When it comes to side dishes, the star of Thanksgiving doesn't have to be the gravy, stuffing, or mashed potatoes. Enter: the Thanksgiving salad! Instead of brown and mushy, the salad can be one of the most delicious things on your holiday plate. Over years of hosting, I've found that bold flavor combinations like roasted squash, crunchy apples, pomegranate jewels, and tangy dressings will make everyone reach for seconds.
Beans are a hero ingredient for any salad. They're rich with protein and fiber and low in fat, so tossing them into any recipe is an instant health boost. They're also little flavor bombs - among the varying types of beans, you'll find different levels of nuttiness, richness, starchiness, earthiness, and sweetness. This explains why three-bean salad has been a favorite since the '50s, and why a whole new generation has embraced "dense bean salads" on TikTok.
