Description
A vibrant and healthy Thanksgiving Fruit Salad featuring a mix of fresh seasonal fruits, dried cranberries, nuts, and a touch of pumpkin pie spice for a festive flavor. This easy no-cook recipe is perfect as a refreshing side dish or dessert, packed with natural sweetness and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mix
- 1 pomegranate
- 2 ripe pears, cored and diced
- 2 crispy apples, cored and diced
- 2 cups halved grapes
- 2 kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 figs, sliced (optional)
- 1 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
Dressing and Add-ons
- ½ cup freshly squeezed or storebought orange juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ½ cup crushed walnuts, pecans, or almonds (optional)
- ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the orange juice (if using), pomegranate arils, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Combine Base Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced pears, diced apples, and halved grapes. Pour in the prepared orange juice mixture and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the fruits with the dressing.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in the sliced kiwis, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries or raisins, crushed nuts if using, and pumpkin seeds. Toss lightly to combine all ingredients without bruising the fruit.
- Chill or Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp taste or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate and deepen.
Notes
- Use ripe fruit that is firm enough to hold its shape but fully flavored for the best texture and taste.
- To speed up preparation, buy pre-prepared fruits such as pomegranate arils and diced apples or pears. Using a mandoline or food chopper can also reduce chopping time.
- For softer dried cranberries or raisins, soak them in warm apple, pineapple, or orange juice for 20-30 minutes before adding to the salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled, but best consumed within a day for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
