Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and celebrating the flavors of the season, and that’s why I absolutely adore this *thanksgiving salad*. It’s like a burst of fall on your plate! With the creamy butternut squash, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. I remember the first time I made this salad for my family—everyone couldn’t stop raving about how fresh and vibrant it was! Now, it’s become a staple at our Thanksgiving table, and I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s a family favorite!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this beautiful *thanksgiving salad*. Trust me, each ingredient brings its own delightful flavor to the mix!
- 4 cups mixed greens (I love a combination of arugula and spinach for a peppery kick!)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed (the sweetness is just perfect)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (for that lovely tartness)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted (they add a nice crunch – yum!)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (creamy and salty, oh yes!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for a bit of zing)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (the dressing ties it all together beautifully)
Feel free to get creative with your greens or toppings, but I promise this combination is a winner!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this *thanksgiving salad* is super simple and so rewarding! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dish ready in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for getting that butternut squash perfectly roasted!
- Next, take your cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Make sure each piece is coated well—it’ll make a world of difference!
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop it in the oven. Roast for about 25 minutes or until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. Trust me, the smell will be heavenly!
- While that’s roasting, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in your mixed greens, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and sliced red onion. It’s already looking gorgeous, right?
- Once the squash is done, let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the bowl. This keeps everything crispy and fresh!
- Finally, drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette on top and toss everything together gently. You want to coat all those beautiful ingredients without mashing them. And voila! Your *thanksgiving salad* is ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This salad comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s a guilt-free side that everyone will enjoy.
- Festive colors: The vibrant hues of butternut squash, cranberries, and mixed greens make this salad a showstopper on your Thanksgiving table.
- Nutrient-dense: With healthy fats from the pecans and protein from the feta, it’s a satisfying dish that keeps you fueled.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it adaptable for any crowd!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *thanksgiving salad* turns out perfectly every time!
- Roast the squash ahead of time: You can roast the butternut squash a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just toss it in when you’re ready to serve!
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your greens and produce, the better the salad will taste. Organic options can really elevate the flavors!
- Customize your nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, try walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch!
- Don’t overdress: Start with a little balsamic vinaigrette and add more if needed. You want to enhance the flavors, not drown them!
- Let it chill: If you have time, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to shake up this *thanksgiving salad*! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Nut swaps: Try using walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Herb infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a lovely aromatic twist—just sprinkle some in for an extra layer of flavor!
- Dress it up: Instead of balsamic vinaigrette, use a honey mustard dressing or a citrus vinaigrette for a bright and zesty finish.
- Fruit additions: Sliced apples or pears can bring a refreshing sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Grain boost: Add some quinoa or farro for a heartier salad that can stand on its own as a meal!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match—this salad is all about celebrating the flavors you love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delightful *thanksgiving salad*, storing them properly is key to keeping it fresh! Just place the salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for about 2-3 days. However, I recommend adding the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to maintain that crispness!
As for the roasted butternut squash, if you’d like to reheat it, simply spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back its wonderful texture and flavor. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This *thanksgiving salad* is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Keep in mind these values are based on standard ingredient measurements and may vary slightly based on your choices. Enjoy this healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can skip the feta altogether or use a vegan cheese alternative. It’ll still be delicious!
What can I use instead of butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes or acorn squash work wonderfully if you want to switch things up. Just roast them the same way!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the greens fresh.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure any packaged ingredients you use, like the nuts or dressing, are certified gluten-free.
What’s a good protein addition?
If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas would be fantastic options. They’ll keep the salad hearty and satisfying!
Thanksgiving Salad: 5 Reasons to Celebrate Every Bite
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A fresh and healthy salad perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Zutaten
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cranberries, pecans, feta, and red onion.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Make it vegan by omitting feta cheese.
- Can be made ahead of time; add dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Salad
- Methode: Roasting and Tossing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving salad, healthy salad, fall salad, festive salad
