Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This refreshing and festive Thanksgiving fruit salad brings together apples, oranges, cranberries, and pecans in a spiced citrus dressing that brightens any holiday table. It’s perfect for balancing heavier dishes and adds a colorful, healthy option for your guests.

I initially made this to use up leftover apples and oranges before Thanksgiving dinner and it quickly became a requested tradition in our family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Two medium green apples: for a tart crunch choose firm and glossy fruit for best texture
• Two medium red apples: add sweetness pick those that feel heavy and free of bruises
• Three quarters cup dried cranberries: provide chewy bursts of flavor ensure they are plump and not overly dry
• One cup pecans: add buttery richness opt for fresh nuts without a musty smell
• One cup grapes: lend juicy sweetness select firm grapes without wrinkles
• Three medium navel oranges: are the star of the dressing and salad pick ones heavy with smooth skin for juiciness
• One medium lemon: for fresh juice prevents browning and adds brightness
• Half a cup orange juice: forms the base of the dressing pick freshly squeezed if possible
• Quarter cup white sugar: balances tartness adjust to your taste
• Quarter teaspoon apple pie spice: infuses warm flavor choose a mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for authenticity
• Zest of one lemon: heightens citrus aroma use a fine grater for delicate shavings
• Zest of one orange: complements the dressing with fragrant oils pick unwaxed fruit if you can

Instructions

Build The Pecan Toast:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread pecans on a baking sheet. Place in the oven while it heats to release the nutty aroma. When you smell the toasted scent and the oven reaches temperature usually about 10 minutes remove pecans promptly to prevent burning then cool completely. This brings out maximum flavor and crunch.

Prepare The Dressing:

In a small saucepan combine orange juice sugar apple pie spice lemon zest and orange zest. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until it begins to simmer gently. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer to create a smooth spiced citrus syrup. Cool this completely before adding to fruit. This step keeps the dressing silky and well blended.

Prep The Fruit:

Core each apple and slice into bite-sized pieces. Toss apple slices with juice from half a lemon to keep them from turning brown as they sit. Peel each orange completely removing all white pith then cut into pieces roughly the same size as apples. Rinse grapes and leave them whole for juicy pops in the salad.

Assemble The Salad:

In a large bowl combine apples dried cranberries toasted pecans grapes and orange segments. Drizzle the cooled dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat every bite. Serve immediately for the freshest texture or chill briefly to develop flavors further.

The toasted pecans are my favorite part as they add a wonderful crunch and warm aroma. I remember my grandmother handing down this recipe and how the whole family would gather around waiting for that first taste as the citrus dressing brightened the holiday spread.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the best texture of the fruit.

Ingredient Swaps

Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. Dried cherries work well instead of cranberries for a different tart note. For a tropical twist add pineapple chunks or mango.

Serving Ideas

Serve this salad as a refreshing side to turkey or ham. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or as a light dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.

This salad captures the spirit of the holidays with bright citrus and warm spices making each bite festive and fresh.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What is the purpose of toasting the pecans?

Toasting the pecans enhances their natural oils and flavor, providing a richer, nuttier taste and a delightful crunch in the salad.

→ How can I prevent the apples from browning after slicing?

Toss the apple pieces with fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting to slow oxidation and maintain their bright color.

→ Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds also offer great texture and flavor, though toasting is recommended to bring out their best taste.

→ Is the spiced citrus dressing served warm or cold?

The dressing is simmered briefly to meld flavors then cooled completely before drizzling, ensuring a fresh, balanced taste.

→ How can I adjust sweetness in the mixture?

Modify the sugar amount in the dressing to your preference or add naturally sweeter fruit varieties for a milder tang.

→ Are dried cranberries a good substitute for fresh berries?

Dried cranberries add concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, complementing the fresh fruits well in this mix.