Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This simple green salad has the added perk of going with pretty much anything. The lemony tahini dressing is creamy and pairs with all the greens you like from arugula and spinach to kale and Swiss chard to suit your preferences.
Per serving: 412 cal, 19.4 g fat (2.6 g saturated), 17.9 g protein, 120.5 mg sodium, 47.7 g carbs, 12.5 g fiber
Cranberry Pecan Apple Salad
It’s like apple and pecan pie—without the crust. This salad features a mix of dried cranberries, lemony apples, and honeyed pecans to add a bold sweetness to this saccharine yet savory dish.
Per serving: 257 cal, 18 g fat (3 g saturated), 4 g protein, 95 mg sodium, 23 g carbs, 4 g fiber
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Keto Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta Noodle Salad
For the keto and paleo dieters at your dinner table, look no further than this low-carb zucchini noodle salad with a homemade keto ranch dressing. Feta and olives lend a tangy flavor.
Per serving: 167 cal, 15 g fat, 15 g protein, 3 g carbs
Hot Strawberry Spinach Salad
Okay, this may seem like a weird combo, but trust us: You’ll never go back to regular salads again once you’ve tried this hot strawberry salad.
A bit of bacon adds saltiness, but the strawberries and honey balance it out nicely, creating an amalgamation of flavors in your mouth.
Per serving: 225 cal, 18 g fat (4 g saturated), 5 g protein, 218 mg sodium, 11 g carbs, 1 g fiber
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Warm Quinoa Roasted Veggie Salad
Try adding your favorite roasted veggies to steamed quinoa for a hearty, soothing salad that’s drizzled with a tart vinaigrette. The dressing plays on the vegetables’ caramelization to add a touch of sweetness.
Per serving: 452 cal, 23.3 g fat, 12.5 g protein, 383 mg sodium, 51.6 g carbs, 6.7 g fiber
Farro Salad With Roasted Cauliflower and Romesco Sauce
The romesco sauce that accompanies this salad is anything but typical—think tangy, salty, and totally unique. Roasted cauliflower and farro lend to the comforting feel of this dish, all while packing in some serious vitamins and fiber for a filling Thanksgiving option.
Per serving: 390 cal, 21 g fat (3 g saturated), 11 g protein, 592 mg sodium, 45 g carbs, 10 g fiber
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Mexican Rice Salad
In this salad, herbs and fresh vegetables combine with rice for a filling Thanksgiving side. The fresh jalapeño and cilantro are incredibly refreshing. If your crew tends to graze during Thanksgiving, this salad can also be eaten cold.
Per serving: 180 cal, 12 g fat (2 g saturated), 2 g protein, 876 mg sodium, 17 g carbs, 3 g fiber
Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad With Peanut Ginger Sauce
Dressed in a divine, finger-licking gingery peanut sauce, this protein-packed salad boasts crunchy cabbage and bell peppers, along with fiber-packed quinoa for a super-filling Thanksgiving salad.
Per serving: 193 cal, 9.2 g fat, 8.2 g protein, 312 mg sodium, 21.7 g carbs
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Red Cabbage Salad With Crispy Spring Onions and Potato Sticks
This colorful salad gets bite from crispy spring onions and sweet potato, and flavor from five spice powder and sesame oil. It’s bound to add a pop to your Thanksgiving table.
Per serving: 130 cal, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 4 g protein, 192 mg sodium, 19 g carbs, 4 g fiber
Farmer’s Market Pasta Salad
Pasta makes this dish feel substantial. Black beans, zucchini, tomatoes, and arugula give this cool salad a summery twist, even in the fall.
Per serving: 268 cal, 5.6 g fat (0.8 g saturated), 10.8 g protein, 120.9 mg sodium, 47.3 g carbs, 9.2 g fiber
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Tempeh Kale Salad
Crispy tempeh lends a crunch to this surprisingly comforting salad, which adds tahini for a satisfying flavor. Dinosaur kale brings a whole extra dose of superfood bennies.
