Name: Fall Fruit Salad That Bursts with Flavor and Color
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Green Apples (Substitution: use Granny Smith or Fuji apples); 2 cups Red Apples (Substitution: Gala or Honeycrisp apples); 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Substitution: use raisins or other dried fruits); 1 cup Pecans (Substitution: walnuts or almonds); 1 cup Grapes (Halved or whole); 2 large Navel Oranges (Substitution: mandarin oranges or clementines); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1/4 cup Orange Juice; 2 tablespoons White Sugar; 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice; 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest; 1 teaspoon Orange Zest

As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the scent of spices and sweet anticipation. It’s the perfect time to introduce a vibrant centerpiece that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds: my Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing. This refreshing Fall Fruit Salad brings together crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and zingy oranges, beautifully accented with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Not only can you whip this crowd-pleaser up in just 10 minutes, but it also offers a healthier alternative to heavier holiday dishes. Whether served as a light side or a unique dessert topped with a scoop of ice cream, this fruit salad promises to be a delightful addition to your festive table. Ready to brighten up your holiday gathering? Let’s dive into this delicious creation!

Why is This Fruit Salad a Must-Make?

Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad bursts with the bright flavors of fresh fruits, making it visually stunning and delicious.

Ready in Just 10 Minutes: Say goodbye to lengthy prep times! You can enjoy this scrumptious dish in no time, allowing for more time with loved ones.

Versatile Delight: Whether you serve it as a light side dish alongside your holiday turkey or top it with ice cream for a refreshing dessert, this salad fits any occasion beautifully.

Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and healthy fats from the nuts, this fruit salad makes for a guilt-free addition to your holiday feast.

Crowd-Pleasing Recipe: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love this fruity explosion of flavors. Pair it with dishes like our Butternut Squash Fall Soup for a perfectly seasonal meal!

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Ingredients

For the Fruit Base
• Green Apples – Provides crispness and tartness; substitution: use Granny Smith or Fuji apples.
• Red Apples – Adds sweetness and color; substitution: Gala or Honeycrisp apples work well.
• Dried Cranberries – Contributes a tangy sweetness; substitution: use raisins or other dried fruits.
• Pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; substitution: walnuts or almonds can be used.
• Grapes – Brings sweetness and juiciness; can be halved or left whole.
• Navel Oranges – Introduces citrusy brightness to the dish; substitution: mandarin oranges or clementines.

For the Dressing
• Lemon Juice – Prevents apple browning and enhances flavor.
• Orange Juice – Acts as the base for the dressing, providing a fresh citrus flavor.
• White Sugar – Sweetens the dressing, balancing its acidity.
• Apple Pie Spice – Provides warmth and holiday flavor to the dressing.
• Lemon Zest & Orange Zest – Adds aromatic and vibrant citrus notes to the dressing.

Get ready to enjoy this delightful Thanksgiving Fruit Salad that not only satisfies your taste buds, but also brightens up your holiday table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread pecans evenly on a lined baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are fragrant and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool completely before chopping.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a low boil, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, strain the dressing through a fine sieve, and let it cool while you prepare the fruits.

Step 3: Core and Slice the Apples
Core the green and red apples, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss the apple pieces in fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their flavor. This step is crucial to maintaining the vibrant look of your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.

Step 4: Prepare the Oranges
Peel the navel oranges and slice them into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds as you go. The juicy segments will add a delightful burst of flavor to the salad. Set the orange pieces aside, ready to combine with the apples and other fruits.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, halved grapes, and orange pieces. Gently mix these colorful ingredients together, ensuring that each fruit is well incorporated in the blend for this festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.

Step 6: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the cooled citrus dressing over the fruit mixture, being careful to coat each piece lightly. Using a large spoon, toss everything gently until the salad is evenly dressed. This will enhance the flavors and bring the salad together perfectly for your holiday table.

Step 7: Serve or Chill
You can serve the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad immediately for the freshest taste or cover it and refrigerate until serving. If chilling, let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious experience!

How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, as the texture of the fruits will change when thawed.

Pre-Preparation: For a time-saving tip, prepare components like toasted pecans and dressing ahead of time, which can be stored separately.

