Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

If you’re looking for a delightful way to spruce up your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is just the thing! Bursting with vibrant apples, juicy grapes, and zesty oranges, it’s a festive dish that brings a refreshing touch to any gathering. The homemade dressing adds a hint of sweetness and warm fall spices that wrap everything together beautifully.

What I love most about this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is its versatility. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a grand family feast, it fits perfectly into any occasion. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad without breaking a sweat.
• Colorful and Inviting: The bright colors of the fruit make this salad visually appealing and perfect for festive occasions.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruit and nuts, it’s a nutritious addition to your meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dressing in advance and toss everything together just before serving for ultimate freshness.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors—kids will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Thanksgiving Fruit Salad shine! These are all readily available at your local grocery store, making it easy for you to prep this delicious dish.

For the Salad

• 2 medium green apples
• 2 medium red apples
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup grapes
• 3 medium navel oranges

For the Dressing

• 1 medium lemon (juiced)
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ¼ tsp apple pie spice
• zest of 1 lemon
• zest of 1 orange

Variations

One of the best things about this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

• Add Seasonal Fruits: Toss in some chopped pears or pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and color.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re looking for something different!
• Mix in Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of mint leaves can add a refreshing twist to the salad.
• Sweeten It Up: If you prefer a sweeter salad, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup instead of sugar.

How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and pop them in while the oven heats up. Toasting enhances their flavor—once they are fragrant (about when your oven reaches temperature), take them out and let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest from one lemon, and zest from one orange. Heat over medium heat while whisking until it comes to a low boil. This step helps dissolve the sugar completely and melds those wonderful flavors together. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes before straining through a fine mesh strainer—this ensures your dressing will be smooth.

Step 3: Slice Your Fruits

Core and slice your apples into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, toss them with juice from half a lemon right after cutting. Then peel your oranges and cut them into bite-sized chunks as well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. This colorful mix is what makes your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad so appealing!

Step 5: Dress It Up

Drizzle your cooled dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or chill briefly in the fridge before serving if desired—it’s delicious either way!

Enjoy making this delightful Thanksgiving Fruit Salad that adds both flavor and color to your holiday spread!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Creating a delicious Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to make your salad shine!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using seasonal fruits not only enhances flavor but also ensures your salad is visually appealing with vibrant colors.
• Toast the nuts: Toasting pecans before adding them gives a deeper flavor and satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Mix up the fruits: Feel free to add or substitute other fruits like pears or kiwi for added variety. This keeps things exciting and can cater to different palates.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite more delicious.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, and adjust the sugar according to your preference. This way, you can ensure it’s just right for your guests!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Presenting your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad in an inviting way can make all the difference at your holiday table. Here are some creative ideas to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that enhances the fruitiness of the salad.
• Coconut flakes: Sprinkling unsweetened coconut flakes on top provides a tropical twist and an attractive texture contrast.
• Thinly sliced citrus: Garnishing with thin slices of orange or lemon not only looks beautiful but also ties in with the citrus theme of the salad.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the fruit salad, making for a balanced meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with vegetables adds heartiness while complementing the lightness of the fruit salad.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds bring crunch and freshness that beautifully contrasts with your fruity creation.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: The warm spices in stuffed acorn squash create a comforting side dish that harmonizes perfectly with the festive flavors of Thanksgiving.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad will be a star on your holiday table—colorful, nutritious, and utterly irresistible! Enjoy creating this delightful dish, and happy feasting!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is not only a delightful addition to your holiday table but also an excellent option for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for later, making your holiday cooking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• This fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it:
• Freeze the fruits (apples, grapes, oranges) separately before mixing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and remove as much air as possible.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; serve it cold!
• If stored properly, just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.

Can I make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making this salad a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

What fruits can I substitute in Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Feel free to experiment! You can swap out apples or oranges for pears or add berries. Just remember to choose fruits that complement each other well.

How do I prevent apples from browning in Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Tossing sliced apples with lemon juice helps prevent browning. This recipe already includes lemon juice for that purpose!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Yes, you can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they are toasted for extra flavor!

Is Thanksgiving Fruit Salad vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and free from any animal-derived ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad brings joy and color to your holiday gatherings! Its combination of fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and warm spices makes it truly special. Enjoy making this refreshing dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite fruits. Happy cooking, and may your celebrations be filled with love and laughter!