When the holiday table is overflowing with rich casseroles and hearty sides, a bright, fresh dish like this Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Warm Fall Spice Dressing brings the perfect balance. It’s light yet festive—full of crisp apples, juicy oranges, sweet grapes, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. All of it gets tossed in a golden, citrusy dressing infused with warming apple pie spices. Every bite feels like a burst of fall flavor—sweet, spiced, and just a little indulgent. This salad is not only stunning but also vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and absolutely holiday-ready.

Why You’ll Love It

Healthy yet festive: It’s a lighter Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish that still feels special and flavorful.
Full of cozy fall flavors: The warm spice dressing blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple pie spice with zesty citrus.
Quick and easy: Just a few simple steps—no baking, no stress, all flavor.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepped the day before and chilled until serving.
Perfectly versatile: Works as a brunch salad, light dessert, or refreshing side dish.
Colorful and crowd-pleasing: The apples, grapes, oranges, and cranberries make it look as beautiful as it tastes.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Fruit Salad

2 medium green apples, chopped
2 medium red apples, chopped
¾ cup dried cranberries
1 cup red grapes, halved
3 medium navel oranges, peeled and diced
1 cup pecans, toasted
Juice of 1 lemon (to prevent browning)

Warm Fall Spice Dressing

½ cup orange juice
¼ cup sugar (or honey for a natural option)
¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Pecans Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Let cool completely.
Make the Warm Fall Spice Dressing In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, and citrus zests. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and cool completely before tossing with fruit.
Prepare the Fruit Slice apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Peel and segment oranges, halve grapes, and add dried cranberries to the mix.
Combine Everything In a large serving bowl, mix apples, oranges, grapes, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle with the cooled spiced dressing and gently toss to coat every piece in that golden glaze.
Serve & Enjoy Serve immediately for crisp texture or refrigerate for 1–2 hours for a chilled version. This salad keeps beautifully for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday hosting.

Variations to Try

Winter twist: Add diced pears or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
Nut-free version: Swap pecans for toasted sunflower seeds or leave them out completely.
Maple citrus glaze: Replace sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Festive crunch: Add granola or candied nuts right before serving for texture.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use crisp, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balance.
Don’t overcook the dressing—just simmer until fragrant, not thick.
Toast nuts fresh; it brings out incredible depth of flavor.
Make it look beautiful! Serve in a clear bowl to show off the colorful layers.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 223
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugars: 31g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 2mg
Vitamin C: 40mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this Thanksgiving fruit salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dressing and chop the fruit separately. Combine just before serving for the freshest texture.
Q: How long will it keep?
A: It stays fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Store covered and toss before serving.
Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Absolutely! Try pears, pomegranate seeds, or even mandarin oranges for a twist.
Q: Is it vegan?
A: Yes! Simply use organic sugar or maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Warm Fall Spice Dressing is more than a side dish—it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and freshness. The mix of crisp apples, sweet citrus, and cozy spices makes it a perfect balance to the heavier holiday favorites. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas brunch, or just craving something bright and healthy, this fruit salad is a must-make. Save this recipe to your holiday or healthy side dish board so it’s ready when the season arrives!