The Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Cinnamon Dressing Recipe is a delightful burst of fresh flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for adding a refreshing touch to your holiday table. Combining juicy mandarin oranges, tart pomegranate arils, crisp apples, and luscious blackberries, this salad is dressed in a heavenly honey orange cinnamon dressing that brings warmth and sweetness to every bite. It’s an easy-to-make, healthy side dish that complements the richness of Thanksgiving meals, offering a lively and festive balance that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a preparation scene with different fresh fruits on a white marbled surface. There is a white cutting board in the center with half and quarter pomegranates showing bright red seeds on the left side. On this board, sliced green kiwi pieces lie in the middle with their soft texture visible. Above the board, a whole light green pear is placed. To the right, there is a dark green cutting board holding diced light green pear and red apple pieces. In the bottom right corner, half a red apple with a yellow spot at the core is placed next to a small bowl filled with orange fruit chunks. A black and silver knife rests at the bottom of the white board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to creating this stunning fruit salad, where each element contributes its own unique texture, flavor, and festive flair. From the juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges to the crisp bite of apples and pears, plus a spiced honey dressing that ties everything together — every component shines.

1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained well: Use paper towels to remove excess juice for a fresh, firm texture.
3 kiwis: Their bright green color and tart taste add an exotic zing and beautiful contrast.
¾ cup pomegranate arils: These ruby jewels provide a juicy burst and a lovely pop of red to brighten the salad.
2 medium red crisp apples (Honeycrisp or similar): Crunchy and sweet, perfect for balancing softer fruits.
2 medium green pears (Anjou or Bartlett): Their mellow sweetness and soft bite complement the salad’s variety.
6 ounces blackberries: Add a rich, slightly tart flavor and deep color.
3 tablespoons orange juice: Adds fresh citrus notes and forms the base of the dressing.
¼ cup honey: Natural sweetness that enhances the fruit without overpowering.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, festive spice to the dressing.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that lifts the dressing.
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavors.

How to Make Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Cinnamon Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Wash the Fruits

Begin by washing all your fruits thoroughly and drying them with a clean tea towel to ensure no extra moisture dilutes your salad. This simple step guarantees crispness and freshness in every bite.

Step 2: Drain and Arrange the Mandarin Oranges

Carefully drain the mandarin oranges and let them sit on a paper towel to absorb excess liquid. This will keep your fruit salad from becoming soggy and maintain the bright, juicy texture of the oranges.

Step 3: Peel and Slice the Kiwis

Trim off the kiwi ends, then use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove their skin. Slice them into approximately quarter-inch thick rounds to provide appealing green rings that contrast beautifully with the other fruits.

Step 4: Extract and Prepare Pomegranate Arils

To remove the ruby pomegranate seeds, carefully score the skin every couple of inches without cutting too deep, then gently pull the fruit apart. Extract the arils by hand to avoid any bitter white pith, adding a gorgeous sparkle to your salad.

Step 5: Core and Chop Apples and Pears

Core the apples and pears to remove seeds, then chop them into bite-sized pieces that are easy to enjoy and evenly distributed in the salad, providing crisp texture and sweetness.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk the orange juice, honey, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt until smooth and combined. This honey orange cinnamon dressing is the magic that turns simple fruit into a flavorful feast.

Step 7: Assemble the Salad

Layer the diced apples and pears at the bottom of your large serving bowl, then add kiwi slices, blackberries, and half of the pomegranate arils. Drizzle half of your dressing over this layer. Next, add the mandarin oranges along with the remaining apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds on top, finishing with the remaining dressing. You can toss gently to blend flavors or leave it layered for an elegant presentation.

Step 8: Chill Before Serving

Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling allows the dressing to meld with the fruit, giving you a more cohesive and delightful flavor experience.

How to Serve Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Cinnamon Dressing Recipe

A white oval dish holds a colorful fruit salad composed of small square pieces of apple and pear as the base layer, topped with slices of green kiwi, blackberries scattered evenly, and bright red pomegranate seeds sprinkled over. Around the dish, on a white marbled surface, there are small white bowls filled with shiny red pomegranate seeds, bright orange mandarin segments, and a small bowl containing brown cinnamon powder with a metal spoon resting inside. The scene is bright and fresh, with textures showing the softness of the fruit and the fine grain of the cinnamon powder photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, or fresh mint leaves to add a pop of green and a refreshing hint that complements the citrusy dressing perfectly.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving mains like roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes, providing a light and fruity balance that refreshes the palate between rich bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl or individual stemmed glasses to showcase the vibrant layers and colors. You can also hollow out a small pumpkin or squash and use it as a charming seasonal serving vessel to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fruit salad covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve texture, avoid mixing before storage; toss gently just before serving again to revive the fresh appearance.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this festive fruit salad because the juicy fruits, especially berries and pears, will become mushy once thawed, losing the salad’s signature crispness and texture.

Reheating

This fruit salad is best served cold, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a gentle toss and serve chilled to enjoy the full burst of flavors each time.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits for this salad?

Absolutely! While the Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Cinnamon Dressing Recipe highlights specific seasonal fruits, feel free to swap in favorites like grapes, oranges, or cranberries to suit your taste or availability.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses honey as a natural sweetener. For strict vegans, you could substitute honey with maple syrup to keep it plant-based.

How far in advance can I prepare this fruit salad?

For the freshest texture and flavor, prepare the salad the same day you plan to serve it, ideally a few hours in advance. You can make the dressing the night before to save time on the day of.

Can I make the dressing spicier?

Definitely! If you enjoy a little extra warmth, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a touch more ground ginger to the honey orange cinnamon dressing for a spicier twist.

What’s the best way to keep the cut fruit from browning?

Tossing the apples and pears in a little lemon juice before assembly helps prevent browning. The fresh citrus flavor also complements the dressing beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the joyful flavors of the season with the Festive Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Cinnamon Dressing Recipe. It’s a simple, colorful, and irresistible dish that adds brightness and a splash of healthy goodness to your holiday celebrations. I promise this salad will bring smiles around the table and might just become your new Thanksgiving favorite!