Reheating: Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need for reheating. Simply serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Thanksgiving Fruit Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can toast the pecans and prepare the citrus dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. For the fruit, slice the apples and toss them immediately in lemon juice to prevent browning, storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just combine all the fruits and drizzle the dressing over the top for a delightful presentation. This ensure you enjoy a fresh, vibrant Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Choose Fresh Fruits: Use seasonal fruits that are ripe for a burst of freshness; overripe fruits can lead to a mushy salad.
Prevent Browning: Toss apple slices immediately with lemon juice after cutting to keep them vibrant and appealing in your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.
Toast for Flavor: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.
Chill Before Serving: Let your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more refreshing taste.
Customize with Extras: Feel free to mix in other fruits, like diced pears or pomegranate seeds, to add variety and extra color to your beautiful fruit salad.

What to Serve with Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to consider pairing this vibrant bowl of fruity delight with your festive feast.

Roast Turkey: A classic holiday choice, the savory flavors of roast turkey balance the sweetness of the fruit salad beautifully. Their contrasting textures create a memorable bite!
Honey Glazed Ham: The sweet and savory notes of ham harmonize with the fruity zing of the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, making for a delightful contrast on your plate.
Cranberry Sauce: A hint of tartness from homemade cranberry sauce can enhance the freshness of the salad. Pairing them will surely tickle the taste buds!
Stuffing: Whether it’s cornbread or herbed stuffing, the hearty texture and savory spices provide a satisfying counterpart to the refreshing sweetness of the salad.
Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts tossed in maple syrup brilliantly deepens the flavor experience alongside your fruit salad.
Sparkling Cider: For drinks, a glass of chilled sparkling cider adds a refreshing sparkle that elevates the holiday spirit, mixing perfectly with the fruity notes of your salad.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a sweet finish, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the fruit salad turns your side into a dessert that will impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Fall Fruit Salad Variations & Substitutions

Customize this delightful dish and surprise your family with new flavors and textures that elevate your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad!

Pear Swap: Substitute diced pears for any of the apples for a softer, juicier bite. Its sweetness complements the cranberries perfectly.
Citrus Explosion: Add blood orange segments for a pop of color and a unique citrusy twist that will keep your guests talking!
Nutty Variations: Replace pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile. Each nut brings its own charm to the mix.
Dried Fruit Medley: Use raisins, apricots, or cherries instead of cranberries for a delightful mix of sweetness and texture that stands out on the table.
Heat it Up: Toss in jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruits.
Festive Pomegranate: For a holiday flair, add pomegranate seeds. Their vibrant color and juicy burst will add a festive touch and extra health benefits!
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal twist that brightens each bite and adds a garden-fresh flavor.
Frozen Treat: Serve the salad over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy dessert experience that turns a side dish into a delightful finale.

Feel free to take your pick from these variations to create a Thanksgiving Fruit Salad that reflects your personal taste and style! If you’re looking for something equally delicious, try our Buffalo Chicken Salad for another delightful twist!

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe fruits for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting fruits, look for apples that are firm to the touch with no dark spots or bruising. For oranges and grapes, opt for those that feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Fresh, vibrant colors are a great signal that they are ripe and ready to shine in your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad!

How should I store leftovers?
For any leftovers, store your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep your apples looking fresh, ensure they’re well coated with lemon juice. If you notice any browning, don’t worry; simply give the salad a gentle toss before serving again!

Can I freeze this fruit salad?
It’s best not to freeze your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, as freezing will change the texture of the fruits, making them mushy when thawed. Instead, consider preparing the dressing and toasting the pecans in advance so they can stay fresh longer, making assembly easier when you’re ready to serve!

What if my salad becomes mushy?
If your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad ends up mushy, it might be due to overripe fruits. In the future, make sure to choose crisp apples and firm grapes. Additionally, keep the fruits separate until just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch and textures.

Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! If you’re preparing this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad for guests with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which offer a bit of crunch without the allergens. It’s a great way to ensure everyone can enjoy this festive dish together!

What other fruits can I add to the salad?
Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like diced pears, which add a unique texture, or sprinkle in some pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. The more, the merrier in your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad! This makes it versatile and allows you to cater to your taste preferences!