Make Ahead Thanksgiving Salad

Hold on to your seats! This salad is INCREDIBLE.

Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.

We are coming up on my favorite holiday - Thanksgiving! I love everything about the day, including the delicious meal.

Over the years I've always said the Thanksgiving plate needs to have one side dish that is lighter and cuts through all of the heavier dishes. Something that is refreshing and cleanses the palate if you will.

And this salad.....

It fits the bill!

Many, many years ago my friend Val introduced me to her overnight salad. The concept fascinated me, layering all of the ingredients in a bowl, not stirring or touching a thing, until hours later or even the next day. Her salad was creamy and filling.

Then a a couple years ago I had another overnight salad, but this one was had a lighter vinaigrette, with much different ingredients, but the concept was the same - layer it all, don't touch it and eat it later.

So when Fareway Stores and I wanted to create a new recipe I immediately thought of a salad that you can prep ahead and give you more time with your family and friends during the holidays. Something that's easy to travel with!

So here is how it works - all of the wet ingredients, veggies and cheese go on the bottom, then the shaved brussels sprouts and chopped romaine go on top. After which you cover it and forget about it! Either overnight or 6-8 hours, whichever comes first.

Right before serving you give it all a grand toss and sprinkle on the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. They help to give the salad a slight sweetness and crunchy bite.

And listen here Moms - my 16 year old teen boy even liked this one! I promise it will be a crowd pleaser.

So many things stand out in this salad.

The shaved Parmesan cheese gives it a creamy, yet tangy bite.

The creamy diced avocado gives the salad texture.

The salty pistachios give it a crunch.

The light dressing covers the salad well and gives it a big depth of flavor.

Have I convinced you yet to try this one this holiday season? If you need a dish to bring to your gathering, give it a try. People will be intrigued and happy!

Share your photos of this one!

Be sure to tag me (@sweetsavoryeats) and I'll reshare your plate. I hope everyone at your table this season enjoys it as much as we did.