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Do you have a big crowd coming over, or a smaller, more intimate gathering? This bright fruit salad is ideal for any size event. It comes together quickly so you can spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
After a meal packed with heavier Thanksgiving dishes, this fruit salad is a refreshing, lighter finish that complements richer flavors on the table.
Table of Contents
Fruit Salad for Thanksgiving
Pomegranate seeds bring bright color, seasonal flavor, and a lively crunch that everyone enjoys. They make the salad feel festive and fresh.
Why Make This Recipe
- Sweet: The mix of fruits creates a naturally sweet dish.
- Juicy: Ripe fruits release delightful juices that make each bite refreshing.
- Kid-friendly: Colorful, easy-to-eat fruit is a hit with children and adults alike.
Ingredient Notes
- Pears — Choose ripe pears for a sweet, buttery texture. Red, yellow or green varieties all work.
- Apples — Use a mix of red and green apples for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Seedless grapes — Red or purple seedless grapes are ideal.
- Kiwis — Sweet-tart and tender when peeled and sliced.
- Mandarins — Easy-to-peel segments (clementines or “Cuties”) add juicy sweetness.
- Pomegranate seeds — Tart, jewel-like arils that add color and texture.
- Dried cranberries — Provide a chewy, sweet-tart contrast; avoid fresh cranberries unless you sweeten them.
- Apple pie spice — Cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice give a warm, fall flavor; pumpkin pie spice is an alternative.
- Mandarin or orange juice — Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled orange juice works fine.
- Maple syrup — A small amount intensifies fruit flavors and creates a light glaze.
- Mint (optional) — Fresh mint for garnish and a hint of herbal brightness.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
Sharp knives and a large mixing bowl make preparation quicker and safer. A good peeler and citrus juicer will also speed things up and give neater results.
How To Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
Full ingredients and steps are available in the recipe card below.
Step 1. Wash and chop all fruit into bite-sized pieces. Place the fruit in a large bowl.
Step 2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk mandarin (or orange) juice, maple syrup and apple pie spice to make the dressing.
Step 3. Pour the dressing over the fruit.
Step 4. Toss gently to combine. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Bintu’s Tips
- Use fresh, in-season fruit for the best flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon or lime juice to the dressing to slow browning of apples and pears.
- Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Try fresh herbs like mint or basil, or add coconut flakes or a pinch of sea salt for complexity.
- Experiment with dressings—maple-lime or a light balsamic glaze both work well.
- For a festive touch, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Delicious Variations
- Greek Yogurt Fruit Salad – Stir in Greek yogurt and add bananas and walnuts for a creamy, protein-rich version.
- Berry Medley – Use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries with a honey-lime drizzle.
- Mediterranean Twist – Combine watermelon, cucumber, feta and mint, then finish with a balsamic glaze.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Chop fruit and prepare dressing separately. Toss with dressing about 45 minutes before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Store – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Freezing is not recommended; fresh fruit loses texture when thawed.
FAQs
Yes. Toasted pecans, walnuts or pumpkin seeds add a pleasant crunch. Be aware of guests’ nut allergies.
Toss cut apples and pears with a little lemon or lime juice to slow oxidation. Adding the dressing just before serving also helps.
Look for fruits that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure, with vibrant color and a fresh aroma. Avoid bruised or overly soft fruit.
Similar Recipes
Looking for more easy, flavorful recipes? Try these popular salads and dessert ideas from the collection:
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Christmas Fruit Salad
- Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad
Serve With
- Pancakes or waffles for a festive brunch.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to make it dessert-like.
Recommended Tools
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- Sharp knives for easy slicing and dicing.
- An airtight storage container to keep leftovers fresh.
Weight Watchers Points
This salad contains 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint per serving.
Thank you for reading this Thanksgiving fruit salad recipe. Enjoy the fresh, colorful addition to your holiday table.
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Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 pears (diced)
- 2 red apples (sliced)
- 2 green apples (sliced)
- 2 cups seedless grapes
- 3 kiwis (peeled, sliced and quartered)
- 3 mandarins (peeled)
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ¼ cup mandarin or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Wash and chop all fruit into bite-sized pieces.
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing to help prevent browning.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds before serving for crunch.
- Try herbs like mint or basil, or toppings like coconut flakes or a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- There is 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint per serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 56 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 1 g |
Fiber: 8 g |
Sugar: 42 g