• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweetphi logo

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Five Ingredient Fridays
    • Reader Recreations
  • About
    • About & Contact
    • Partnerships
  • Cookbooks
  • Life
    • Love Lists
    • Catching up with the Kelnhofers
    • Travel
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

Nov 16, 2020 · 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, please see my privacy policy for details.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This year, I’m definitely using this Thanksgiving salad recipe to enjoy alongside turkey and potatoes!  All of the flavors combine to make a delicious fall salad with candied pepitas and a tasty homemade dressing.

Thanksgiving salad recipeIf you’re looking for the most incredibly delicious fall salad, THIS is the one to make. It’s a salad I’ve been making and eating on repeat.

The thing I love about this salad (I mean I love so many things, but one of my favorites) is that instead of candied pecans, this salad uses candied pepita seeds.  And they are stovetop candied pepitas, so it only takes a few minutes to make.

Toasted pepita seeds

Typically, similar salads feature candied pecans of some sort.  I love eating them in recipes like my spinach salad.  You could absolutely use those, but I prefer pepitas, which are pumpkins seeds!

What ingredients are in this Thanksgiving salad recipe?

  • Pepitas – did you know that these are just pumpkin seeds?  In this recipe, you will candy them on the stovetop and it’s super easy to do!
  • Brown sugar – providing a great base for melting and candying pepitas
  • Cinnamon – a base ingredient in many fantastic fall recipes.  Cinnamon is used in the candied pepitas and the dressing for this salad, it adds a warming spiced flavor
  • Salad greens – I like to use a spring mix, but you could simply use spinach or any greens of your choice.  To make eating easier, tear the greens into smaller pieces before putting in the bowl.
  • Honey – honey is used in the dressing.  And if you’re able, it’s always nice to find and use honey made by a local producer.
  • EVOO – the base of this delicious salad dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar – use apple cider vinegar to add some tartness to your dressing, if you don’t have apple cider vinegar, simply use red wine or white wine vinegar in its place (any vinegar will do.)
  • Dijon mustard – don’t get scared by this!  The dijon mustard helps add a little zip, but doesn’t overtake the flavors.
  • Apple – a tart apple is key for this salad because it balances well with the creamy goat cheese and cranberries. I like to use pink lady variety, but you could use a Granny smith or other tart apple.
  • Dried cranberries – a fall flavor that layers well with tart apples and goat cheese.
  • Goat cheese – goat cheese adds that last touch of extra flavor and provides a creamy texture that balances well with the salad dressing.

Thanksgiving salad recipe

How do you make this simple Thanksgiving salad?

  1. First things first, you’ll want to toast the pepita seeds.  For this, you simply put the following ingredients in a stovetop skillet and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and is bubbling.  Add pumpkin seeds and cook for another 2 minutes.  Spread on parchment paper to cool. Once cooled break up and crumble over salad.
      1. brown sugar
      2. water
      3. cinnamon
  2. Then you’ll want to prepare your homemade dressing.  I talk a bit more about this below.
  3. Now it’s time to assemble the salad.  Before putting your lettuce in a bowl, I rip it into smaller bites.  Cut your apple and combine all ingredients in your favorite salad bowl.  Crumble goat cheese on top, pour dressing and toss.

Thanksgiving salad recipe

What substitutions can you make in this salad?

There is a lot of room to get creative with this salad if one of these flavors isn’t your favorite.

  1. If you don’t have pepitas at home, you can absolutely use pecans, or even walnuts or sunflower seeds.  I would just suggest toasting them or candying them first.  It really helps add some nice texture/crunch to the salad. You could use a combination of nuts/seeds
  2. I used a pink lady apple in this salad, but you can substitute any apples you have on hand.  If you have options, I would do my best to stick to something that is more tart, like granny smith.
  3. You could use dried cherries or raisins in place of dried cranberries
  4. Goat cheese is not everyone’s favorite, although I love it so much!  If it’s not your thing, you can select another crumbly, soft cheese, like feta. 

Thanksgiving salad recipe

If you have never homemade a dressing, don’t fret!  This dressing, and most dressings are so easy to put together.  For the dressing, you need the following ingredients:

  • Honey
  • EVOO
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic clove
  • Salt

All you need to do is put all ingredients in a jar and shake it up!  I absolutely love using Weck jars, but you can also use a simple mason jar for this.  Easy to shake and easy to store.

