11 Untraditional Thanksgiving Dinner Main Dishes That Aren’t Turkey

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Herb-Crusted Salmon with Cranberry Relish

Roasted salmon fillet topped with crisp herb crust and bright cranberry relish.

A lighter option for the holiday table that still feels festive. Bright cranberry relish turns salmon into a Thanksgiving-ready main dish.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Cranberry ties it straight into Thanksgiving flavors.
  • Elegant, colorful presentation.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan

Serving Suggestions
Pair with roasted green beans or wild rice.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Cranberry relish can be made 2 days ahead.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cranberry Relish:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Rub salmon with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake 12–15 min, until salmon flakes easily.
  4. For relish: simmer cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and zest until berries burst and sauce thickens.
  5. Serve salmon topped with cranberry relish.

Yield: 4 servings

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11 Untraditional Thanksgiving Dinner Main Dishes That Aren’t Turkey

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Cranberry Relish

Roasted salmon fillet topped with crisp herb crust and bright cranberry relish.

A lighter option for the holiday table that still feels festive. Bright cranberry relish turns salmon into a Thanksgiving-ready main dish.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Cranberry ties it straight into Thanksgiving flavors.
  • Elegant, colorful presentation.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan

Serving Suggestions
Pair with roasted green beans or wild rice.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Cranberry relish can be made 2 days ahead.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cranberry Relish:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Rub salmon with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake 12–15 min, until salmon flakes easily.
  4. For relish: simmer cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and zest until berries burst and sauce thickens.
  5. Serve salmon topped with cranberry relish.

Yield: 4 servings