Amazing 15-Minute Thanksgiving Salad Everyone Loves Recipe
Introduction
This Amazing 15-Minute Thanksgiving Salad is a perfect fresh and flavorful side for your holiday table. Combining crisp greens, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly to ensure they are crisp and fresh.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced apple.
- Step 3: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunchy texture.
- Add roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for extra heartiness.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier tang.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese and choose a vegan balsamic vinaigrette.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh up to 2 days. Toss the salad and drizzle dressing just before serving again to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but toss and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have balsamic vinaigrette?
You can substitute with a simple mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar, or your preferred store-bought vinaigrette for similar flavor.
PrintAmazing 15-Minute Thanksgiving Salad Everyone Loves Recipe
A vibrant and festive Thanksgiving salad combining fresh mixed greens with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, creamy feta cheese, and crisp apple slices, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect as a refreshing starter or side dish for your holiday meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to ensure the salad does not become soggy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced apple with the mixed greens to evenly distribute all components.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate greens or apple slices.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls to enjoy the freshest flavors and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use a variety of mixed greens such as baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for more flavor and texture.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- If you want a sweeter touch, drizzle a little honey mixed into the balsamic vinaigrette.
Keywords: Thanksgiving salad, mixed greens salad, quick salad recipe, festive salad, apple salad, pecan salad, feta cheese salad