Thanksgiving Salad recipe

Now onto the cheese!  I know that cheese can get expensive, but I’ve got a tip for you.  One of my absolutely favorite places to get cheese is Aldi.  It is incredibly affordable and just as delicious as many more expensive cheese brands.  If you don’t shop at Aldi, another great source for cheese is Costco!

Thanksgiving salad recipe

Toss everything together in the salad bowl and enjoy this beautiful Thanksgiving salad recipe!

Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

This Thanksgiving salad recipe features all of the flavors of fall and will absolutely be served at my dinner table all season long.
0 from 0 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 side salad

Equipment

  • Salad serving set
  • Salad bowl
  • Large non-stick skillet

Ingredients

Candied Pepitas

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp water
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup honey (4 Tbs.)
  • 3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 garlic clove pressed
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Salad

  • 1 apple finely sliced. Pink Lady or Granny Smith
  • 4 oz. goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 5 oz, package Spring mix about 4 cups. I used a 5oz. package

Instructions

To Toast and Candy Pecans

  • Combine all pepita ingredients, except pumpkin seeds, in a nonstick skillet.
  • Cook over high heat for a minute or two until sugar is dissolved and bubbling.
    Thanksgiving Salad Recip
  • Add in pumpkin seeds and cook for another two minutes, until well-coated. Continue stirring.
  • Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper. Cool and break apart.
    Thanksgiving salad recipe

To Make Dressing

  • Combine all ingredients in a Weck Jar and shake!

To Assemble the Salad

  • Add greens into a salad bowl.
  • Top greens with apple, candied pepitas, goat cheese, dried cranberries and pour dressing over salad. Toss salad, serve and enjoy

Notes

This makes 6-8 side salads or 3-4 larger salads
The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Related Posts

  • Roasted vegetable fried goat cheese salad. A delicious vegetarian salad with fried goat cheese, perfect for a fall and winter salad with roasted root vegetables from @sweepthi
    Roasted Vegetables with Fried Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

    Enjoy this roasted vegetables with fried goat cheese salad recipe during the colder months. The…

  • Spinach salad and dressing recipe, spinach salad with apple pear feta and homemade dressing, spinach salad with homemade dressing
    Spinach Salad & Dressing Recipe

    What's the hardest part of making a good salad? Dressing and figuring out what the…

  • 5-Ingredient-Brussels-sprout-salad
    5 Ingredient Brussels Sprout Salad

    This 5 Ingredient Brussels Sprout Salad is mixed with crispy bacon and a Dijon mustard,…

  • 5 Ingredient Flank Steak Charred Corn Salad

    With all the summertime corn that's coming into season, THIS 5 ingredient flank steak over…

  • 5 ingredient acorn squash burrata hazelnut salad recipe, a delicious vegetarian squash and burrata recipe
    5 Ingredient Squash Burrata Salad Recipe

    Enjoy this 5 ingredient squash and burrata salad for a delicious recipe that perfectly combines roasted…

  • A cool trick for how to dress a salad
    A cool trick for how to dress a salad

    Today I'm going to share with you a cool trick for how to dress a…

  • Arugula salad with chicken and potatoes, sheet pan chicken potato arugula recipe, easy one pot chicken dinner recipe, simple and filling chicken and arugula salad recipe, chicken potato arugula salad with a lemon dressing
    Arugula Salad with Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

    This hearty arugula salad with roasted chicken and potatoes makes for the perfect lunch or…

  • Baked BBQ chicken and avocado salad, easy healthy family dinner
    Baked BBQ Chicken and Avocado Salad

    I love salads, but hate when they end up taking like 20 different ingredients to…

  • Easy cucumber salad recipe, a delicious vegetable side dish
    Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe

    There's nothing better than a simple side salad that comes together in a flash, like…

Blog Posts, Fall Favorites, Holidays, Recipes, salad, Seasonal, Thanksgiving Fall Salad, Thanksgiving salad, Thanksgiving Salad Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Hashtag with us! Be sure to follow/tag @PhiliaKelnhofer and hashtag #sweetphiblog – we love to see what you’re cooking up!”

