Bright, refreshing, and bursting with seasonal charm, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is the kind of side dish that balances out all the rich, savory flavors of the holiday table. It’s juicy, colorful, and just sweet enough to feel festive without being over-the-top indulgent. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted turkey or as part of a lighter brunch, this fruit salad brings the freshness that so many Thanksgiving menus need.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Think juicy oranges, tart cranberries, crisp apples, and pops of pomegranate arils, all gently tossed in a honey-citrus dressing. Add in optional nuts or a touch of mint, and you’ve got a dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This salad is like a breath of fresh air on a plate. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan. It also offers a vibrant counterpoint to the heavier, carb-loaded sides that usually take over the Thanksgiving table. The mix of textures—crisp, juicy, chewy—keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it holds up well when made a few hours in advance, freeing up precious kitchen time on the big day.

Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead?

Fresh fruit is best here. Frozen fruit tends to release too much liquid and becomes mushy once thawed, which can water down the honey citrus dressing. If you’re in a pinch and absolutely must use frozen, try partially thawing berries and draining them well. However, for a salad that really sings, crisp apples, fresh citrus, and ripe pears are the way to go.

Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This salad is all about showcasing the beauty of seasonal fruit, enhanced by a simple dressing.

Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for flavor contrast and crunch.
Pears: Soft, ripe pears bring juiciness and a subtle floral sweetness.
Oranges: Use navel or mandarin oranges for a citrusy punch.
Pomegranate Arils: These ruby-red jewels add color, texture, and a tart pop.
Red Grapes: Seedless grapes are easy to prep and lend sweetness and chew.
Cranberries (fresh or dried): Dried cranberries add sweetness and chew, while fresh cranberries bring a bold tartness.
Honey: A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with fruit.
Lemon or Orange Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the fruit from browning.
Mint Leaves (optional): For a hint of herbal freshness.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a touch of richness.

How To Make the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Wash all fruit thoroughly. Core and chop the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Peel and segment the oranges. Halve the grapes if large. Remove pomegranate arils.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and fresh citrus juice. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tartness as needed.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepped fruit. Drizzle the honey-citrus dressing over the top and toss until everything is lightly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle with chopped mint and nuts if using. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and keep everything fresh.

How to Serve and Store This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is best served chilled, either as a side dish for the main meal or as part of a Thanksgiving breakfast spread. It adds a burst of brightness that cleanses the palate between bites of heavier dishes. This recipe feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size.

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The citrus juice helps keep the apples and pears from browning too quickly, but the salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness and texture.

What to Serve With Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

Roast Turkey with Gravy

The refreshing fruit salad is the perfect sweet contrast to the rich, savory flavors of classic turkey and gravy.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A little sweet and a little tart, the salad breaks up the starchiness and adds balance.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Pair it with a lighter protein dish like this for a more casual Thanksgiving spread.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Let the salad serve as a light dessert alternative to this rich and indulgent favorite【5†source】.

Classic Caprese Salad

Mix and match salads for variety; the fruit salad complements the creaminess of fresh mozzarella beautifully【5†source】.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Pairing this salad with something warm and soft like dinner rolls adds delightful contrast.

No Peek Chicken Casserole

If you’re serving a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, this salad keeps the flavors from feeling too heavy【5†source】.

Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you’re loving this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, check out these other delicious recipes to round out your holiday menu:

Roasted Asparagus Recipe for a crispy, caramelized veggie touch.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you’re looking for a cozy and colorful pasta side.
Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls to spice up the table with a crunchy bite.
Classic Caprese Salad Recipe for a cool and creamy tomato-basil combo.
No Peek Chicken Casserole when you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing main.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Thanksgiving board so it’s ready when the holidays roll around.

I’d love to know how you made this your own. Did you swap in kiwi or pineapple? Go heavy on the mint or add cinnamon? Share your version in the comments below!

Explore beautifully curated fruit-forward and festive dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your new favorite for every season.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving doesn’t always have to be about heavy casseroles and buttery pies. With this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, you bring a fresh, vibrant element to your table that both complements the classics and stands on its own. It’s simple, beautiful, and naturally crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or bringing a dish to share, this fruit salad is a refreshing reminder of the flavors fall has to offer.