1. Classic Waldorf Salad
Discussing Thanksgiving fruit salad and skipping on the classic choice? Probably not. A Waldorf salad is a traditional fruit salad that you can add to your holiday table without a second thought. It’s a classic salad for Thanksgiving dinner with the goodness of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing.
To start, you'll need a few simple ingredients: Granny Smith or Fuji apples for their sweet-tart flavor, sweet and plump grapes, walnuts (pecans can be a great alternative, too), and a creamy dressing of either mayonnaise or yogurt. Mix the ingredients, sprinkle some raisins or blue cheese, and your classic fall fruit salad is ready!
2. Frozen Pineapple Cranberry Salad
Looking for a fruit salad that doubles as dessert? The frozen pineapple cranberry salad is a must-try. This frosty treat combines the tartness of cranberries with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a vibrant contrast that your guests will love.
To prepare this frozen Thanksgiving fruit salad, mix crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, and whipped cream with mini marshmallows (optional) and chopped pecans. Pour the mixture into a mold or individual serving cups and freeze overnight or until firm. Serve it as a cool, creamy fruit salad or a light, fruity dessert that perfectly wraps up the meal.
3. Old-Fashioned Frozen Fruit Salad
Want to have something on the side that complements your Thanksgiving turkey? Try this old-fashioned frozen fruit salad. Straight out of a 1950s newspaper clipping, this nostalgic recipe is creamy, fruity, and simply irresistible! The base typically includes cream cheese, whipped or sour cream mixed with fruit cocktails, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows.
Add fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds, apricots, or diced pears to give this recipe a modern, personalized touch. Freeze the mixture in a loaf pan and slice it before serving. The result is a refreshing, almost dessert-like side dish that pairs beautifully with fancy holiday meals.
4. Carrot and Pineapple Gelatin Salad
Try the carrot and pineapple gelatin salad for a unique and slightly savory fruit salad. This retro favorite combines shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and lemon-flavored gelatin for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
The tangy pineapple and sweet carrots balance each other beautifully, while the gelatin adds a fun texture. Pour the mixture into a square pan, cut it into small squares, and serve them with whipped cream. Bringing the season’s colors to your table, this fall fruit salad recipe is a must-have for Southern Thanksgiving dinners.
5. Ambrosia Salad With Sour Cream Dressing
The name “Ambrosia” means food of the gods, and this salad certainly lives up to its name with its tempting colors and heavenly taste. It combines oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries with mini marshmallows and coconut flakes for a deliciously sweet and tangy combination.
This version includes all the classic ingredients—chunks of fruit, grapes, fresh or dried cranberries, and mini marshmallows—all dressed in tangy sour cream. Served on top of your favorite greens and garnished with coconut, this salad is as festive as it gets.
6. Cranberry Gelatin Salad
No Thanksgiving is complete without cranberries; this fruit salad uniquely adds this classic ingredient to your holiday spread. It combines cranberry sauce, raspberry gelatin, and chopped nuts for a wobbly yet flavorful fruit salad that’s a favorite among kids and adults. The preparation is simple, yet you need to plan ahead for this recipe so you have your hands free on the feast day.
Mix gelatin powder, jelly, cranberry sauce, and lemon juice into boiling water. Then cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Blend half of the whipping cream into a cream cheese mixture, spread it over the chilled cranberry gelatin mixture, and sprinkle over the nuts. Refrigerate for another 2 hours, and your perfect fruit salad for Thanksgiving is ready.
7. Apple Salad With Pecans and Raisins
This apple salad is the essence of fall in a bowl. It combines crisp apple slices, chewy raisins, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a luscious honey-cinnamon yogurt dressing. The contrasting textures and warm, spiced flavors make it a perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Fuji apples are the key ingredients for this fruit salad. Toast the pecans for extra flavor and mix with raisins for a natural sweetness. The honey-cinnamon dressing ties it all together with a light, creamy coating that enhances the fruit without overpowering it. This salad is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat and brings a rustic charm to your holiday table.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends and, of course, delicious food. Adding fruit salads to your menu brings a refreshing twist and beautifully complements traditional dishes. From the classic Waldorf Salad to the colorful Cranberry Gelatin Salad, these recipes delight your eyes and tastebuds.
These fruit salads are easy to prepare, allowing creativity and adaptation to suit the holiday theme and taste. Each recipe offers something special to delight guests and make your Thanksgiving celebration memorable.
