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Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

A vibrant medley of crisp apples, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Fruits
  • 2 medium green apples Crisp and refreshing
  • 2 medium red apples Sweet variety
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries For tartness
  • 1 cup grapes Fresh and juicy
  • 3 medium navel oranges Sweet and juicy segments
  • 1 medium lemon (juiced) For bright acidity
Dressing
  • ½ cup orange juice Adds sweetness
  • ¼ cup white sugar Adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp apple pie spice For warmth
  • 1 zest lemon Enhances flavor
  • 1 zest orange Adds citrus note
Toppings
  • 1 cup pecans Toasted for crunch

Method
 

Prepare Pecans
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
Make Dressing
  1. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Heat over medium and whisk until combined. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then strain and let cool.
Prepare Fruits
  1. Core and slice the apples, tossing them with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Peel and segment the oranges.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the green apples, red apples, cranberries, grapes, orange segments, and toasted pecans. Pour the cooled dressing over and gently toss to mix.
  2. Serve in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.

Notes

For best texture, cut the apples just before serving. Consider adding a sprinkle of mint for freshness.