If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with a refreshing twist, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with crisp apples, juicy grapes, tropical pineapple, and a luscious creamy dressing with warm spices, it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly complement any Thanksgiving feast. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty makes this salad a standout side that your family and guests will rave about year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, or a vibrant pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser in your kitchen.
- 2 apples (chopped, skin on): Adds a crisp texture and subtle sweetness while keeping the salad fresh and juicy.
- 2 pears (chopped, skin on): Brings a delicate softness and floral notes that contrast wonderfully with the other fruits.
- 1 cup red grapes (halved): Offers bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely red hue to brighten the mix.
- 1 cup green grapes (halved): Adds a tart pop and balances the red grapes with their refreshing zing.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple (cubed): Gives a tropical flair and juicy tang that livens up the salad.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Introduces chewy, tart notes that deepen the overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted): Imparts a toasty crunch and nutty richness, elevating texture complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents browning of the fruit while adding a subtle citrus brightness.
- For the creamy dressing: Combining ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg creates a dreamy, lightly spiced dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toss the Fresh Fruit
Start by chopping the apples and pears—keeping the skins on for color and nutrients—and tossing them with the lemon juice in a large bowl. This step prevents browning and keeps the salad looking vibrant. Then, add the halved red and green grapes, fresh pineapple cubes, dried cranberries, and your toasted nuts. This colorful fruit medley is the heart of the salad, offering a delightful combination of freshness, sweetness, and crunch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix the vanilla Greek yogurt with maple syrup or honey, stirring in cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. This creamy dressing adds a luscious coating to the fruit, enhancing each bite with a subtle sweetness and spice that’s perfect for fall.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Allowing it to chill lets all those flavors mingle and deepen, making the salad even more delicious when served.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra toasted nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top right before serving. This adds an inviting crunch and a beautiful aroma that immediately draws people in. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, refreshing garnish if you want to add a bit of green.
Side Dishes
This fruit salad pairs beautifully with savory Thanksgiving classics like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or stuffing. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture provide a refreshing contrast that brightens up heavier dishes on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant layers of fruit, or portion it into individual parfait glasses for an elegant touch. You could also hollow out a pumpkin or a large apple to use as an edible serving bowl, creating a festive centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your gathering, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for up to two days, though the texture of the fruit may soften slightly over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the creamy coating.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh fruit’s crispness and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture dramatically and make the yogurt separation quite noticeable.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed. Just give it a quick toss once chilled leftovers are taken out to bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! You can swap pecans or walnuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch, or simply omit them. The salad will still be delicious and texturally interesting.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
To enjoy a vegan version, replace the vanilla Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. The flavors remain just as delightful!
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! Seasonal favorites like mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, or chopped persimmons make wonderful additions, adding even more color and seasonal flair to your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance, but it tastes best if eaten within 24 hours to keep the fruit fresh and the creamy dressing vibrant. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly after mixing.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, a small splash of lime juice or a mild vinegar like apple cider vinegar can also work to prevent browning and add brightness, but lemon remains the best option taste-wise.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is such a joy to make and share, bringing together the best flavors and textures of the season with ease. Its creamy, spiced dressing and colorful fresh fruits make it a standout addition to any holiday spread. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a beloved favorite at your Thanksgiving table for years to come!
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Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and creamy Thanksgiving Fruit Salad featuring a mix of fresh and dried fruits tossed in a lightly spiced vanilla Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect as a refreshing and colorful side dish to complement your holiday meal.
Ingredients
Fruits and Nuts
- 2 apples (chopped, skin on)
- 2 pears (chopped, skin on)
- 1 cup red grapes (halved)
- 1 cup green grapes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple (cubed)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples and pears with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the halved red and green grapes, cubed pineapple, dried cranberries, and toasted chopped pecans or walnuts to the bowl with the apples and pears.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vanilla Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the mixed fruit and nuts, gently tossing to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, use plain Greek yogurt and omit the sweetener.
- Add mandarins, pomegranate seeds, or chopped persimmons for more color and flavor diversity.
- This fruit salad pairs beautifully with savory Thanksgiving dishes, providing a refreshing contrast.
