28 Thanksgiving Foods that are Red
As the leaves turn and the air cools, Thanksgiving lays out its annual spread of warmth and comfort.
Amongst the plethora of hues that adorn the table, red stands out as a color of vibrancy and heartiness.
This year, let’s pay homage to red foods that not only ignite the visual appetite but bring to the plate a medley of flavors, textures, and nutrients.
Foods that are Red for Thanksgiving
From the deep crimson of roasted beets to the ruby sparkle of pomegranate seeds, red-hued dishes offer a visual feast that is as inviting as it is tantalizing.
As we give thanks and gather around, let these red foods be a celebration of harvest, health, and the fiery palette of autumn.
1. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple with its deep red hue and tangy flavor. Whether it’s homemade or canned, it adds a pop of color and a burst of tartness that complements the savory dishes on the table.
2. Red Velvet Cake
A dessert table standout, red velvet cake’s rich crimson color comes from a reaction between cocoa powder and buttermilk or vinegar in traditional recipes, or from red food coloring in more modern versions.
3. Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers can be served as an appetizer, blended into a soup, or layered into casseroles, bringing a sweet, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to your holiday spread.
4. Beet Salad
With their natural deep red pigmentation, beets can be roasted and tossed into a salad with goat cheese and nuts, offering a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is healthy.
5. Pomegranate Seeds
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over salads, desserts, or even turkey for a jewel-like garnish that adds a refreshing crunch and a splash of ruby red.
6. Red Cabbage Slaw
This side dish adds a crunchy texture and a zesty flavor profile, all wrapped up in a bright red package, perfect for balancing out the heavier traditional dishes.
7. Red Apple Compote
Cook down red apples with some cinnamon and sugar for a simple compote that can serve as a side, a topping for desserts, or a mix-in for oatmeal or yogurt.
8. Stuffed Tomatoes
Fill ripe red tomatoes with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, and bake them until tender for a side dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful.
9. Red Onion Marmalade
Caramelize red onions to make a sweet and savory marmalade that can be an excellent condiment for meats or a flavorful addition to cheese boards.
10. Red Potatoes
Red-skinned potatoes can be roasted with herbs and olive oil or mashed with butter and cream for a side that shows off their natural color while being a comforting classic.
11. Bruschetta with Tomato Topping
A vibrant appetizer of toasted bread topped with a mixture of chopped red tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, perfect for a Thanksgiving starter.
12. Raspberry Glazed Ham
Elevate your ham with a sweet and tangy raspberry glaze that not only imparts a luscious flavor but also gives the meat a glossy, crimson appearance.
13. Red Chard Gratin
Baked red chard gratin combines the earthy taste of green leaves with a colorful red stem, topped with a golden crust of cheese and breadcrumbs.
14. Red Quinoa Pilaf
Red quinoa provides a nutty flavor and a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread. It can be prepared as a pilaf, cooked with vegetable broth, and mixed with herbs and dried cranberries for a festive touch.
15. Radicchio and Endive Salad
Radicchio, with its red and white leaves, alongside the slightly bitter endive, makes for a striking and refreshing salad option for the Thanksgiving table.
16. Cherry Pie
A classic cherry pie with its vibrant filling makes for a festive and sweet end to your Thanksgiving feast. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
17. Red Lentil Soup
A hearty bowl of red lentil soup, seasoned with cumin and coriander, garnished with a swirl of cream or yogurt and some fresh herbs, can be a warming and inviting first course.
18. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Combine bright red strawberries with spinach for a salad that offers a play of colors and a mix of sweet and earthy flavors. Toss with a poppy seed dressing for an extra festive touch.
19. Balsamic Roasted Red Onions
Whole red onions become meltingly tender and sweet when roasted with balsamic vinegar, making them a wonderful side that adds both a splash of color and a rich depth of flavor to the meal.
20. Red Chile Turkey Gravy
Give your gravy a twist by incorporating red chile powder for a subtle heat and a reddish tint. It’s a nod to Southwestern flavors that can bring an unexpected and welcome change to the traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
21. Kidney Bean Salad
A vibrant kidney bean salad mixed with red bell peppers and onions, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, brings a hearty and colorful touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
22. Red Grapes
Incorporate fresh red grapes as part of a fruit and cheese platter, offering a refreshing and juicy contrast that complements the rich flavors of your Thanksgiving feast.
23. Red Wine Reduction
Elevate your main courses with a sophisticated red wine reduction sauce that adds depth of flavor and a dash of decadent color to your Thanksgiving table.
24. Red Hot Sauce Glaze
Spice up your dishes with a zesty red hot sauce glaze, perfect for guests who enjoy a little heat with their holiday feast.
25. Boston Baked Beans Candy
Add some nostalgic charm with Boston Baked Beans Candy; these candy-coated peanuts provide a sweet and crunchy snack that doubles as festive decor.
26. Cherry Juice Cocktail
Craft a special cherry juice cocktail or mocktail, adding elegance and a ruby red sparkle to your holiday beverage options.
27. Red Licorice
Offer red licorice twists for a fun and casual dessert option that’s sure to be a favorite among the kids and the young at heart.
28. Cherry 7-Up Float
Create a playful dessert with Cherry 7-Up floats that combine the fizz of soda with creamy vanilla ice cream, making a visually stunning and palate-pleasing treat.
What Thanksgiving foods are red in color?
As we conclude our colorful journey through Thanksgiving’s red palette, we recognize how each dish brings its own unique zest to the feast.
Red on the Thanksgiving table is not just a feast for the eyes, but a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that the season offers.
These ruby-toned offerings—from the tang of cranberries to the richness of red wine—complement the traditional fare and enhance the overall experience.
As we fold our napkins and settle into the contented glow of a meal shared, let us be thankful for the abundance and the vibrant reds that remind us of the warmth and love that this holiday season embodies.
