The last thing anyone wants on Thanksgiving day is a kitchen packed with last-minute chaos. These 17 make-ahead Thanksgiving sides let you prep early, saving you time and stress without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad is your answer to a fresh, make-ahead side with a satisfying bite. The combo of crisp broccoli with chewy cranberries and the smoky crunch of bacon creates a an amazing blend of textures. It’s a vibrant dish that holds up beautifully, even when dressed in advance.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Cherry Salad
Cool off with Cherry Salad, a fluffy, sweet side that’s a breeze to whip up for a large gathering. Dubbed ‘Pink Fluff,’ this six-ingredient wonder is a delightful throwback that’s as easy as it is addictive. It’s the perfect prep-ahead potluck pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Pesto is a hearty, flavorful picnic or cookout dish. Easy to make ahead of time and perfect as a main course, it’s the summer salad that satisfies!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pea Salad
This vintage Pea Salad is your ticket to creamy, tangy bliss with a hint of sweetness, ideal for your holiday menu. Assemble it in advance and let the flavors meld into a side that’s as convenient as it is comforting. It’s a retro recipe that’s remained a favorite for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
Delight in the creamy, sweet comfort of Amish Macaroni Salad, a time-tested pleaser you can prep in advance. Its simplicity belies a depth of flavor that only gets better overnight, making it a pragmatic yet beloved addition to your holiday table. A side that’s always in season, it’s a must-have for any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
This easy peach Caprese salad takes the classic to a new level with juicy summer peaches. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish perfect for hot nights – and it’s gorgeous too!
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
7 Layer Salad
Layer upon layer, this traditional 7 Layer Salad is a showstopper, with its colorful strata of veggies and creamy dressing. It’s the kind of dish that doubles as a centerpiece, perfect for making ahead and guaranteed to draw ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ at your Thanksgiving table. Its make-ahead magic lies in the layers staying distinct and delicious.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Whip up this Pistachio Fluff Salad in no time; it’s a nostalgic treat that’s a cinch to prepare. Known affectionately as Watergate salad, it’s fluffy, nutty, and a pastel-perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Prepare it ahead, and watch it become the quirky favorite everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
Transform the humble ramen into a crunchy, tangy Ramen Noodle Salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. This salad’s charm lies in its ability to stay crisp, even when dressed ahead, ensuring a no-fuss addition to your Thanksgiving bounty. It’s a side that brings a little crunch to the munch.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Chickpea Salad
Vibrant and brimming with freshness, this Chickpea Salad is a rainbow of healthy flavors that gets better with time. Vegan, gluten-free, and dazzling, it’s a breeze to prepare and a standout among sides. It’s a nutritious dish that promises to be as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
For a tangy twist on a classic, try this Blue Cheese Coleslaw, rich and creamy with a bold blue cheese punch. It’s a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with your Thanksgiving turkey and can be made in advance for convenience. This coleslaw is sure to intrigue and entice your guests with its unique flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Winter Fruit Salad
Brighten your winter with this colorful and refreshing winter fruit salad. Packed with kiwi, apples, mandarins, and more, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors for any holiday gathering or healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad
Kick your Thanksgiving up a notch with this zesty Cajun Pasta Salad, where pasta meets a medley of veggies in a creamy, remoulade-inspired dressing. It’s the side with a spicy personality that you can toss together ahead of time. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s the side that brings the spice to your holiday slice.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Broccoli Slaw
Revamp your BBQ game with this irresistible Creamy Broccoli Slaw! Crunchy veggies meet creamy dressing in a flavor explosion perfect for summer gatherings. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw
Orange Fluff Salad
Orange Fluff Salad offers a creamsicle-flavored nostalgia trip with a no-fuss prep that’s ideal for busy holidays. Cottage cheese, oranges, Jello, and Cool Whip combine for a side that’s both refreshing and sweet. It’s a classic dish that’s a cinch to make and a joy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad
Texas Caviar Dip
Texas Caviar Dip, a.k.a. Cowboy Caviar, is a medley of beans and veggies that brings a fresh twist to Thanksgiving. Its sweet and tangy profile is the ideal make-ahead marvel, marinating into a more flavorful experience over time. Serve it up for a hearty dip that doubles as a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip
Lime Jello Salad
Dive into the retro charm of Lime Jello Salad, a zesty and cool addition to your Thanksgiving feast. This whimsical green favorite can be whipped up ahead, freeing up your day for more festivities. It’s the spoonable, shareable side that brings a dash of fun to the table.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad