Gourmet Meal

Rebecca Thompson

Dedicated woman chef with a passion for creating unforgettable main dishes. Innovative and skilled in crafting diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression.

Thanksgiving Salad

Name: Thanksgiving Salad
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 6 cups Tender baby greens; 3 cups Chicories; 1 Asian or Bosc pear; 1/4 cup Toasted pepitas; optional Vegan goat cheese; 1 1/2 tsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Lemon juice; 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar; to taste Flaky sea salt; to taste Black pepper

The Thanksgiving Salad is a mouthwatering addition to your holiday spread. Bring refreshment and variety to the table with this salad. It is a light yet satisfying dish originating from the United States, usually enjoyed during the Thanksgiving holiday. However, it doesn't have to be confined to that as it can enliven any celebration, be it birthdays, anniversaries or potlucks.

Colorful and crunchy, it uses a variety of fresh greens paired with sweet and crisp fruits like Asian pear or Bosc pear. To add a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, toasted pepitas or hazelnuts are sprinkled on top. Enjoy the subtle tang of lemon vinaigrette and optional vegan goat cheese which add a creamy and tart contrast to the salad.

Not only does this salad pleases the palate but also aids digestion due to the vinegar and bitter greens. It's a quick fix, taking you just around 15 minutes to prepare!

Calories
90
Time
15
Portions
4
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Salad

Tender Baby Greens 6 cups
Chicories 3 cups
Asian Or Bosc Pear 1
Toasted Pepitas 1/4 cup
Vegan Goat Cheese optional

Dressing

Olive Oil 1 1/2 tsp
Lemon Juice 1 tsp
Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp
Flaky Sea Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepare the Ingredients

First, if you have chosen to use the vegan goat cheese, make sure to prepare it at least 30 minutes before the salad.
Then, it's time to toast the pepitas (or almonds or hazelnuts). In a small skillet, toast at low-medium heat and toss occasionally. Wait for the pepitas to pop and puff (this can take around 3 to 5 minutes). If using hazelnuts or almonds, wait until they become fragrant and lightly browned, for about 6 to 10 minutes. Set them aside to cool. If the hazelnuts are whole, chop them roughly.

Put the Salad Together

Now, in a large serving bowl, start assembling the salad. Add tender baby greens and chicories.
Sprinkle olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and black pepper over the greens. Toss the ingredients so they are coated evenly. Adjust the dressing to your taste.
Finally, add the sliced pear or apple and the toasted pepitas. Toss gently once or twice.
Just before serving, garnish with the optional vegan goat cheese and more black pepper.

Suggestions

Preparation Tips

For the best results, choose fresh, crisp greens and fruits. Wilted or overripe ingredients can compromise the quality of your salad.

Remember, the dressing is adjustable! Be sure to taste and adjust it to suit your palate. A bit more oil can enhance the richness while an extra squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors.

While vegan goat cheese is optional, it adds a nice creaminess and contrast to the salad. However if you are not vegan, regular goat cheese can be a good substitute.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

It's best to serve the salad fresh. If you're preparing it in advance for an event, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving.

If you’re cutting the apple or pear in advance, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Unfortunately, this salad is not freezer friendly so it's best consumed right away.

Frequent Questions

Can I use other types of greens for the salad?

Yes, the types of greens in this salad are flexible. If you can't find tender baby greens or chicories, you can use other types like mixed greens, iceberg lettuce or even arugula. It's important to use fresh and crisp greens for the best results.

What other fruits can be good substitutes to pear?

While the recipe recommends Asian or Bosc pear, you can also use a different type of pears or apples. They bring a similar sweet and crunchy texture to the salad. Popular choices are Fuji, Honeycrisp, or D’Anjou.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Definitely. This salad is quite versatile and can be dressed up with more ingredients according to your liking. Consider adding some dried fruits such as cranberries for a sweet-tangy flavor or grilled chicken strips for some protein..

I don't have toasted pepitas. What can I do?

If you don't have toasted pepitas on hand, you can substitute them with toasted almonds or hazelnuts. They provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the salad.

Any suggestions on what to pair with this salad during a Thanksgiving feast?

This salad makes an excellent side dish to heavy, rich Thanksgiving classics like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Its freshness and crispness provide a nice counterbalance to these hearty dishes.