If you’re looking for a delightful, fresh, and vibrant dish to brighten up your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It balances sweet, tart, and nutty flavors with a hint of autumn spice to create a salad that feels festive and refreshing all at once. With crisp apples, juicy oranges, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans, it’s the perfect colorful complement to your Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love.

A clear glass bowl is filled with a colorful fresh fruit salad, showing layers of chopped green and red apple pieces, orange slices, red grapes, dried cranberries, and whole pecans. The fruits are cut into similar small chunks, mixed evenly throughout the bowl, creating a vibrant mix of red, green, orange, and brown colors. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with some green grapes and pecans scattered around it, and a small glass bowl of light orange dressing placed on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role: from the crunch of pecans to the bright citrus zest that elevates the entire mix, these ingredients come together to create a symphony of texture and flavor.

Green apples: Add a crisp tartness that contrasts beautifully with sweeter fruits.
Red apples: Bring a subtle sweetness and lovely color to the salad.
Dried cranberries: Offer a chewy burst of tartness, perfect for holiday vibes.
Pecans: Toasted to bring out their rich, buttery flavor and provide satisfying crunch.
Grapes: Juicy and sweet, they add refreshing pops throughout.
Navel oranges: Their bright, tangy segments deliver zesty freshness.
Lemon (juiced): Prevents apples from browning and adds a zippy tang.
Orange juice: Forms the base of a sweet, spiced dressing that ties everything together.
White sugar: Balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness.
Apple pie spice: Brings cozy, warm notes perfect for fall.
Lemon zest: Intensifies citrus flavor in the dressing.
Orange zest: Adds a fragrant, citrusy aroma to brighten the salad.

How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Warm the oven to 350°F and spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Pop them in while the oven heats so they toast evenly. Once you can smell their irresistible nutty aroma, take them out and let them cool. Toasting pecans enhances their buttery depth, making every bite richer.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Citrus Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, and the zests of lemon and orange. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and cool completely—this dressing will add that perfect touch of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Prep the Fruit

Core and slice the green and red apples into bite-sized chunks, then toss them with fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a bright, fresh note. Peel the navel oranges, remove all the white pith, and cut into pieces similar in size to the apples. This ensures every spoonful of your salad gives a great balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently mix together apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. Drizzle the cooled dressing over the entire mix and toss carefully to make sure every fruit segment is lightly coated. This step brings the salad to life, melding all those fresh flavors with the warm, spiced dressing.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a dark wood table with a white marbled texture, filled with six neat sections of fresh fruit and nuts: bright orange chunks, green apple pieces, red apple pieces, deep red grapes, dark red dried berries in the center, and a small pile of light brown pecans placed slightly on top of the grapes. Nearby, a white bowl holds more red grapes, an orange rests on the table, and a smaller clear glass container with a golden yellow dressing and a whisk inside is placed beside the fruit bowl. A green and white checkered cloth is casually draped on the table. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a handful of pomegranate seeds makes for a stunning garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra toasted pecans on top for a little crunch when serving.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad shines alongside traditional Thanksgiving mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. It also complements creamy casseroles and buttery mashed potatoes by providing a refreshing contrast that awakens the palate and balances richer flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the salad in hollowed-out oranges or elegant glass bowls to show off its gorgeous colors. You might also layer it with yogurt and granola for a breakfast twist, or use it as a topping for pumpkin cheesecake for an unexpected pop of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the dressing helps preserve the fruit, it stays vibrant, but keep in mind that apples and oranges may become a bit softer over time.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh fruits and dressing will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of preparation.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating will alter the texture and freshness of the fruit, so resist the urge to warm it up. Instead, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine.

FAQs

Can I substitute any fruits in the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for a perfect balance, you can swap in pears, kiwi, or berries depending on your preferences or seasonal availability. Just make sure to adjust quantities to maintain that delightful mix of sweet and tart.

Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?

If you have a nut allergy, simply leave out the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. The salad will still be delicious and full of texture.

How far in advance can I make this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe?

You can prepare this salad up to a day ahead. Store it well covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.

Can I make the dressing without apple pie spice?

Yes! If you don’t have apple pie spice handy, try using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. This will maintain the warm, cozy notes that complement the fruit perfectly.

What is the best way to prevent apples from browning in the salad?

Tossing sliced apples with fresh lemon juice right after cutting does the trick. The acid in the lemon juice slows down oxidation, keeping your apples bright and fresh-looking in the salad.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is a joyful celebration of autumn’s best flavors wrapped in a refreshing, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re adding it as a side or a light dessert, it’s sure to become a treasured part of your holiday tradition. Give it a try and watch your friends and family delight in every colorful, flavorful bite.