Description
Thanksgiving Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side dish that balances the richness of traditional holiday fare with crisp greens, roasted vegetables, tart fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast cubed butternut squash or sweet potatoes on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 25 minutes or until golden and tender. Let cool slightly.
- In a large serving bowl, add mixed greens as the base.
- Top with roasted vegetables, apple or pear slices, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, red onion, crumbled cheese, and candied nuts.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Notes
Use lemon juice on sliced apples or pears to prevent browning.Prepare all components a day ahead and assemble just before serving.Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor.Store dressing separately to keep salad fresh.Add quinoa or wild rice to make it more filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg