15+ Kale Salad Recipe Thanksgiving They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. While the traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are always crowd-pleasers, it's always nice to add a healthy and refreshing option to the table. That's where this kale salad recipe comes in. Not only is it a nutritious and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread, but it's also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. So let's dive into the details of this mouth-watering kale salad that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Kale, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Relish, Green Beans
If you're looking for a delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than this hearty and healthy kale salad. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this salad is a perfect post-holiday meal.
This recipe starts with a bed of fresh kale, topped with tender turkey meat, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper bring everything together for a simple yet satisfying dish.
For a plant-based option that doesn't skimp on flavor, try this Thanksgiving lentil salad. The earthy lentils are mixed with roasted vegetables and fresh herbs, and then tossed with a light and zesty lemon vinaigrette.
This salad is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for a post-holiday detox. Plus, it's gluten-free and vegan, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
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Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Maple-Rosemary Pecans
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Maple Syrup, Unsalted Pecans
For a sweet and savory twist on a traditional Thanksgiving salad, try this kale salad with maple-roasted pecans. The pecans are coated in a blend of maple syrup and fresh rosemary, adding a delicious crunch to the salad.
Along with the pecans, this salad also features roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It's a perfect combination of fall flavors and textures.
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Crunchy Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Shallots, White Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Honey
If you love a good crunch in your salads, then this recipe is for you. This crunchy kale salad features toasted almonds, crispy bacon, and crunchy apple slices, all tossed together with a creamy honey mustard dressing.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying and delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion, including Thanksgiving. Plus, the protein from the bacon and almonds makes this salad a filling and nutritious meal.
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Kale Salad with Cranberries
Main Ingredients: Kale, Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds, Cranberries, Sweet Onion
This kale salad with cranberries is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. The tangy dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness to the salad, while the crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and salty element.
For an extra burst of flavor, top this salad with a homemade cranberry vinaigrette. The combination of tart cranberries and honey creates a deliciously balanced dressing that will take this salad to the next level.
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Thanksgiving Cobb Salad
Main Ingredients: Kale, Turkey, Brussels Sprouts, Winter Squash, Bacon
A classic Cobb salad gets a Thanksgiving twist in this recipe that features roasted turkey, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce.
For a healthier option, you can use grilled chicken instead of bacon and goat cheese instead of blue cheese. Drizzle your salad with a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy and flavorful dressing.
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Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Cranberry Cinnamon...
Main Ingredients: Delicata Squash, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Curly Green
This salad is a celebration of fall flavors, featuring roasted butternut squash, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a homemade cranberry cinnamon vinaigrette. The warm and comforting flavors of this salad make it a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
The tangy cranberries, warm cinnamon, and honey in the dressing create a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in this salad.
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Thanksgiving Kale Salad with Maple-Tahini Dressing
Main Ingredients: Lacinato Kale, Sweet Potato, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For a unique and flavorful dressing, try this maple-tahini dressing on your Thanksgiving kale salad. The creamy and nutty tahini is balanced out by the sweetness of maple syrup and the tanginess of lemon juice.
This salad also features roasted chickpeas, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries, making it a delicious and nutritious option for your holiday meal.
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Warm Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Garlic Roasted...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato, Coconut Oil
This warm kale salad is a great option for a cold Thanksgiving day. The tender kale is topped with garlic roasted chickpeas, sweet pomegranate seeds, and creamy avocado, and then drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette.
The mix of warm and cold ingredients, along with the burst of flavors, makes this salad a perfect option for a holiday meal. Plus, the healthy fats from the avocado and the protein from the chickpeas make it a filling and nutritious dish.
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Delicata Squash and Cranberry Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Pecans, Delicata Squash, Fresh Cranberries, Red Onion
This delicata squash and cranberry kale salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The roasted delicata squash adds a delicious sweetness to the salad, while the dried cranberries add a tangy burst of flavor.
The addition of toasted pecans and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together for a delicious and healthy dish that will be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.
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Turkey Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and...
Main Ingredients: Salad, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
This turkey kale salad is a hearty and nutritious option for your Thanksgiving menu. The tender kale is topped with roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and roasted turkey, and then drizzled with a cranberry vinaigrette.
The combination of flavors and textures in this salad, along with the protein and fiber from the ingredients, make it a satisfying and healthy option for your holiday meal.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Winter Salad with Kale, Farro...
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Garlic, Olive Oil, Farro, Kosher
This roasted butternut squash winter salad is a beautiful and delicious addition to any Thanksgiving table. The combination of roasted butternut squash, farro, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese creates a colorful and flavorful dish.
