Looking for a light and refreshing side dish to complement your Thanksgiving feast? This Thanksgiving fruit salad is the perfect addition to your table. It’s not just a salad; it’s a colorful, vibrant mix that brings together the best fall fruits, making it a delightful option among the side ideas for Thanksgiving.
This light fruit salad features a variety of seasonal favorites, making it a great choice for anyone seeking fruit ideas for party creative. With its delicious combination of flavors, it can easily be transformed into fruit kabobs for Thanksgiving, or served as part of a Thanksgiving fruit and veggie tray.
Imagine a bowl filled with juicy apples, crisp pears, and sweet grapes, all harmoniously mixed with crunchy pecans for added texture. This salad is not only visually appealing but also a healthier alternative to heavier Thanksgiving dessert salads.
Affiliate Disclosure: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made from the images and links in this post. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites."
A Perfect Light Fruit Salad for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
This Thanksgiving fruit salad brings a refreshing twist to the holiday table, making it an ideal choice among the various side ideas for Thanksgiving. Its vibrant mix of seasonal fruits, including apples, pears, and red grapes, creates a colorful display that is sure to impress your guests.
Not only is this a delightful fruit salad, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional Thanksgiving dessert salads. With a combination of flavors and textures, this dish can easily transform into fun fruit kabobs for Thanksgiving gatherings or be part of a larger Thanksgiving fruit and veggie tray.
Seasonal Ingredients Come Together
Using fall fruits, this light fruit salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Each serving clocks in under 250 calories, making it perfect for those looking for fall fruit side dishes that are both satisfying and guilt-free. The addition of crunchy pecans adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, elevating this salad to new heights.
Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a grand feast, this refreshing salad is an excellent choice. Its ability to complement various dishes makes it a versatile option on your Thanksgiving menu.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this delightful Thanksgiving fruit salad is a breeze. Simply combine the diced apples, pears, halved grapes, and cranberries in a large bowl. This step allows the colors and flavors to mingle right from the start.
Next, whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon to create a light dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits. Pour this mixture over the cut fruits and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
Chill for Flavor Fusion
For the best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling period is key for the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously refreshing dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Before serving, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and an aromatic touch, completing the presentation beautifully. Your guests won’t resist reaching for a serving of this tempting fruit salad.
Perfect for Any Thanksgiving Spread
This Thanksgiving fruit salad fits seamlessly into a variety of menus, whether you’re focusing on traditional dishes or looking for refreshing Thanksgiving sides. It pairs well with rich meats and savory flavors, serving as a light counterpart on a plate filled with heavier fare.
You can easily incorporate it into your Thanksgiving fruit salad recipes or mix it with other salads to create an inviting spread. The balance of sweetness and crunch makes it a standout dish among salads recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.
Endless Possibilities
The versatility of this Thanksgiving fruit salad extends beyond the holiday. Consider including it in your regular meal rotations or for festive occasions throughout the year. With various fruits available in different seasons, you can adapt this recipe to create new fruit Thanksgiving ideas that will keep your menu fresh and exciting.
Incorporating this refreshing salad into your celebrations will not only please the palate but also add a burst of color to your table. It’s a delicious reminder that healthy options can be just as enticing during festive seasons.
A Perfect Light Fruit Salad for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
This Thanksgiving fruit salad is a refreshing combination of seasonal fruits, lightly sweetened and tossed with pecans. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for fall fruit side dishes that are both delicious and healthy, clocking in under 250 calories per serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples (preferably a mix of red and green)
- 1 cup diced pears
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, halved grapes, and cranberries.
- Add Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Finish with Pecans: Add the chopped pecans and mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with mint leaves if desired, and enjoy your Thanksgiving fruit salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
Diet Suitability
| Diet | Explanation/Adjustments Needed |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Not suitable as is due to honey. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully vegan version. |
| Vegetarian | Suitable as is, as it does not include meat or animal by-products (except for honey, which is acceptable in vegetarian diets). |
| Gluten-Free | Suitable as is, as all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. |
| Paleo | Suitable as is, as the ingredients are whole and natural. However, ensure the honey used is unprocessed and compliant with paleo guidelines. |
| Keto | Not suitable as is due to the high carbohydrate content from fruits and honey. Adjustments: Use lower-carb fruits (like berries) and replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener. |
| Whole30 | Not suitable as is because honey is not compliant. Adjustments: Replace honey with unsweetened applesauce or omit the sweetener entirely. |
| Low-Carb | Not suitable as is due to the fruit’s natural sugars. Adjustments: Use lower-carb fruits (like blackberries and raspberries) and omit or reduce the honey. |
| Nut-Free | Not suitable as is due to pecans. Adjustments: Omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (if seed allergies are not an issue). |
| Diabetic-Friendly | Not suitable as is due to the natural sugar in fruits and honey. Adjustments: Use fruits with a lower glycemic index (like berries) and a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey. |
| Mediterranean Diet | Suitable as is, as it incorporates fresh fruits and healthy fats from pecans. |
| Dairy-Free | Suitable as is, as it does not contain any dairy products. |
| Low-FODMAP | Not suitable as is due to high-FODMAP fruits like apples and pears. Adjustments: Replace apples and pears with low-FODMAP fruits like strawberries or oranges. |
