When you think about eating a delectable Thanksgiving dinner, the classic staples of a turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes might come to mind. Salads, however, can be a healthy yet tasty addition to any Thanksgiving meal. A variety of Thanksgiving salads that offer a taste of saltiness or sweetness can be quick and easy to make.
Waldorf Salad
A Waldorf salad is an American classic that originated in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City in 1893. Preparing the salad involves mixing walnuts and red or green seedless grapes with diced apples. The fruits and nuts are then blended with mayonnaise or salad dressing and light cream and served on cold lettuce leaves.
The Waldorf salad combines a taste of tartness with sweetness and provides a crunchy texture. The grapes and walnuts are just an example of the types of fruits and nuts that potentially were on the menu during the 1621 autumn harvest feast between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians, which is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the American colonies, according to History.com.
Eggnog and Cranberry Salad
Another possible salad for Thanksgiving is an eggnog and cranberry salad. Eggnog is traditionally served between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, while cranberries are common during the Thanksgiving holiday, particularly in the form of cranberry sauce. The eggnog and cranberry salad combines vanilla pudding mix, lemon gelatin and lemon juice with whipped topping and nutmeg, which is the eggnog mix. On top of the eggnog mix is a cranberry mixture, which includes cranberry sauce, pecans, celery and raspberry gelatin. This salad combines the crunchiness of the nuts and celery with the smoothness of the pudding for a sweet Thanksgiving side dish that can be served as a salad or even a dessert.
Crunchy Pea Salad
A crunchy pea salad also can be a delicious addition to a Thanksgiving meal. This salad is a mixture of mayonnaise, ranch dressing and lemon juice with salt, pepper and celery seed. In addition, the salad includes onions, peas, carrots and peanuts. In this Thanksgiving side dish salad, the vegetables are the most essential ingredients.
Jello Dessert Salad
A jello dessert salad is an option for Thanksgiving Day as well. Creating the salad involves dissolving lemon jello in hot water and adding melted marshmallows and pineapple juice. Mayonnaise and cream cheese then are mixed together. Cool whip is folded into the mix, and the mixture is spread on top of the lemon jello layer. Dissolved raspberry jello mixed with frozen raspberries form the salad's topping. The jello dessert salad can add a sweet and fruity touch to a Thanksgiving meal.
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