Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Introduction

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad has quickly become a favorite at my family’s holiday gatherings. The combination of crisp apples, juicy citrus, and sweet dried cranberries makes for a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor. What truly elevates this salad, though, is the warm spiced dressing that coats the fruits and brings all of the elements together in the most delicious way. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, this salad is a refreshing addition to any Thanksgiving spread, and it’s always a hit with both children and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is everything you want in a holiday dish—colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It takes just 10 minutes to assemble, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving table. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the toasted pecans and tangy dressing, which is infused with the warm, comforting spices of apple pie spice and citrus zest. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a light dessert, this salad provides the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can easily make this salad ahead of time or right before serving.
• Seasonal Flavors: The apples, oranges, and cranberries are quintessential fall ingredients, while the spiced dressing adds a cozy holiday feel.
• Versatile: It can be served as a refreshing side dish, or even as a healthy dessert option, especially after a heavy Thanksgiving meal.
• Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh fruit and nuts, this salad is a nutrient-dense option that’s light yet satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the fruit and dressing ahead of time, making it easier to serve when you’re ready.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving Fruit Salad:

For the Fruit Salad:

• 2 medium green apples
• 2 medium red apples
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup grapes
• 3 medium navel oranges
• 1 medium lemon (juiced)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ¼ tsp apple pie spice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and place them in the oven while it preheats. Toast for about 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking to combine and dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture reaches a low boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the zest and any larger particles. Let the dressing cool completely before using.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit
Core the apples and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the apple slices with juice from half a lemon to prevent them from browning. Peel and segment the oranges, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the grapes in half (if desired) to make them easier to eat and incorporate into the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange segments. Drizzle the cooled dressing over the fruit mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure all of the fruit is coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for up to 1 hour before serving to chill and let the flavors develop.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of the recipe)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time
10 minutes

How to Serve

• As a side dish: This fruit salad works wonderfully as a light and refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of your Thanksgiving meal.
• As a dessert: With its natural sweetness and vibrant flavors, this salad can easily serve as a lighter dessert option after a heavy meal.
• For breakfast: Leftovers make a great addition to your breakfast routine! Serve the fruit salad on top of yogurt or with a sprinkle of granola for a quick and healthy start to your day.

Additional Tips

1. Use a variety of apples: Mixing different types of apples, such as sweet red apples and tart green apples, adds complexity and balances the flavors of the salad.
2. Customize the fruit: Feel free to add other fruits, like pears, pineapple, or even pomegranate seeds, depending on what’s in season or what you enjoy.
3. Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the salad. Be sure not to skip this step!
4. Make it ahead of time: While you can make this salad fresh, you can also prepare the fruit and dressing ahead of time. Store the fruit in an airtight container and the dressing in a separate container in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.
5. Serve chilled: This salad tastes even better when chilled, so if possible, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the fruit and dressing in advance. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
2. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
   Yes, walnuts or almonds would work well in place of pecans.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture.
4. Can I add other fruits?
   Absolutely! You can add fruits like pears, strawberries, or grapes to suit your preferences.
5. What can I use instead of apple pie spice?
   If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
6. Can I substitute the sugar in the dressing?
   Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or stevia as a substitute for white sugar.
7. Is this fruit salad gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
8. How can I make the dressing spicier?
   You can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick.
9. Can I add whipped cream or yogurt to the salad?
   Yes, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt can make this salad even more indulgent as a dessert.
10. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
    You can use fresh cranberries, but you may want to sweeten them with a little sugar or honey to balance their tartness.

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a simple yet delightful addition to your holiday spread. It combines the natural sweetness of apples and oranges with the crunch of toasted pecans and the tartness of dried cranberries. With the added warmth from the spiced dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

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