Name: Fall Fruit Salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium green apples; 2 medium red apples; ¾ cup dried cranberries; 1 cup pecans; 1 cup grapes; 3 medium navel oranges; 1 medium lemon, juiced; ½ cup orange juice; ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice; Zest of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 orange

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Introduction

This fall fruit salad is a refreshing and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Packed with crisp apples, juicy oranges, and toasted pecans, it combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of warm spice. It’s a simple yet festive way to brighten up your holiday meals.

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: a fresh mix of chopped green and red apples with smooth, light cream-colored flesh, bright orange orange slices, and plump, shiny red grapes scattered throughout. Mixed in are pieces of brown pecans and small dark red dried cranberries adding texture. A woman's hand is pouring a light golden liquid dressing from a small clear glass bowl, which flows smoothly over the fruit layers, giving a glossy shine. In the background, out of focus, are more red grapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium green apples
2 medium red apples
¾ cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans
1 cup grapes
3 medium navel oranges
1 medium lemon, juiced
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and place them in the oven while it heats. Remove them as soon as you can smell their toasted aroma, which should be around the time the oven reaches temperature. Let pecans cool.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Whisk together and heat over medium heat until it comes to a low boil. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer and allow the dressing to cool completely.
Step 3: Core and slice the green and red apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with juice from half a lemon to prevent browning.
Step 4: Peel the oranges and cut them into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. Drizzle the cooled dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to combine.
Step 6: Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a cool, crisp salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans until golden brown but not burnt.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
Add a handful of pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color and flavor.
If you like it sweeter, drizzle a little honey over the salad before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juice, so toss gently before serving again. It’s best served fresh but can be enjoyed chilled. Avoid storing with the dressing mixed in to prevent the fruit from getting soggy if making ahead.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has many layers of small fruit pieces: green apple chunks with smooth skin, red apple pieces with a light shine, bright orange segments, and red grapes. Mixed in are brown pecan nuts and small bits of dark red dried cranberries, adding texture. Around the bowl are a whole green apple, a sliced green apple showing its light inside, scattered pecans, and a small clear bowl of red grapes. A green and white checkered cloth and wooden salad utensils are nearby, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad a day ahead?

It’s best to prepare the fruit and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and crisp.

What can I use instead of apple pie spice?

You can substitute with a mixture of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to mimic apple pie spice.