Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and celebrating the bountiful flavors of the season, and what better way to bring a refreshing touch to the table than with a vibrant *fruit salad for Thanksgiving*! This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it also adds a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements your hearty holiday dishes. Trust me, the sweet crunch of the apples and the juicy delight of the strawberries will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s a guilt-free treat that balances the richness of the feast!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups diced apples (I love using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for that perfect crunch!)
- 2 cups diced pears (Bartlett pears are my go-to for sweetness and tenderness.)
- 1 cup grapes, halved (Red or green—both add a beautiful pop of color!)
- 1 cup diced pineapple (Fresh pineapple really elevates the flavor, but canned works in a pinch!)
- 1 cup diced strawberries (Juicy and bright, they add such a lovely touch!)
- 1/4 cup honey (Adjust to your taste—more for sweet tooths!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (This keeps the fruit fresh and adds a zesty zing!)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (Just a hint for warmth—trust me on this one!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, wash all your fruits thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or residues. Then, dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces, and halve the grapes. You want everything to be easy to grab with a fork!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced apples, pears, halved grapes, diced pineapple, and strawberries. Just look at those vibrant colors coming together!
- Now, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon until it’s well combined. This will be your delicious dressing that ties everything together.
- Pour that lovely dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss it all together to coat the fruits evenly. Be careful not to mush them; we want to keep that fresh crunch!
- Finally, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for last-minute preparations!
- Packed with fresh, healthy fruits that everyone will enjoy.
- Beautifully colorful, making it a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Refreshing taste that balances the richness of traditional holiday dishes.
- Customizable, so you can adapt it to fit your family’s preferences.
Tips for Success
When it comes to selecting your fruits, look for ones that are ripe but still firm—this will give you that perfect crunchy texture! For apples and pears, a little give when you press them gently is a good sign. If you want to adjust the sweetness, feel free to add more honey, but start small; you can always add more later! And hey, if you’re short on time, you can make this fruit salad a few hours ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests when it’s time to serve!
Variations
You can easily customize this fruit salad to suit your taste or the season! Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and extra nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the fruits based on what’s fresh—think blueberries in the summer or citrus segments in the winter. For a creamy twist, consider folding in a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream to the dressing for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing *fruit salad for Thanksgiving* is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! It complements savory roasted turkey or glazed ham perfectly, adding a sweet contrast to those rich flavors. You can also serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful balance. For an extra festive touch, consider placing it next to a cheese platter—think sharp cheddar or creamy brie. And don’t forget, it’s a fabulous palate cleanser between courses, ensuring everyone keeps coming back for more!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this refreshing *fruit salad for Thanksgiving*. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific fruits you choose and how much honey you add. It’s a light and nutritious option for your holiday feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?
While fresh fruit is best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen fruit if you thaw and drain it well. Just be aware that it may be a bit softer than fresh.
How far in advance can I make this fruit salad for Thanksgiving?
You can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness!
What other fruits work well in this salad?
Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like pomegranates, blueberries, or kiwi. They add great flavor and color!
Can I make this fruit salad without honey?
Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different twist, or simply omit the sweetener if you prefer it more tart.
Is this fruit salad vegan?
Yes, this *fruit salad for Thanksgiving* is completely vegan, making it a great option for all dietary preferences!
Fruit Salad for Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing fruit salad perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 cups diced pears
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare all fruits by washing and dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, grapes, pineapple, and strawberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Can be made a few hours ahead of time.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 10mg
- La graisse: 0.5g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: fruit salad for thanksgiving
