Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? The air is filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of delicious food. And let’s be honest, what better way to add a pop of color and freshness to your holiday table than with a vibrant fruit salad? It’s like a little burst of joy on your plate! I love how a simple mix of fruits can bring everyone together, creating a light and refreshing contrast to all the heavier dishes. This *fruit for Thanksgiving* recipe is not only gorgeous but also incredibly easy and quick—no cooking involved! Just chop, toss, and chill. Trust me, you’ll love how this delightful salad brightens up your feast and keeps things feeling light and festive. I’ve made it for years, and it’s always a hit! Let’s dive into how to whip up this fabulous dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore this fruit salad for so many reasons! First off, it’s super quick to whip up—just 15 minutes and you’re done! That means more time to enjoy the company of family and friends, right? Plus, it’s so easy; you really don’t need any fancy skills in the kitchen. And let’s talk about flavor! The crunch of the apples and pears, the sweetness of the honey, and the pop of pomegranate seeds create a symphony of tastes and textures that’s simply irresistible. Not to mention, it’s a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast, packed with nutrients and freshness. Wow, how can you say no to that? Trust me, this salad will be the star of your holiday spread!
Ingredients for Fruit Salad
- 2 cups of diced apples (I love using a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor!)
- 2 cups of diced pears (Make sure they’re ripe for that juicy bite!)
- 1 cup of grapes (Red or green, whatever you prefer—just make sure they’re seedless!)
- 1 cup of pomegranate seeds (They add such a festive crunch and a burst of color!)
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (These give a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to swap for your favorite nuts!)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (Adjust this based on how sweet you want your salad—pure liquid gold!)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (This brightens up the whole salad and helps keep the apples from browning!)
How to Prepare the Fruit Salad
Making this fruit salad is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful, delicious dish ready to impress your guests.
Step 1: Wash and Prepare All Fruits
First things first—give all your fruits a good wash! This is super important to remove any dirt or pesticides. I like to use cold water and give them a gentle rub. Freshness is key, especially for a salad that highlights the natural flavors of the fruit!
Step 2: Dice Apples and Pears
Next, grab those apples and pears! I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so. Just slice them into wedges, then chop them into cubes. Make sure they’re evenly sized so they mix well and make it easy to grab a forkful!
Step 3: Combine All Fruits
Now, toss all your diced fruits into a large bowl. I usually start with the apples and pears, then sprinkle in the grapes and pomegranate seeds. It’s like a fruit fiesta in there!
Step 4: Add Walnuts, Honey, and Lemon Juice
Time to add the fun stuff! Sprinkle in the chopped walnuts for that lovely crunch, drizzle on the honey for sweetness, and squeeze in the lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a fresh zing but also helps keep the apples from browning. Yum!
Step 5: Toss Gently
Now, it’s time to mix! Use a big spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the fruits—this is a light salad, and you want to keep that beautiful fruit integrity!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your fruit salad is a total showstopper! First, don’t hesitate to mix in other seasonal fruits like oranges or berries for a burst of flavor and color. If you want a bit of zing, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice to the mix! Adjust the honey to your taste—if you prefer a less sweet salad, you can always reduce it. And if you’re making this ahead of time, just add the walnuts right before serving to keep that crunch intact. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your salad to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical values to give you an idea. For each serving of this delightful fruit salad, you’re looking at about:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
So, you can enjoy this fruit salad guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with nutrients and goodness! Perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving spread, right?
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad is such a versatile dish that it pairs beautifully with a variety of Thanksgiving favorites! I love serving it alongside a traditional roast turkey; the freshness of the salad complements the savory flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for something warm, consider a side of sweet potato casserole or creamy mashed potatoes—they balance out the refreshing crunch of the salad wonderfully. And don’t forget about drinks! A light sparkling cider or a crisp white wine would be delightful choices to elevate your feast. Trust me, this fruit salad will shine on your table, making every bite of your Thanksgiving meal feel extra special!
FAQ About Fruit for Thanksgiving
Got questions about making this fruit salad? I’ve got answers! One common question is, “Can I use frozen fruit?” While fresh fruit is best for flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen fruit in a pinch—just be mindful it may be a bit mushy. Another question I get is, “How long can I keep this salad?” It’s best enjoyed within a day or two for freshness, but you can make it a day in advance—just add the walnuts right before serving to keep that crunch! And, “What other fruits can I add?” The sky’s the limit! Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like oranges, kiwi, or berries to customize it to your taste. Enjoy your delicious fruit for Thanksgiving with confidence!
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Fruit for Thanksgiving: 5 Ways to Brighten Your Feast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fruit salad perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 2 cups of diced pears
- 1 cup of grapes
- 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fruits.
- Dice apples and pears into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine all fruits in a large bowl.
- Add walnuts, honey, and lemon juice.
- Toss gently to mix.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for freshness.
- Adjust honey according to your sweetness preference.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fruit for thanksgiving
