A fresh, vibrant side dish that comes together in no time, this 15-Minute Thanksgiving Harvest Salad is everything you want on your holiday table, crisp apple slices, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta, all tossed with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s festive, fast, and full of fall flavor, perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn meal
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Ready in just 15 minutes – Perfect for when oven space is tight or you’re short on time.
- Festive and flavorful – The blend of sweet, savory, and tangy hits all the right holiday notes.
- Crowd-pleasing and colorful – A gorgeous salad that adds brightness to the Thanksgiving spread.
- Customizable – Use candied or toasted pecans, switch up the cheese, or swap in pears for apples.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best crunch and sweetness.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes to deepen their flavor if you’re not using candied ones.
- Make it ahead – The vinaigrette can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Want to bulk it up? Add grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash for a heartier main dish salad.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead (except the apple and dressing) and assemble just before serving. Slice the apple and toss with dressing right before eating to avoid sogginess or browning.
- What can I substitute for feta?
- Goat cheese or blue cheese work beautifully. For a dairy-free version, try vegan feta or omit the cheese altogether.
- Can I use store-bought dressing?
- Of course! A high-quality balsamic vinaigrette will work in a pinch, but the homemade version takes just 2 minutes and makes a big flavor difference.
15 MINUTE THANKSGIVING HARVEST SALAD
This 15-Minute Thanksgiving Harvest Salad is a fresh, festive side made with mixed greens, crisp apples, cranberries, pecans, and feta, tossed in a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for your holiday table or a simple autumn meal.
Ingredients
Quick Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup balsamic Vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or more to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- mixed greens
- 1 apple
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pecans candied or toasted
- 1 cup feta cheese crumble
Instructions
- Candy the pecansIn a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 1 cup of pecans, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar melts and the pecans are glossy. Remove from heat and spread on parchment to cool.
- Make the quick vinaigretteIn a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. This takes just 1–2 minutes.
- Assemble the saladIn a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens. Add the sliced apple, dried cranberries, pecans, and crumbled feta on top.
- Toss & serveDrizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
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