Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipe – Easy, Fresh & Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Dish! 🦃🍇🍓

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Looking for a bright, refreshing, and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast? This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors—packed with seasonal fruits, a hint of rosemary, and a touch of cinnamon. Not only is it a vibrant centerpiece for your holiday table, but it’s also a guilt-free dessert that guests of all ages will love. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey and stuffing or as a light dessert, this holiday fruit salad recipe is sure to impress!

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Introduction: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Thanksgiving is all about indulgence, but that doesn’t mean every dish has to be heavy. This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad offers a refreshing contrast to rich casseroles and buttery desserts, bringing a burst of color and natural sweetness to your holiday spread.

What makes this holiday fruit salad recipe special? The combination of crisp apples, juicy pears, tart cranberries, and bright pomegranate seeds creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. A simple rosemary-infused syrup adds a subtle herbal note, while a cinnamon stick brings warmth—making this more than just a basic fruit bowl.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a light weeknight dessert, this Thanksgiving dessert salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be adjusted for dietary preferences.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, so if you’re searching for similar recipes, you might find it as:
– Holiday Fruit Salad
– Festive Winter Fruit Salad
– Cranberry-Orange Thanksgiving Salad

For a creamy twist, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream—perfect for those who love a creamy version of Thanksgiving fruit salad.

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Ingredients: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant holiday fruit salad recipe:

– ½ cup granulated sugar (for the syrup)
– ½ cup dried cranberries (for chewiness and tartness)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for an aromatic touch)
– 1 cinnamon stick (for warmth)
– 2 navel oranges (peeled and segmented)
– 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
– 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
– 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (for a pop of color)
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Comice, cored and diced)
– 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, cored and diced)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Rosemary-Cinnamon Syrup
– In a small saucepan, combine sugar, ½ cup water, rosemary, and cinnamon stick.
– Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
– Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Discard rosemary and cinnamon.

2. Soak the Cranberries
– Place dried cranberries in a bowl and pour warm syrup over them. Let sit for 15 minutes to plump up.

3. Prepare the Fruits
– Peel and segment oranges, halve grapes, and dice apples and pears.
– Toss all fruits gently in a large bowl to avoid bruising.

4. Combine & Chill
– Pour the cranberry-syrup mixture over the fruit and toss lightly.
– Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Chef’s Tip: To prevent browning, toss apples and pears in a bit of orange juice before mixing.

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Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6–8 | Calories: ~180 per serving

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Perfect Flavor Balance – The mix of tart cranberries, sweet grapes, and crisp apples ensures every bite is exciting.
– Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the syrup and fruits a few hours ahead for stress-free serving.
– Customizable – Swap pomegranate seeds for chopped nuts or add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (best enjoyed fresh).
– Freezing Not Recommended – Fresh fruits lose texture when frozen.
– Revive Leftovers: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh flavors before serving.

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People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

What fruits are best for a Thanksgiving fruit salad?

The best fruits for a Thanksgiving fruit salad are seasonal, crisp, and colorful. Apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate seeds, and citrus like oranges or mandarins work well. Dried cranberries add chewiness, while fresh rosemary or cinnamon enhances the holiday vibe.

How do you keep fruit salad fresh until serving?

To keep your holiday fruit salad recipe fresh, toss apples and pears in citrus juice to prevent browning. Store in the fridge covered, and add delicate fruits like bananas just before serving. A light syrup or honey glaze also helps preserve freshness.

Can you make a creamy version of Thanksgiving fruit salad?

Yes! For a creamy Thanksgiving dessert salad, mix in Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a vanilla custard base. Fold gently to coat fruits without crushing them. This version is richer and works well as a dessert.

What dressing goes well with fruit salad for Thanksgiving?

A light honey-lemon dressing or a spiced syrup (like this rosemary-cinnamon version) pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving fruit salad. For a tangy twist, try a citrus vinaigrette with orange juice and zest.

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Conclusion: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a must-try for your holiday table—fresh, festive, and full of flavor. Whether you serve it as a side or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and share your results in the comments!

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Happy cooking, and enjoy your Thanksgiving dessert salad! 🍎🍊🍇

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