Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Thanksgiving fruit salad combining cranberries, pineapple, applesauce, and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and a healthy dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Keeps well for a week.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture and flavor, consider using a mix of nuts like walnuts or pecans, but ensure there are no nut allergies in your gathering. You can substitute the whole cranberry sauce with homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This dish is also great as a light dessert, similar to No Bake Oatmeal Bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a delightful addition to your table. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or serving it in individual cups for easy enjoyment.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fruit salad can keep well for up to a week, but make sure to stir it gently before serving again as the ingredients may settle. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad contains roughly 1350 calories, with 15g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of whole cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to make a sauce, which may require additional preparation time. This will give you a fresher flavor profile and can be adjusted to your desired sweetness.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any added ingredients like nuts or sweeteners are also vegan, and you can enjoy this dish without any modifications.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
You can customize your fruit salad by adding diced apples, pears, or grapes for variety. Additionally, citrus segments like mandarin oranges or pomegranate seeds can add a delightful burst of flavor and color, enhancing the overall presentation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).