The farro adds a nutty and chewy texture to the salad, while the pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness. Drizzle the salad with a honey balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy and delicious dressing.
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Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Kale, Olive Oil, Dried Cranberries, Shredded Carrots
For a simple yet delicious option, this kale salad is a perfect choice. The fresh kale is topped with dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds, and then dressed with a homemade honey vinaigrette.
This salad is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
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Fruit-Focused Thanksgiving Salads
Main Ingredients: Wheat Berries, Squash, Medium Shallots, Fresh Sage
If you're looking for a refreshing and light option for your Thanksgiving meal, consider a fruit-focused salad. This could include a mix of fresh berries, citrus fruits, and grapes on a bed of tender greens, topped with a light citrus dressing.
Adding crumbled goat cheese or sliced almonds to the salad can add a delicious and creamy element to balance out the sweetness of the fruits.
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Winter Panzanella Salad
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Parsnip, Beet, Bread, Extra Virgin Olive
This winter panzanella salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. The mix of roasted vegetables, crusty bread, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and filling salad that is sure to be a hit with your guests.
The homemade vinaigrette made with honey, mustard, and balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and sweet element to the salad, tying all the flavors together.
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Thanksgiving Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Kale, Butternut Squash, Chick Peas, Granny Smith
This Thanksgiving kale salad is a simple yet delicious side dish that is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. The combination of fresh kale, sliced apples, crumbled bacon, and crumbled blue cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.
For a healthier option, you can use grilled chicken instead of bacon, and goat cheese instead of blue cheese. Drizzle the salad with a homemade honey mustard vinaigrette for a tangy and delicious dressing.
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Mediterranean Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Kale, Cherry Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts, Red Onion
This Mediterranean kale salad is a perfect combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The salad features chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and a homemade Greek dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
The tangy and zesty flavors of this salad make it a perfect side dish for any holiday meal, and the healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese make it a nutritious option as well.
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Roasted Pumpkin and Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Sugar Pumpkin, Oil, Salt, Pepper, Wild Rice, Baby Kale
This roasted pumpkin and kale salad is a festive and delicious dish for any fall or winter holiday. The tender roasted pumpkin adds a delicious sweetness to the salad, while the dried cranberries add a tangy and chewy texture.
For an extra boost of flavor, top the salad with some toasted pumpkin seeds and dress it with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is sure to be a hit with your guests.
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Garlic Parmesan Kale Salad
Main Ingredients: Lemon Juice, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Minced
If you're looking for a salad with a bit of a kick, this garlic parmesan kale salad is the perfect choice. The kale is tossed in a garlic parmesan dressing and topped with roasted chickpeas and shaved parmesan cheese.
The combination of savory and tangy flavors, along with the protein from the chickpeas and cheese, make this salad a filling and delicious option for your Thanksgiving meal.
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Turkey, Cranberry, and Almond Salad
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Celery, Red Onion, Dried Cranberries, Sliced
This turkey, cranberry, and almond salad is a perfect way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers. The tender turkey meat is mixed with sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and a homemade honey mustard dressing, and then served on a bed of fresh greens.
This salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for a post-holiday meal. Plus, it's a great way to switch up your leftovers and enjoy them in a new and delicious way.
Ingredients
Kale:
To start off this kale salad recipe, you will need a large bunch of kale. Make sure to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Kale is packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, making it a great addition to any meal.
Pomegranate:
Next, you'll need one whole pomegranate, seeded. The juicy and tangy seeds add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the salad. They are also rich in antioxidants, making them a superfood that is perfect for the holiday season.
Walnuts:
For some crunch and healthy fats, add half a cup of chopped walnuts to the salad. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and also add a nutty flavor to the dish.
Feta cheese:
To balance out the flavors, add half a cup of crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Its tangy and salty taste pairs well with the sweetness of the pomegranate and the bitterness of the kale.
Instructions
1. Start by massaging the kale leaves with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This will help to soften the leaves and make them easier to chew.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta cheese together.
3. Add the mixture to the kale and toss until everything is evenly distributed.
4. For the dressing, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and enjoy!
This kale salad recipe is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to incorporate some healthy options into your Thanksgiving meal. It's also a great choice for those who may have dietary restrictions as it is gluten-free and vegetarian. So why not give this recipe a try and add a new staple to your Thanksgiving menu? Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
In conclusion,
Adding a kale salad to your Thanksgiving menu is a great way to balance out the rich and indulgent dishes. With its flavorful combination of kale, pomegranate, walnuts, and feta cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your guests. Plus, with its easy preparation and make-ahead option, it's a stress-free addition to your holiday feast. So give this recipe a try and elevate your Thanksgiving meal with a healthy and delicious touch.
