Oh, let me tell you about the joy of a refreshing fruit salad! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a burst of sunshine on the table, especially during Thanksgiving. After all the hearty meals, this light and colorful salad is a perfect way to cleanse your palate and add a touch of brightness to your celebration. I love how it combines textures and flavors, making it not just a side but a delightful experience! Trust me, this Thanksgiving fruit salad recipe is going to be a star at your holiday gathering. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
- 2 cups of diced apples – I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- 1 cup of grapes, halved – Sweet red or green grapes add a lovely crunch and juicy pop!
- 1 cup of diced pears – Ripe pears bring a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other fruits.
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a vibrant color and a hint of tartness.
- 1 cup of blueberries – These little gems are not just pretty; they’re bursting with flavor and nutrients!
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows – They add a fun sweetness and a fluffy texture that kids love.
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts – For a crunchy element, walnuts are perfect, but feel free to use your favorite nuts!
- 1/2 cup of yogurt – I prefer plain yogurt for a creamy base, but you can use flavored yogurt if you want a twist.
- 1 tablespoon of honey – Just a drizzle adds a touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
- First things first, wash and prepare all your fruits. Make sure the apples, pears, and strawberries are diced or sliced as mentioned, and halve those grapes. You want everything to be bite-sized and ready to enjoy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, diced pears, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Just look at those colors! It’s already a feast for the eyes.
- Next, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts. This is where the fun texture comes in! You want to mix them in evenly, but be gentle—you don’t want to squish the fruit.
- In a separate bowl, take your yogurt and honey, and mix them together until smooth. This will be the creamy dressing that ties everything together.
- Now, pour that luscious yogurt mixture over your fruit salad and gently toss everything to combine. Make sure all the fruit is coated nicely!
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
This Thanksgiving fruit salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy choice! Each serving is approximately 150 calories, making it a light addition to your holiday spread. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per 1 cup serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 20g, Fiber: 4g)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific fruits and brands you use. Enjoy this guilt-free delight at your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This fruit salad comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Flavorful: A delightful mix of sweet and tart fruits creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
- Kid-Friendly: The mini marshmallows add a fun touch that kids absolutely love!
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or nuts to make it truly your own!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
To make sure your Thanksgiving fruit salad turns out fantastic, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always choose fresh, ripe fruits—this makes a world of difference in flavor. When selecting apples and pears, look for ones that are firm and fragrant. For grapes, make sure they’re plump and juicy. If you want to get ahead, you can prep the fruits a few hours in advance, but wait to add the marshmallows and nuts until just before serving to keep that delightful crunch.
And don’t forget, a splash of lemon juice on the diced apples can help prevent browning while adding a zesty kick. Trust me, these little touches elevate your salad from good to great!
Variations of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this Thanksgiving fruit salad! For a tropical twist, try adding diced pineapple and mango for a burst of sunshine. You could also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warm spice that’s perfect for fall. If you want a little crunch, consider tossing in some toasted coconut or swapping walnuts for pecans or almonds. And don’t shy away from adding a splash of citrus—orange or lime juice can brighten up the flavors beautifully. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delightful Thanksgiving fruit salad (which is rare!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the fruits might release some juices, making it a bit saucy—but still delicious! I wouldn’t recommend reheating it, as fruit salads are best enjoyed cold and fresh. Just grab a spoon and dig in straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipes
Can I use frozen fruit in this salad?
While fresh fruit is always best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit if it’s out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it in to avoid a watery salad.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the fruits a few hours ahead, but I recommend waiting to add the mini marshmallows and walnuts until just before serving to keep them crunchy. If you want to make the yogurt dressing ahead, just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to combine.
What can I substitute for yogurt?
If you’re not a fan of yogurt, you could use whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a creamy base. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as needed!
Is this salad safe for kids?
Absolutely! This Thanksgiving fruit salad is perfect for kids, especially with the mini marshmallows adding a fun touch. Just be sure to cut the fruits into small, manageable pieces for little hands.
Can I customize the fruits?
Yes! Feel free to swap the fruits for any of your favorites or whatever you have on hand. The beauty of this Thanksgiving fruit salad recipe is its versatility, so get creative!
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Feast
- Całkowity Czas: 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing fruit salad perfect for Thanksgiving.
Składniki
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 1 cup of grapes, halved
- 1 cup of diced pears
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup of yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instrukcje
- Wash and prepare all the fruits.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, grapes, pears, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Add the mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt and honey until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the fruit and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Uwagi
- Choose fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add your favorite fruits.
- Can be made a few hours in advance.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 5mg
- Kwasy: 5g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 0.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4.5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving fruit salad recipes