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dayna says

    November 2, 2020 at 3:24 am

    Made this tonight, delicious!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      November 2, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      So happy you enjoyed this!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Catching up with the Kelnhofers-63 - Sweetphi says:
    October 25, 2020 at 10:12 am

    […] Thanksgiving salad recipe – I’ve already eaten this for lunch this week and will probably keep eating it weekly until Thanksgiving and beyond. So good! […]

    Reply
  2. Freezer Butternut Squash Soup - Sweetphi says:
    October 23, 2020 at 8:05 am

    […] And don’t forget to add it to your Thanksgiving day menu too (it pairs really well with Thanksgiving salad-as pictured above.) I also serve this soup to my kids alongside a grilled cheese and they love […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Sweetphi - Philia Kelnhofer - food blogger head shot image

Welcome to the SweetPhi blog, I’m Phi! I live in Milwaukee, WI. I’m a busy working mom (and cookbook author x2) to boy-girl twins and a toddler.

I am all about helping make mealtime a little easier and sharing inspiration for those with a busy lifestyle!

Learn More

This Month's Most Popular

Related Posts

  • 1 Spinach Salad & Dressing Recipe
  • 2 The Best Easy Burger Seasoning Mix
  • 3 Make Ahead Freezer Meals Quiche Recipe
  • 4 The Nutcracker Cocktail
  • 5 One Pot Sausage and Rice Casserole

Get the exclusive content you crave straight to your inbox.

 

Footer

I can’t get over how much I love my air fryer. 🤩 Do you use one?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I was skeptical at first, but the food is so delicious and quick to make!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This air fryer falafel bowls recipe is so versatile that you can’t go wrong. They work great as a dinner or even an appetizer/snack for a party or a lunch!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/air-fryer-falafel-bowls-recipe/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#airfryerrecipe #airfryerrecipws  #sweetphiblog #lunch #easyrecipe #lunchideas #mealprep #lunchrecipes #recipes #lunchrecipe #falafel #falafelbowls #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #easylunch #healthy #healthyrecipe #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipe #mainmeals #mealideas #mainmeal #mainmealideas #easylunchideas
"WOW! Delicious easy and flavorful pork roast and "WOW! Delicious easy and flavorful pork roast and potatoes recipe" - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SweetPhi Reader Emily 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I love seeing comments like this one on my 5 ingredient crock pot pork roast and potatoes!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I absolutely love making recipes in the slow cooker because of little hands on time and are very set-it-and-forget-it type meals.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you use a slow cooker?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile or 👉🏻https://sweetphi.com/5-ingredient-crock-pot-pork-roast-potatoes-recipe
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#crockpotrecipes #slowcookerrecipes #5starreview #recipereviews #sweetphiblog #dinner #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #recipes #easydinnerideas #crockpotrecipe #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreerecipes #foodblog #recipeoftheday #easydinnerrecipe #mainmeal #mainmealideas #crockpot #slowcooker #pork #porkroast #meatandpotatoes #mainmealrecipes #familydinner #supper #supperideas #5ingredientsorless #5ingredients
Imagine making a soup, spending hours over the sto Imagine making a soup, spending hours over the stove stirring a pot and waiting for flavors to develop…💭

Now forget that!!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This healthy instant pot baked potato soup recipe only take about 30 minutes start to finish, and is SOOOOO good.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/best-healthy-instant-pot-baked-potato-soup-recipe/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#soups #soupandbread #soupseason #instantpotrecipes #pressurecookerrecipe #potato #potatorecipes #easyrecipe #soup #souprecipe #familymeals #pickyeaterapproved #instafood #instayum #dailyfoodpic #whatsfordinner #foodblogeats #sweetphiblog #instantpotrecipe #recipedeveloper #onepotmeal #onepotmeals #soupseason #freezermeals #freezercooking #makeahead #potatosoup
I forgot where I read it, but it was something abo I forgot where I read it, but it was something about 'normalizing normal/slightly ugly/normal kitchens' and that resonated with me. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When we moved into our house, my original thought was "I absolutely love the house, but maybe we'll redo the kitchen in 5 years to be all white" 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Why though? Because everyone else is doing that and it's 'cool'?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After having lived in our house for 6+ months, now the most I have dreams of doing is maybe to redo the laminate countertops that are peeling in some places. Maybe. One day.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But this isn't some before/after post. It's just a post about saying your kitchen/home is fine the way it is, and if you don't have some pinterest board or desire to change your entire kitchen, that's a-ok.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE looking at beautiful kitchens and spaces, so I'll just continue adding pretty images to my weekly love-lists and leaving it there - for looking at pretty things vs. wishing to change my house or feeling bad about my kitchen.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Personally, I love my house. It feels homey and welcoming, and that's the vibe I'm going to keep going with.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Weekly love list on the blog, not kitchen related, but you can read it with a cup of coffee from whatever kitchen you’re in 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/love-list-29/

