Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by recipeinspire

10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad: A Quick & Healthy Side Dish!

As Thanksgiving approaches, are you dreading the hours spent in the kitchen surrounded by pots and pans? What if I told you that you could create a fresh, vibrant, and delicious side dish in just 10 minutes? If you’re craving a speedy yet delicious side dish, look no further than our 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad. Not only will it impress your guests, but you’ll also tick the boxes for healthy, flavorful greens. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Substitution Suggestions:

• Swap feta with goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
• Use any nuts of your choice, such as almonds or sunflower seeds.
• Try adding fruits, like apples or pomegranate seeds, for a sweet twist!

Timing

You can prepare this delightful salad in just 10 minutes. This is approximately 50% faster than many traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, which can take up to 20-30 minutes to prep! In just one bowl, you can create a colorful representation of Thanksgiving that packs flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Wash Your Greens
Begin by thoroughly washing the mixed greens. A salad spinner works wonders to ensure they are nice and dry.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, add the washed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion. The vibrant colors will start to create a stunning visual!

Step 3: Add Feta and Nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts over the salad. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over your salad. You can either mix it in the bowl or serve it on the side for guests to add as they like.

Step 5: Toss & Serve
Lightly toss the salad to combine all ingredients without bruising the greens. Voila! Your 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad is ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

This 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad is not only fast but also nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving (without dressing)
• Protein: 5g (with feta)
• Healthy Fats: 10g (from nuts)
• Vitamins: A, C, K from greens and vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For those looking for alternatives, consider:

• Low-Calorie Dressing: Swap balsamic vinaigrette for a homemade lemon vinaigrette.
• Leafy Greens: Kale or swiss chard provides a different flavor profile along with additional nutrients.
• Vegan Version: Omit the cheese and use avocado for creaminess!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your salad experience:

• Serve individual portions in mason jars for a trendy presentation.
• Pair with grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an aromatic finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdressing the Salad: Keep it light! Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
2. Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, vibrant ingredients make a world of difference.
3. Chopping Vegetables Unevenly: Aim for uniform sizes for a more visually appealing dish and better texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store your salad in an airtight container. Here are some storage tips:

• Separate Dressing: Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Prepping Ahead: Chop your ingredients the day before and store them in separate containers for easy assembly.

10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad

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• Author: Recipe Inspire
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick, fresh, and festive salad perfect for Thanksgiving! Apples, cranberries, pecans, and a tangy dressing make this salad ready in just 10 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced or diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine mixed greens, apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, cheese (if using), and red onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh and festive 10-minute salad.

Notes

For added crunch, sprinkle pumpkin seeds. Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately to keep salad crisp.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salads
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: 10-minute salad, thanksgiving salad, quick salad, autumn salad, apple pecan salad

Conclusion

In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a healthy and delicious side dish that will make your Thanksgiving table shine. Don’t miss out on impressing your loved ones with this easy-to-follow 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad. Try it today and elevate your holiday feast effortlessly!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad in advance?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate!

Q: What can I use instead of balsamic vinaigrette?
A: A simple lemon-olive oil dressing would work beautifully, or try a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes! All ingredients in this 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad are gluten-free.

Have you tried our 10-Minute Thanksgiving Salad yet? We’d love your feedback or any variations you find delicious! Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more related recipes on our site!