If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with something fresh, colorful, and packed with festive flavors, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is exactly what you need. It beautifully balances crisp apples, juicy oranges, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted pecans all brought together by a warm, spiced citrus dressing. Every bite bursts with a harmony of textures and cozy tastes that perfectly complement your Thanksgiving feast. This salad is not only a refreshing palate cleanser but also a cheerful celebration of fall’s best fruits.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad’s delightful character. From the crunch of fresh apples to the zest of citrus, every element adds a layer of texture, flavor, or festive color.

2 medium green apples: Adds crispness and a slightly tart flavor that balances sweetness.
2 medium red apples: Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant red color for visual appeal.
¾ cup dried cranberries: Injects chewy sweetness with a classic holiday touch.
1 cup pecans: Toasted to bring out their rich nuttiness and a satisfying crunch.
1 cup grapes: Offers juicy bursts that contrast the firmer fruits.
3 medium navel oranges: Peeled and chopped to add juicy citrus brightness.
1 medium lemon (juiced): Used to keep apples from browning and add fresh acidity.
½ cup orange juice: Forms the base of the warm dressing, enhancing citrus notes.
¼ cup white sugar: Sweetens the dressing to balance tartness and spice.
¼ tsp apple pie spice: Infuses the dressing with cozy fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Zest of 1 lemon: Adds a fragrant citrus kick to the dressing.
Zest of 1 orange: Complements the lemon zest with extra brightness.

How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Toast them while the oven heats until you can smell their toasty aroma, usually right as the oven reaches temperature—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, then set aside to cool. Toasting pecans unlocks their rich flavor and adds a lovely crunch you won’t want to miss.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Citrus Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, and the zests of lemon and orange. Place the pan over medium heat and whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the juice. Then strain the dressing through a fine mesh strainer to keep it silky smooth. Let it cool completely before dressing the salad.

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Fruit

Core and slice both the green and red apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with juice from half a lemon right away to keep them from browning and ensure they stay fresh and vibrant. Peel the oranges carefully, removing all white pith, and chop them into similarly sized pieces to keep consistent texture throughout the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. Drizzle your cooled dressing over everything and gently toss until the fruit is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that wonderfully spiced citrus flavor that makes this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad a standout at the table.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Garnishes

Want to add an extra touch? Sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves or a handful of pomegranate seeds on top to give your salad a festive pop of color and refreshing aroma. These garnishes not only enhance the look but introduce subtle new layers of flavor and texture that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. Its lightness and fruity zest provide a perfect counterbalance to heavier, savory plates on your holiday menu.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad in individual glass parfaits layered with whipped cream or Greek yogurt to turn it into a festive dessert. Alternatively, hollow out a large, ripe pumpkin or an orange as a natural bowl for a charming presentation that celebrates the season fully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Thanksgiving Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within two days as the fresh fruit may start to release more juice and soften, but the flavors will meld nicely overnight if you prepare it in advance.

Freezing

This salad is best served fresh and isn’t ideal for freezing since the juicy fruits and nuts can change texture when thawed. If you want to save time for future gatherings, consider prepping the dressing and toasting the pecans ahead of time instead.

Reheating

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and keep it looking fresh and appetizing.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts or almonds work well too and will give a different but equally delicious crunch and flavor to your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad.

Is it okay to use other types of apples?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples based on your preference or what’s available. Mixing different apple varieties enhances the texture and taste.

Can I make this salad completely vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses only fruits, nuts, and plant-based ingredients in the dressing. Just be sure to check your sugar source if you want to keep it strictly vegan.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

It’s best to prepare the fruit and dressing separately a day ahead and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Certainly! Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even kiwi can add an exciting twist and extra color to the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, just keep the pieces bite-sized for easy eating.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a joyful, colorful addition to any holiday meal, bringing bright flavors and wonderful textures that make your feast feel complete. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and sure to become a favorite you’ll look forward to every year. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new Thanksgiving tradition.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining crisp apples, juicy oranges, tart dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sweet grapes. Tossed in a zesty citrus-spiced dressing made with orange juice, lemon, and a touch of apple pie spice, it perfectly balances sweet, tart, and nutty flavors for a festive addition to your holiday table.

Instructions

Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast while the oven heats. When you can smell their aroma and the oven reaches temperature, remove the pecans and allow them to cool.
Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, and the zest of one lemon and one orange. Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat.
Simmer and Strain: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. Strain the dressing through a fine mesh strainer to remove zest and spice particles, then cool completely.
Prepare the Apples: Core and slice the green and red apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pieces with the juice of half a lemon to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
Segment the Oranges: Peel the oranges carefully, removing all the white pith, then cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange segments.
Toss with Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the cooled citrus dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

For best texture, serve the salad shortly after tossing to prevent sogginess.
Use fresh citrus for zest and juice for maximum flavor.
Toast pecans lightly to enhance their flavor but avoid burning.
You can substitute walnuts if pecans are unavailable.
Adjust sugar in the dressing depending on your sweetness preference or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing and simmering
Cuisine: American