Per serving: 428 cal, 23 g fat (2 g saturated), 28 g protein, 579 mg sodium, 33 g carbs, 10 g fiber
The Easiest Chopped Greek Chickpea Salad
If you’re short on time this Thanksgiving, you’re in luck. This easy spin on a Greek salad takes less than 20 minutes to make, and is full of breezy Mediterranean flavors. Picture yourself on a beach (instead of freezing) and dig in.
Per serving: 279 cal, 12.3 g fat, 12.5 g protein, 33.5 g carbs, 4 g fiber
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Kale Salad With Apple Cider Dressing
Apple cider vinegar is a probiotic powerhouse. And you can sneak it into your turkey day feast. Incorporate it into this dressing that’s also mixed with honey, mustard, and fresh ginger. Throw the dressing onto this simple kale salad and you’re good to go.
Per serving: 314 cal, 23 g fat (3 g saturated), 6 g protein, 115 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 8 g fiber
Creamy Leeks With Butter Beans
Would you believe this deliciously creamy dish is vegan?! Yeah, we’re shocked too. Soaked raw cashews are the secret to this side dish, which also uses white wine vinegar for a kick.
Per serving: 234 cal, 12 g fat (2 g saturated), 8 g protein, 130 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 5 g fiber
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Marinated Tofu, Avocado, and Spinach Salad
Mix in some protein with your greens in this tofu, avocado, and spinach salad. It’s got some spicy Asian flavors and a whole 15 grams of plant-based protein.
Per serving: 379 cal, 27 g fat (3.6 g saturated), 14.9 g protein, 832.4 mg sodium, 21.8 g carbs, 6.5 g fiber
Healthy Broccoli Salad
Tangy, yet sweet, with dried cranberries and a salty balsamic dressing, this salad provides loads of nutrition for less than 200 calories. Sunflower seeds keep you satiated and add some crunch too.
Per serving: 174 cal, 12 g fat, 5 g protein, 216 mg sodium, 11 g carbs, 3 g fiber
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Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Spinach Salad
A surprise sprinkle of pumpkin spice powder makes this sweet and savory salad feel extra Thanksgiving-like. Cheese and pomegranate seeds combine for a fun twist, while the spinach and cauliflower add a hefty dose of fiber.
Per serving: 270 cal, 13 g fat (3 g saturated), 13 g protein, 435 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 13 g fiber
Fiber-Packed Asparagus Salad
A natural diuretic, asparagus is great for the bloat. Add hummus and feta, and you have a bunch of healthy fat that’ll keep your tummy feeling good and your appetite satisfied. Talk about a win-win.
Per serving: 314 cal, 18 g fat, 10 g protein, 919 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, 8 g fiber
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Healthy Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Who says pumpkin is just for pies? Toasted hazelnuts, avocado, and pomegranate (in addition to the roasted pumpkin) make this salad a yummy and colorful rainbow of a dish.
Per serving: 380 cal, 25 g fat (3 g saturated), 10 g protein, 233 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, 14 g fiber
Masala Lentil Salad With Cumin Roast Carrots
Garam masala vinaigrette adds an extra kick, while the cumin-roasted carrots scream perfect fall flavor.
Per serving: 377 cal, 18.3 g fat, 13.5 g protein, 336.7 mg sodium, 42.8 g carbs
Colleen de Bellefonds is an American freelance journalist living in Paris, France, with her husband and dog, Mochi. She loves running, yoga, and wine, and is very particular about her baguettes.
Nikhita Mahtani is an NYC-based freelance writer with six years of experience specializing in design and wellness. She primarily writes home tours, service pieces, SEO stories, and features, offering readers practical tips to personalize current trends. Nikhita holds a master’s degree in magazine journalism from New York University, and her work has appeared in publications such as Veranda, SELF, Allure, ELLE Decor, Domino, and Dwell.
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