Prepare to wow your guests with this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe—a vibrant, refreshing medley that’s just as gorgeous to look at as it is delightful to eat! This isn’t your ordinary fruit salad; it’s brimming with crisp autumn apples and pears, bursts of juicy grapes, tangy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, and a handful of festive cranberries and pecans. Tossed in a luscious vanilla Greek yogurt and honey dressing, every bite is creamy, fruity, and just a little bit nutty. Trust me, this is the dish your holiday table has been waiting for—light, fresh, and full of Thanksgiving cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Fruit Salad:
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- juice of 1/2 lemon
How to Make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Toss the Apples and Pears
Start by coring and dicing the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the top, and toss gently. This little step keeps the fruit crisp and bright, ensuring your salad stays picture-perfect for hours.
Step 2: Add the Grapes, Pineapple, Oranges, Cranberries, and Pecans
Layer in the halved red and green grapes, pineapple chunks, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Every addition brings its own flavor and color, transforming your bowl into a holiday mosaic. Stir everything together gently to distribute the bounty evenly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cinnamon Yogurt Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, and ground cinnamon until completely smooth. Don’t skip the cinnamon—it’s what sets this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe apart, infusing warm, comforting flavor into every bite.
Step 4: Combine Fruit and Dressing
Pour the creamy yogurt dressing over the fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together using a large spoon or spatula, taking care not to mash the fruit. You want every bit delicately coated, with the colors still shining through.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly. When you’re ready to serve, give it one last gentle toss and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans, a handful of dried cranberries, or a light dusting of cinnamon on top makes your Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe look as special as it tastes. For a bright touch, add a few fresh mint leaves just before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey or ham, but it also stands out alongside savory stuffing, mashed potatoes, or even baked mac and cheese. The fresh, tangy flavors balance out richer sides and give everyone a refreshing bite in between courses.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving your fruit salad in a hollowed-out pumpkin or a big glass trifle bowl. Individual portions in mason jars or stemless wine glasses look adorable at a buffet! The Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe adapts to whatever festive flair you want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Pop your covered leftovers in the fridge and they’ll stay delicious for up to two days. The salad keeps its crunch and that yogurt dressing prevents fruits from browning, making it easy to enjoy even after the big feast.
Freezing
While the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, freezing isn’t recommended. The yogurt dressing and juicy fruits don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing; the texture just isn’t the same. Make only as much as you’ll need in the next couple days.
Reheating
This tasty salad is strictly chill-friendly! No reheating needed—in fact, you’ll want to serve it straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor. If some dressing separates, just give it a gentle stir before dishing up.
FAQs
Can I make this salad nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or swap them for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you like a bit of crunch. This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe is wonderfully flexible for all dietary needs.
What other fruits can I use if I’m missing something?
You can easily substitute or add in seasonal fruits like bananas, kiwi, or even pomegranate arils. Try to keep the balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy for the best overall flavor profile.
How can I make this vegan?
Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free vanilla yogurt and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. The Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe still tastes rich and creamy, but entirely plant-based!
Does this salad get soggy?
Not if you stick to firmer fruits and serve it within two days. The yogurt-based dressing keeps everything crisp and the lemon juice prevents browning, so each bite stays fresh and lively.
What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?
Simply double all the ingredients and use a bigger bowl! You might need to whisk the dressing in batches, but the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe scales up beautifully and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
Let this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe become your new holiday tradition—a burst of festive colors and flavors that everyone will look forward to year after year. Give it a try this season and watch your family reach for seconds. It’s a guaranteed celebration on every plate!
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 delightful mix of fresh fruits, nuts, and a creamy yogurt dressing. It’s a colorful and flavorful addition to your holiday table, perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
Ingredients
Fruit Salad:
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples and pears. Squeeze lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
- Add Remaining Fruits and Nuts: Add grapes, pineapple, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and pecans to the bowl.
- Make the Yogurt Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the yogurt mixture over the fruit and gently fold to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the fruit salad chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
- For extra sweetness, add mini marshmallows.
- Best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
