Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food! This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a refreshing dish that brings a burst of colors and flavors to your holiday table. It is easy to make and a great way to include some healthy fruits in your feast.

Why Make This Recipe

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. It offers a sweet and tangy taste that complements rich dishes typically served during Thanksgiving. The combination of crunchy apples, juicy oranges, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal fruits!

How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Making Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is simple and quick. Just follow the steps below for a tasty and vibrant dish.

Ingredients

2 medium green apples
2 medium red apples
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans
1 cup grapes
3 medium navel oranges
1 medium lemon (juiced)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place the pecans on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they smell fragrant, about 5-10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat while whisking to mix everything well. Bring it to a low boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any zest and cool it completely.
Core and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss the apples with juice from half a lemon to stop them from browning.
Peel the oranges and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, mix the apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and oranges. Pour the cooled dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is best served fresh. You can serve it in a large bowl as a centerpiece on your table, allowing everyone to help themselves. You can also portion it into smaller bowls for individual servings.

How to Store Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

If you have leftovers (though unlikely with this delicious dish!), store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.

Tips to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Make sure to cut the apples and oranges just before serving to keep them fresh.
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Add some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Variation

Feel free to add other fruits like bananas or berries for different flavors and textures. A sprinkle of mint leaves can also add freshness to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to make this salad just before serving to keep the fruits fresh. If needed, prepare the dressing in advance and mix it with the fruit right before serving.

2. How can I make this salad sweeter?
You can add more sugar or honey to the dressing. You could also include sweeter fruits like pineapple or strawberries.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is gluten-free as all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry!

4. Can I use canned fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruits are recommended for the best taste and texture, you can use canned fruits in light syrup if fresh fruits are not available. Just make sure to drain them well.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration with this delightful and colorful fruit salad!