A bright, colorful burst of freshness on your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures. It’s vibrant, juicy, and sweet with just the right hint of spice and crunch—a perfect contrast to all the rich, savory dishes usually found on a Thanksgiving menu.

Packed with juicy oranges, crisp apples, sweet kiwi, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, and crunchy pecans, this salad is as beautiful as it is refreshing. Whether served as a light appetizer or a fruity side, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Fruit Salad doesn’t require fancy equipment, but a few trusty kitchen tools will make the job quick and efficient:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision is key when cutting fruits cleanly without bruising or crushing them.
Cutting Board: A large board keeps your workspace organized and minimizes mess.
Citrus Zester (optional): If you want to add a touch of orange zest for a burst of aromatic flavor.

Mixing Bowl: A medium or large glass bowl lets the colorful ingredients shine and makes tossing easier.
Spoon or Spatula: To gently fold the fruits without breaking them apart.

These basic tools help preserve the integrity of each fruit and make prep a breeze. After all, presentation and texture are everything when it comes to a standout holiday salad.

Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Oranges: Their bright citrus flavor and juiciness bring zing and balance to the salad.
Apples: Crisp, sweet apples add a crunch and a neutral sweetness that pairs well with every other fruit.
Kiwi: These green gems offer a tangy, tropical twist and eye-catching color.

Pomegranate Seeds: Juicy bursts of tartness and brilliant red color make this fruit pop visually and flavor-wise.
Candied Pecans: For a hint of warm spice and the irresistible crunch that brings everything together.

Optional additions like a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon can brighten or sweeten the mix depending on your preference.

How To Make the Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Step 1: Wash and Prep All Fruits

Rinse all fruits thoroughly under cold water. Peel oranges and kiwi. Core and cube the apples. Remove seeds from the pomegranate or use ready-to-go arils.

Step 2: Chop Everything Evenly

Cut all fruit into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. This helps with presentation and ensures each spoonful has a balanced mix of ingredients.

Step 3: Toss Gently in a Bowl

Add all chopped fruit to a large glass mixing bowl. Gently fold together using a spatula to avoid bruising the softer fruits.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in the candied pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch. For extra brightness, drizzle with a little honey or lemon juice.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving (Optional)

You can refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving if you want it extra cold and refreshing. Just wait to add pecans until the end!

How to Serve and Store This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Serve this fruit salad chilled in a glass bowl or individual dessert cups to showcase its vibrant colors. It makes a fantastic addition to the Thanksgiving table as a light side or sweet alternative to heavier desserts.

To store leftovers, transfer the fruit salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, although the texture of some fruits like apples may soften slightly. To revive it, add a few fresh fruit pieces or another handful of pecans before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

You can prep the fruits (except apples and pecans) up to a day in advance. Assemble the salad the morning of, and add apples and pecans just before serving to keep them crisp.

Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Try adding grapes, pears, or berries based on your preferences or what’s in season.

What keeps the apples from browning?

A splash of lemon juice tossed with the apples works great to prevent browning and adds a bright note.

Are candied pecans necessary?

They’re optional but highly recommended. The sweet crunch adds incredible texture and flavor.

Can I add a dressing?

Sure! A light honey-lime dressing or a cinnamon-spiced syrup makes a lovely enhancement if you want a sweeter, more dessert-like salad.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the sweetness and colors—just be sure to chop the fruits small enough for little ones.

Want More Fruit Salad Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad, you’ll probably love these other fruity, fresh dishes on Life With Olivia:

Orange Dreamsicle Salad for a creamy, citrusy treat.

Easter Fruit Fluff Salad Recipe that’s perfect year-round.
Apple Enchiladas if you’re craving a warm and comforting fruit dessert.
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake for a tropical escape.

Also, be sure to check out more of my seasonal recipes and fruit salads shared daily on my Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Thanksgiving board so you can find it again next year (and every holiday season after).

And I’d love to know—did you stick to the classic combo, or did you add your own twist? Maybe a drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of dried cranberries? Let me know in the comments below.

I always enjoy hearing how others personalize these recipes. Let’s inspire each other with fresh, festive creations.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is a refreshing and colorful side dish that balances the rich flavors of a holiday meal. With juicy citrus, sweet apple, tropical kiwi, pomegranate jewels, and crunchy candied pecans, it’s festive, nutritious, and incredibly easy to prepare.