Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. One dish that I absolutely love to bring to the table is my vibrant *thanksgiving salad*. Trust me, it’s a game changer! This salad not only adds a splash of color to your spread, but it’s also packed with flavors that perfectly complement all those hearty dishes. The roasted butternut squash, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts create a delightful mix of textures and tastes that everyone will adore. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little extra freshness among the mashed potatoes and turkey, right? So, let’s dive into how to make this beautiful salad that’ll brighten up your Thanksgiving feast!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mixed greens (I love using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a fresh base)
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed (you can roast it yourself or buy it pre-roasted for convenience!)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (these add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory flavors)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (feel free to toast them lightly for an extra crunch!)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the salty creaminess of feta is just perfection in this salad)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (this gives a nice bite, but you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought is fine, but homemade is always delicious if you have the time!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting our butternut squash to caramelized perfection. While it warms up, you can start prepping your squash!
Roast the Butternut Squash
Now, grab your cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. You want to coat it nicely. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it; you want it tender and slightly golden!
Combine the Salad Ingredients
Once your squash is out and cooled a bit, it’s time to make the salad! In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, and sliced red onion. You can mix and match the ingredients based on your liking, but this combo is just divine!
Dress and Serve
Finally, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. You want to coat all those delicious ingredients without crushing anything. Serve this beauty immediately, and watch it disappear from your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare—perfect for those busy holiday kitchens!
- Bright, fresh flavors that balance out heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
- Packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for everyone.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite fruits or nuts!
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’ll be a showstopper on your table.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making for a great next-day lunch.
Nutritional Information
This *thanksgiving salad* is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a nutritious addition to your holiday meal! Each serving is approximately 250 calories, with 15g of fat (including 3g of saturated fat), 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 5g of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they still give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness packed into this salad!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving salad* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be afraid to customize the ingredients—if you love apples or pears, toss in some slices for extra sweetness! You can also swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds if that’s more your style. If you want a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas make fantastic additions.
Timing is key! Make sure to let the roasted butternut squash cool slightly before adding it to the greens, as hot ingredients can wilt the salad. And remember, if you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. This salad is best enjoyed right after it’s tossed, so gather your guests around and dig in together!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up this *thanksgiving salad*! For a fruity twist, try adding sliced apples or pears for a bit of crunch and sweetness. If you’re a fan of nuts, swap the walnuts for pecans or even add pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch. Want to boost the protein? Grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas make fantastic additions! And if you’re looking for a flavor punch, toss in some pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tartness. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *thanksgiving salad* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve added dressing, it’s best to keep it separate to avoid sogginess. If you need to reheat any roasted butternut squash, simply pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. Enjoy the flavors while they’re still vibrant!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Fresh Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A fresh and vibrant salad perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Składniki
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, cranberries, walnuts, feta, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Uwagi
- Adjust ingredients based on personal preference.
- Can add grilled chicken for protein.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Roasting and Tossing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving salad, holiday salad, fall salad
