This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing contrast to the rich and savory dishes on your holiday table. It brings a crisp, juicy sweetness that balances out heavy mains like roasted turkey and stuffing. Each bite delivers a medley of fresh apples, tart cranberries, juicy oranges, and crunchy pecans—all dressed in a light citrus-honey glaze.

Whether you’re hosting or contributing a dish, this fruit salad is the perfect make-ahead option. It not only adds beautiful color to your spread but offers a healthier, gluten-free side that appeals to kids and adults alike. You can serve it as a starter, side dish, or even as a lighter dessert alternative.

What Kind of Fruit Works Best for a Thanksgiving Salad?

The best fruits for this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad are crisp, tart, and colorful. Use Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balance of tart and sweet. Oranges and clementines add juicy citrus notes, while fresh cranberries and dried cranberries bring tartness and texture. Add pomegranate seeds or red grapes for extra pop. Seasonal fruits like pears and persimmons also blend well.

Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Green Apples: Their tart crunch creates the perfect contrast with sweeter fruits.
Red Apples: Add sweetness and color variation. Choose Honeycrisp or Fuji for best results.
Oranges: Juicy segments bring a burst of citrus that brightens the mix.
Cranberries (Fresh & Dried): Provide tartness, color, and chewiness.
Grapes or Pomegranate Seeds: Optional but beautiful for added texture and color.
Pecans: Roasted or raw, they bring earthy crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
Honey and Lemon Juice: Used to create a light dressing that prevents browning and ties the flavors together.

How To Make the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Peel the oranges and cut into bite-sized segments. Core and dice both red and green apples. If using, slice grapes in half or extract pomegranate seeds. Keep the fruit chilled for freshness.

Step 2: Make the Citrus Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey with the juice of 1 lemon. This dressing adds a subtle sweetness and helps prevent the apples from browning.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss all the prepared fruits. Pour the honey-lemon dressing over the mixture and stir gently to coat all the fruit evenly.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Right before serving, fold in the pecans and dried cranberries. This keeps them from getting soggy and ensures that delightful crunch in every bite.

Tips for Serving and Storing Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This salad is best served fresh or within a few hours of preparation. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container and give it a gentle toss before serving. If making it ahead, wait to add the nuts and dried cranberries until just before mealtime. Leftovers will keep well for about 24 hours, though the apples may soften slightly.

What to Serve With Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Turkey and Stuffing

This salad cuts through the heaviness of traditional Thanksgiving mains with refreshing acidity and natural sweetness.

Creamy Deviled Eggs

Pair it with deviled eggs like our Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs for a balanced appetizer spread.

Savory Casseroles

A great match for heartier bakes like Cheeseburger Soup or Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken.

Cornbread or Dinner Rolls

Serve alongside homemade breads to round out your fall feast.

Roasted Veggies

Pairs beautifully with Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes or green beans for a full plate.

Want More Salad Ideas That Shine on Holidays?

If you enjoyed this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, you might love these other festive, crowd-pleasing salads:

Creamy Cranberry Salad for a classic and nostalgic holiday feel.
Cheesecake Fruit Salad for a creamy twist on fresh fruit.
Tex-Mex Salad if you’re looking for a bold and savory crunch.
California Spaghetti Salad when you want something refreshing and unique.
Grape Salad for creamy, sweet, and crunchy goodness.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this fresh idea to your Thanksgiving or Holiday Pinterest board so you can easily come back when planning your menu.

Did you give it a spin with pears or swap in maple syrup? I’d love to hear your twists and tips—leave a comment below!

Looking for more delicious seasonal inspiration? Visit me at Savor Queen on Pinterest and explore new favorites daily.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Add a burst of freshness to your holiday spread with this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad—a colorful, juicy, and crunchy blend of apples, oranges, cranberries, and pecans. It’s a refreshing side dish that balances the richness of classic Thanksgiving meals. Lightly dressed with honey and lemon, this salad is a naturally sweet, gluten-free option that works beautifully as a side, starter, or dessert. Great for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy snacks, or light Thanksgiving food ideas.