Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish to brighten up your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is just the ticket! Bursting with apples and citrus flavors, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. The homemade dressing adds a touch of warmth with its sweet and spiced notes, making it a perfect companion to savory dishes during family gatherings or even busy weeknights.

This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the colorful display and the joy it brings when served. Each bite is like a little celebration of fall, reminding us to enjoy the season’s bounty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a stunning dish that impresses everyone.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet fruit combo, and it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, so you have one less thing to worry about on busy days.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering, this fruit salad pairs beautifully with various main courses.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples, oranges, and spices creates a delightful medley that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad features simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You’ll love how each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture!

For the Fruit 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 swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add more fruits: Try including strawberries or kiwi for extra color and flavor!
• Nuts galore: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Mix in yogurt: A dollop of plant-based yogurt can add creaminess if you desire.
• Experiment with spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.

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 them enhances their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them—when they start smelling amazing (usually around when the oven is fully heated), they’re ready! Let them cool once removed from the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest of one lemon, and zest of one orange. Cook over medium heat while whisking gently. Bringing this mixture to a low boil allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer and let cool completely.

Step 3: Chop the Fruits

While your dressing cools, core and slice your apples into bite-sized pieces. To keep them from browning, toss them with juice from half a lemon right after cutting. Next, peel your oranges and cut them into bite-sized chunks as well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together your apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. This colorful assortment not only looks beautiful but also offers varied textures that make every bite exciting!

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

Finally, drizzle that lovely dressing over your fruit mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until you’re ready to impress your guests!

Enjoy every delicious bite of this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad—it’s sure to become as cherished in your home as it is in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Crafting the perfect Thanksgiving fruit salad is all about enhancing flavors and presentation. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Selecting ripe, seasonal fruits ensures maximum flavor and sweetness, making your salad truly delightful.
• Mix textures: Incorporating a variety of textures—crunchy apples, chewy cranberries, and juicy oranges—creates an exciting eating experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together and makes it refreshing on a festive table.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the dressing or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth that embodies fall.
• Make ahead: Preparing this salad a few hours or even a day in advance lets the flavors develop beautifully, saving you time on busy holiday mornings.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Presentation is key when it comes to serving your Thanksgiving fruit salad. With just a few simple touches, you can make this dish stand out on your holiday table!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of mint not only brings a pop of color but also adds a refreshing aroma that complements the fruity flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top can enhance the autumn vibes and provide a visual appeal that draws guests in.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet tubers bring warmth and earthiness to your meal, balancing out the bright flavors of your fruit salad.
• Quinoa Salad: A savory quinoa salad with herbs and vegetables offers a nutritious contrast, making it a great side dish that pairs well with fruit.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds add crunch and freshness, creating a delightful balance against the sweetness of your fruit salad.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: This hearty dish filled with grains and veggies adds depth to your Thanksgiving spread while echoing those cozy fall flavors everyone loves.

With these presentation ideas and complementary sides, your Thanksgiving fruit salad will shine as both a festive centerpiece and delicious addition to your holiday feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, which makes it even more enjoyable when it’s time to serve. Here are some practical tips for storing and enjoying your salad later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual fruits before combining them.
• To freeze grapes or apples, wash and slice them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Defrost only what you need as freezing may alter the texture of fresh fruit.

Reheating

• There is no need to reheat this salad; it’s meant to be served chilled.
• If you’ve made a dressing with leftovers that has thickened, simply whisk in a little orange juice or water to loosen it before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.

Can I use different fruits in my Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal fruits like pears or berries. Just keep in mind that varying textures and flavors will enhance the salad.

How long does Thanksgiving Fruit Salad last in the fridge?

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad can last up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for optimal taste and texture, enjoy it sooner rather than later!

Can I make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad without nuts?

Yes! If you’re allergic or prefer not to use nuts, simply leave them out or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

What’s the best way to serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

This salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish or dessert at any gathering. It pairs wonderfully with other holiday dishes!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad becomes a delightful addition to your holiday table! With its vibrant colors and delicious blend of flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to share your own twists! Happy cooking!