family as the sunflower, sharing little resemblance with traditional artichokes. Roasted sunchokes unite with sweet apples, warm spices, and fragrant herbs to create a delectable autumnal side dish. The novelty of sunchokes on the plate still adds an air of sophistication. Emma D’Alessandro’s Roasted Sunchoke and Apple Herb Salad offers a refreshing contrast to hearty meals with its subtle elegance.

Source: Roasted Carrot Salad

The roasted sweet carrots and caramel-like red onions harmoniously combine with the satisfying crunch of fresh sweet corn to create a truly phenomenal seasonal vegetable salad. Sweet corn kernels offer a nutritious and cost-effective alternative to dried fruits and nuts in salads, providing a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch. The charred scallion-cilantro pesto, a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, typically pairs well with fresh seafood, but we believe it elevates our beloved Vegan Roasted Carrot Salad recipe by Zoe and Mia Lau to new heights.

Figs’ Velvety Charm: A Cheesy Cashew Cream Stuffed Delight

Turkish-inspired delights await in this mouthwatering Cheesy Cashew Cream Stuffed Fig Salad, crafted by Katharina Boden: a harmonious blend of succulent fresh figs and rich, velvety homemade cashew cream. The creamy texture of cashew cream makes it an excellent stand-in for the rich, velvety sweet Turkish cheese. With a soft texture akin to tofu, yet boasting the coarser consistency of thick grainy cream cheese. Crisp green cucumbers paired with a refreshing lemon dressing harmonize delightfully alongside sweet, succulent stuffed figs.

Source: Vinegret

Traditionally, vinegret consists of beets combined with other root vegetables, vinegar, and pickles. This traditional-inspired take on the classic Russian beet salad offers a trifecta of benefits: affordability, nutritional value, and ease of preparation. This innovative recipe by Annie McGee substitutes vinegar with a burst of fresh lemon juice, introducing a masterful balance of acidity to elevate the overall flavor profile.

Source: Bright Beet Salad

Get ready to revolutionize your salad game: Dana Sandonato’s creation is a game-changer that will leave the ordinary behind. Ruby-red beets, finely shredded, mingle with a zesty citrus vinaigrette, complemented by the velvety richness of avocado, the sweetness of carrots, the earthy crunch of edamame, the nutty texture of quinoa, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. The vibrant Bright Beet Salad is elevated by a zesty, citrusy dressing that will undoubtedly leave you mesmerized.

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