Fresh & Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet memories often bloom around a thanksgiving fruit salad that sparkles with unexpected combinations.

Festive gatherings demand something special beyond traditional sides.

Colorful ingredients dance together, creating moments of pure culinary joy.

Seasonal fruits whisper stories of connection and warmth.

Vibrant chunks of goodness promise delightful surprises in every bite.

Crisp textures and delicate flavors invite shared conversations and laughter.

Reasons to Love Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

• Quick Festive Flavor Bomb: With just 20 minutes of total time, this recipe delivers a vibrant, zesty side dish that bursts with seasonal tastes and textures.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for large family gatherings, this salad accommodates dietary preferences and offers a refreshing alternative to heavy holiday dishes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving, allowing hosts to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad – What You’ll Need

• Apples, Oranges, Grapes: Fresh, seasonal fruits add variety and natural sweetness to the salad. Choose firm, ripe fruits without bruises or soft spots.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart addition that provides chewy texture and concentrated flavor.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts bring rich, buttery crunch and depth of flavor. Use fresh, high-quality pecans for best results.

• Orange Juice, Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus juices create bright, tangy flavor base for the dressing.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create syrupy consistency.
• Apple Pie Spice, Orange Zest, Lemon Zest: Aromatic spices and zests provide warm, complex flavor profile.

Making a Fresh Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Roast Crunchy Pecans

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast until they release a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes.

Let them cool completely after removing from the oven.

Step 2: Create Zesty Citrus Dressing

• Orange juice
• Sugar
• Apple pie spice
• Lemon zest
• Orange zest

Whisk ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and allow the dressing to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Vibrant Fruit Medley

Core and slice apples into bite-sized chunks.

Splash with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Peel oranges and cut into small segments.

Step 4: Assemble Colorful Fruit Mixture

• Prepared apple pieces
• Dried cranberries
• Roasted pecans
• Whole grapes
• Orange segments

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the cooled citrus dressing over the fruit mixture.

Gently toss to ensure even coating.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to let flavors meld together.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Prep & Serving Tips

• Spread nuts evenly on baking sheet and watch closely to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from toasted to scorched.
• Toss apple pieces with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain fresh, crisp appearance and delay oxidation.
• Whisk orange juice mixture constantly while simmering to ensure smooth, well-blended flavor without burning sugar.
• Refrigerate salad for up to an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance overall taste profile.
• Swap fruits based on availability, like adding pomegranate seeds or using different nuts for unique texture and flavor.

Chill Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent fruit from spoiling quickly.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice over the salad before storing to stop apples from turning brown and preserve their crisp texture.
• Do not freeze this fruit salad, as it will make fruits mushy and compromise the delicate texture of the ingredients.
• If liquid accumulates at the bottom of the container, drain before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent sogginess.

Sides That Complement Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

• Pair Perfectly with Spiced Wines: Choose a warm, aromatic spiced wine like mulled wine or a light Beaujolais Nouveau that complements the fruit salad's zesty and sweet profile.
• Boost Flavor with Creamy Cheeses: Serve alongside soft, mild cheeses like brie or camembert to balance the salad's bright and tangy dressing, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wines: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to echo the orange and apple pie spice notes in the dressing, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Match with Holiday Breads: Accompany the salad with light, buttery rolls or a slice of pumpkin bread to provide a comforting and satisfying accompaniment that rounds out the fruity flavors.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Ingredient Twists

• Gluten-Free Autumn Mix: Replace pecans with almonds for those with nut allergies. Use certified gluten-free apple pie spice to ensure safe consumption for sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Holiday Fruit Blend: Swap sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use plant-based sweeteners that complement the fruit's natural flavors while maintaining the recipe's core essence.
• Low-Sugar Seasonal Salad: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while keeping the dressing's bright, zesty character intact.
• Tropical Winter Adaptation: Add diced mango or pineapple chunks to introduce exotic flavors. Incorporate coconut flakes for additional texture and a tropical undertone that elevates the traditional fruit salad profile.

FAQs

• What makes this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad unique?

The combination of fresh fruits, toasted pecans, and a homemade zesty orange dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can toast the pecans and make the dressing in advance. Slice the fruits just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh crispness.

• Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The salad is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For nut allergies, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.

• How can I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the apple pieces with lemon juice immediately after cutting, which helps prevent oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and white in the salad.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad brings family traditions to life with a colorful blend of seasonal fruits and creamy marshmallow dressing. Guests will savor each delightful spoonful of this classic holiday side dish that sparks joy around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 medium green apples
• 2 medium red apples
• 3 medium navel oranges
• 1 cup grapes
• 1 medium lemon (juiced)

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• 1 cup pecans
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

1. Arrange a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350°F. Scatter pecans evenly across the surface and roast until aromatic, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow nuts to cool completely after removing from oven.
2. Create a fragrant citrus-spiced dressing by combining orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon and orange zests in a saucepan. Whisk ingredients while heating over medium temperature until reaching a gentle boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve and cool thoroughly.
3. Prepare fruit components by coring and chopping apples into uniform bite-sized pieces. Protect apple slices from oxidation by tossing with fresh lemon juice. Carefully peel oranges and segment into similar-sized morsels.
4. Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine prepared apples, dried cranberries, roasted pecans, whole grapes, and orange segments. Ensure ingredients are distributed evenly.
5. Gently cascade cooled citrus dressing over fruit mixture, delicately folding to ensure complete coating. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour to enhance flavor melding. Garnish with additional toasted pecans if desired.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, keeping a close eye on them during the 5-7 minute roasting process.
• Customize the fruit salad by swapping out or adding seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, pears, or mandarin oranges for variety.
• Create a lighter version by using a sugar substitute or honey instead of granulated sugar in the dressing for a healthier alternative.
• Make the salad ahead of time by preparing components separately and combining just before serving to maintain the freshest texture and prevent fruit from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg