If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing side to brighten up your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy apples and pears mingle with sweet grapes, pineapple, and mandarin oranges, while a hint of warm cinnamon and creamy vanilla Greek yogurt bring the perfect cozy touch. It’s the kind of dish that adds color, texture, and a burst of natural sweetness to your feast, making everyone reach for seconds. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become a cherished tradition for your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From crisp fruits to crunchy nuts and creamy dressing, everything works in harmony to make this salad truly special.
- 2 apples, cored and diced: Crisp and slightly tart to add a refreshing crunch.
- 2 pears, cored and diced: Soft and juicy with a gentle sweetness to complement the apples.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved: Bursting with sweet juiciness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved: Adds a bright, tangy contrast.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Tropical zing that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained: Adds tender citrus bursts and lovely color.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: A touch of chewiness and tartness that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Crunchy texture and nutty flavor that takes this salad to the next level.
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it binds everything together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Natural sweetness that balances the tart fruits.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm spice to give the salad a seasonal hug.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Keeps fruits fresh and adds a zesty brightness.
How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by coring and dicing the apples and pears, then place them into a large mixing bowl. Immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon on top and toss gently—this simple step prevents the apples and pears from turning brown, keeping your salad looking fresh and inviting.
Step 2: Add the Other Fruits and Nuts
Next, mix in the halved red and green grapes, fresh pineapple chunks, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. This colorful combination of textures and flavors makes the salad exciting in every bite, giving you crisp, juicy, sweet, and chewy notes all at once.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, and warm ground cinnamon until you have a smooth, fragrant dressing. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon brings a cozy holiday feel that ties everything together.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit and nuts, then fold gently to coat every piece evenly without smashing them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the fruit, elevating the entire dish.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the fruit beautifully.
Side Dishes
This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving mains like roasted turkey or ham. It also balances heavier sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing because of its light, refreshing sweetness and crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe in individual clear glasses or small mason jars. Layer the dressing and fruit for a pretty parfait look that’s both elegant and practical for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This fruit salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind the fruit may release some juice, so gently stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the fruits and yogurt once thawed. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or substitute them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch without nuts.
What can I use instead of vanilla Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have vanilla Greek yogurt, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little vanilla extract and honey works perfectly as a substitute.
Can I prepare the fruit salad the night before Thanksgiving?
Yes, you can make it the night before, but for the freshest texture, it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing shortly before serving or at least refrigerate it for only a few hours.
Is this salad suitable for kids?
Definitely! The naturally sweet fruits combined with the creamy dressing make it a hit with kids. To make it fun, serve it in colorful cups or add mini marshmallows for extra sweetness.
How can I add more texture to the salad?
Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts is the easiest way to introduce crunch. You could also toss in some toasted coconut flakes or granola for a delightful contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is a joyful celebration of seasonal flavors and textures that will brighten your holiday table and delight your guests. It’s simple to make, bursting with natural sweetness, and perfectly balanced with a creamy, cinnamon-spiced dressing. Give it a try this year—you might just find a new holiday favorite that keeps your celebrations fresh and flavorful for years to come.
Print
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing holiday side dish combining crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, tangy pineapple, and mandarin oranges with a creamy honey-cinnamon yogurt dressing. Enhanced with dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for festive gatherings or a healthy treat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 apples, cored and diced
- 2 pears, cored and diced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Nuts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Dressing
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples and pears. Squeeze the lemon juice over them and toss gently to prevent browning and preserve freshness.
- Add Remaining Fruit and Nuts: Add the halved red and green grapes, pineapple chunks, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the apples and pears.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, then gently fold everything together ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the fruit.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve the salad chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For extra sweetness and texture, mix in a few mini marshmallows.
- This salad is best served the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
