This Thanksgiving Salad combines roasted butternut squash, candied nuts, feta, and dried cranberries, all finished with a simple dressing.
author’s note
The Holiday Salad That Steals the Show!
Every Thanksgiving, I try to balance all the rich comfort food on the table with at least one fresh, vibrant dish. A few years ago, I started experimenting with salads that could stand up to all the classics like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, and not feel like an afterthought. This Thanksgiving Salad is the winner. The first year I made it, my family piled it on their plates just as high as the mashed potatoes (which never happens with a salad at Thanksgiving). Now it’s requested every year.
I love that it feels festive with the colors of roasted squash, deep red cranberries, and sparkling candied pecans, but it’s still simple enough that I can pull it together while the turkey rests.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Thanksgiving Salad:
- Butternut Squash: Peel and cut into even pieces for easy roasting. Pre-cut squash saves time.
- Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash and adds a great flavor.
- Spinach & Greens: Use a mix of greens for more variety.
- Candied Pecans: Or swap with candied almonds or walnuts.
- Dried Cranberries: Or try dried cherries or raisins instead.
- Feta: Gives a tangy, creamy bite. Goat cheese works well too.
- Balsamic Dressing: I’ve dedicated a whole post to this dressing—it’s that good!
How To Make Thanksgiving Salad
- Roast Squash: Toss squash with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Make Dressing: Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake well.
- Assemble: Combine greens, squash, pecans, cranberries, and feta.
- Dress: Toss with dressing and serve.
Storage
Storage And Make Ahead
- Enjoy Right Away: Eat the Thanksgiving Salad right after adding the dressing.
- Prep Ahead: The squash and dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead and kept in the fridge.
- Mix Dressing: If the dressing separates, let it sit for 15 minutes at room temp, then shake to mix.
More Delicious Holiday Salads:
Thanksgiving Salad
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15" x 21")
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced butternut squash see note 1
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach and mixed greens
- 1/3 cup honey-roasted pecan pieces see note 2
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries or dried cherries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 batch balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel squash and chop it into 1/2-inch pieces. Place on a large sheet pan and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the squash in an even, spaced-out layer on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and stir. Return to oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes or until crisp tender. Set aside and allow to cool before adding to salad.
- Click the link in the ingredient list and follow the instructions to make the balsamic dressing.
- Add greens to a large bowl. Add roasted (and cooled) squash, pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese.
- This salad is best served immediately after it’s dressed, so wait to add dressing until you’re ready to serve. Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Add additional dressing to taste, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serve this salad alongside these dishes for a perfect holiday menu:
- Crockpot Turkey Breast: A classic pairing for a holiday meal. Don’t forget the Cranberry Sauce!
- Au Gratin Potatoes: Rich and cozy next to the fresh salad.
- Thanksgiving Dressing: The perfect hearty side for your holiday meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and buttery, the perfect way to finish the plate.
- Veggies: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Loved it! A hit today at Thanksgiving!
So happy to hear that! Thanks Corrina 🙂
This salad looks delicious! I just got all of the ingredients and will bring this to my brothers Thanksgiving tomorrow. I’m sure it will be a huge hit and they will be surprised that I made it. Lol
Haha!! I hope its a huge hit 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!!
thanks for this i will try it
Soo excited to hear what you think! 🙂