14+ Thanksgiving Salad Dessert Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, warmth, and of course, delicious food. Imagine adding a twist to your feast with salad desserts that surprise and delight both the eyes and taste buds.

Apple Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Apple Walnut Fluff Salad

Cranberry Apple Walnut Fluff Salad from Real Life Dinner

Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Cranberry Apple Fluff Salad

Cranberry Apple Fluff Salad from Norine's Nest

Total Time: apples, heavy cream, whole cranberries, miniature marshmallows.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad from I Heart Naptime

Rating: 5 (8 reviews). Total Time: cool whip, crushed pineapple, green apple, fresh cranberries, mini marshmallows.

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This salad dessert is a delight with its vibrant red cranberries and sweet, crisp apples. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite at Thanksgiving tables. Imagine the tartness of cranberries dancing with the sweetness of apples, all enveloped in a light, fluffy whipped topping.

What makes this salad special is the addition of crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows, which add a tropical twist and an extra layer of sweetness. The use of whipped cream or whipped topping makes it light and airy, almost like a cloud. This recipe is perfect for those who love a dessert that’s not too heavy but still satisfies the sweet tooth. It’s like a breath of fresh autumn air in a bowl!

Pumpkin Pie Salad

Pumpkin Fluff Salad

Pumpkin Fluff Salad from Inside BruCrew Life

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (866 reviews).

The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe

The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8 (369 reviews).

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Pumpkin pie salad is a creamy, dreamy dessert that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every spoonful. With pumpkin puree as its star, this dish brings the familiar spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the table, giving you the warm, cozy feeling of a classic pumpkin pie.

What sets this apart is the addition of crunchy pecans and a hint of vanilla, which add a lovely texture and depth of flavor. You get the creamy mouthfeel from cream cheese and whipped topping, making it an irresistible treat. It’s like enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie with a twist, without the crust. This salad is perfect for those who adore pumpkin and want to try it in a new, exciting way.

Ambrosia Salad

Thanksgiving Jell-O Salad

Thanksgiving Jell-O Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (25 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 10 min.

Snicker Salad

Snicker Salad from Peanut Blossom

Rating: 4.8 (34 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad from Meaningful Eats

Rating: 5 (18 reviews). Total Time: 6 hr 20 min.

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If you’ve never tried ambrosia salad, you’re in for a treat! This classic dessert salad combines juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. It’s a burst of fruity goodness with every bite.

Coconut flakes add a tropical flair, while the creamy texture comes from a mix of sour cream and whipped topping. The magic of ambrosia lies in its simplicity and the blend of flavors that are both nostalgic and refreshing. It’s a salad that feels like a dessert vacation at your Thanksgiving table, transporting you to a sunny paradise with each bite.

Caramel Apple Snickers Salad

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad from Spicy Southern Kitchen

Rating: 4.7 (20 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad from The Gracious Wife

Rating: 5 (17 reviews). Total Time: vanilla pudding mix, caramel sauce, snickers bars, mini marshmallows, whipped topping.

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad from What's Mom Cookin'

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This salad is a dream come true for candy lovers. Imagine crisp apples, gooey caramel, and chunks of Snickers bars all mingling together in one delightful dish. It’s like a candy bar in salad form!

The secret to this salad’s popularity lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The tartness of the apples cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, making it a not-too-sweet treat. Cream cheese and whipped topping create a creamy base that holds everything together. It’s a fun, playful dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face and is sure to be the talk of the dinner table.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (813 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 30 min.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad from Food.com

Rating: 5 (87 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad from Serious Eats

Total Time: 5 h 45 min.

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This is not your typical salad, but a delightful mix of sweet and salty that will have you coming back for more. The base is a crunchy pretzel crust that adds a savory twist to the dessert. It’s topped with a smooth layer of sweetened cream cheese and finished with a glossy layer of strawberry gelatin studded with fresh strawberries.

What makes this salad irresistible is the contrast between the creamy, tangy cream cheese and the sweet strawberries, all elevated by the salty crunch of the pretzels. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish at any Thanksgiving gathering. This salad is perfect for those who love a good mix of sweet and savory and enjoy a dessert that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Salad Desserts

Thanksgiving Jell-O Salad

Thanksgiving Jell-O Salad from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (25 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 10 min.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad from Foxes Love Lemons

Rating: 4.4 (94 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad from Meaningful Eats

Rating: 5 (18 reviews). Total Time: 6 h 20 min.

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Balance the Sweetness

When making salad desserts, it’s crucial to balance the sweetness. Consider adding a pinch of salt or using tart fruits to cut through the sugary flavors and create a more rounded taste.

Play with Textures

Incorporate a variety of textures in your salad desserts. Combine creamy elements with crunchy ingredients like nuts or pretzels to keep each bite interesting and satisfying.

Prepare Ahead

Many salad desserts taste even better when made ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it gives you more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!