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 to 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 to 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