📷 @cassierosch 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#normalizenormal #kitchens #reallife #reallifeandstyle #home #momlife #workingmom #sweetphiblog #momblogger #allarewelcome #coffeebreak #oakkitchen #oakcabinets
Chicken and quinoa are a favorite combo of mine be Chicken and quinoa are a favorite combo of mine because I can get two servings of protein in one delicious meal; quinoa and chicken. And there’s Greek yogurt in this recipe so more protein!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This 5 ingredient healthy slow cooker buffalo chicken and quinoa is comforting, delicious and healthy all at the same time. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PLUS, it’s great for meal prepping and is an easy crock pot recipe! So many wins in one recipe 🤩
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻https://sweetphi.com/5-ingredient-healthy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-quinoa/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#healthyrecipe #glutenfreerecipe #buffalochicken #sweetphiblog #5ingredients #5ingredientrecipe #easyrecipe #5ingredientmeal #easymealideas #recipes #fiveingredients #5ingredientmeal #buffalochicken #greekyogurt #mealprep #makeaheadmeals #healthy #healthyrecipes #glutenfree #easymeals #easyrecipe #foodblog #instafood #recipedeveloper #quinoa #mealprepideas #mealprep
Buffalo cauliflower nuggets? Do they taste weird? Buffalo cauliflower nuggets? Do they taste weird?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The answer is NO! This is one of the best vegetarian appetizers!  I was blown away by how insanely delicious these cauliflower nuggets are the first time I tried them, and they’ve been a favorite ever since 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You can make them in an air fryer to make them even healthier, but they’re great however you cook them! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Clickable link in profile 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/5-ingredient-buffalo-cauliflower-nuggets/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#cauliflowerwings #airfryerrecipes #healthyeats #foodblogger #foodblogeats #sweetphiblog #workingmom #familymeals #kidapproved #appetizer #vegetarian #vegetarianappetizer #meatless #franksredhot #buffalowings #cauliflower #buffalocauliflower #meatlessmonday #recipedeveloper #pickyeaterapproved #recipe #recipedeveloper #cooking #foodphotohrapher #recipedeveloper
May your Monday be full of smiles. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ May your Monday be full of smiles.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The kids were little dream angels yesterday, but then woken up today cranky  and crying 🤪
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So I’m trying to put myself in the right Monday mindset and start the day and make it a good one. Any tips?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This weeks’ Catching Up With The Kelnhofers is live 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/catching-up-with-the-kelnhofers-74/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#motherhood #reallife #familyphotos #familyof5 #twins #milwaukeemom #boygirltwins #twinmom #twinmomlife #twinsofinstagram #twinstagram #twinmama #lifewithtwins #twinsandatoddler #boymom #girlmom #sweetphiblog  #coffeetalk #coffeedate  #mommyblogger #momblogger  #milwaukeeblogger #twinstyle #workingmom  #lifestyleblogger #workingmomlife #holidays #mondaymood
It’s nice not to have to think about what I’m It’s nice not to have to think about what I’m going to make for dinner a few nights a week. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Meal delivery kit services to the rescue!! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And it’s a fun way to try new things I normally wouldn’t without having a bunch of weird ingredients left over! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Also, it’s also been a great way to learn portion control and some try some healthier options. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’m sharing a roundup of some healthy meal delivery services to try on the blog today 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Healthy meal delivery services 👉🏻 https://sweetphi.com/healthy-meal-delivery-services/
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#easymeals #hookedonhomechef #homechef #mealdelivery #familymeals #sweetphiblog #workingmom #familydinner #salad #healthyeating #salads #healthyeats #mealkitdelivery #mealprepsunday #whatsfordinner #reallife #momlife #mealdelivery #mealsfornewmoms #giftsfornewmoms #dinnertime
  • Recipes
  • Baby
  • Cookbook
  • Five Ingredient Fridays
  • Travel

Copyright © 2021 · SWEET PHI