Holiday Fruit Mix Bowl

Looking for something refreshing alongside your festive dinner? This Seasonal Fruit Mix blends perfectly with turkey and trimmings. Combine fresh apples, juicy grapes, and tangy oranges with a zesty citrus sauce. It's ready in just 10 minutes and brings a burst of freshness to your holiday spread.

The Perfect Bright Addition to Festive Meals

When you've had your fill of heavy dishes, you'll want something crisp and light. This fruit combo hits the spot. Tart apples, plump grapes, and succulent oranges come together with chewy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. The flavorful spiced sauce ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy it alongside your main course or top with ice cream for a sweet treat. It's super quick to throw together and adds a lovely pop of color to any celebratory table.

Ingredients List

• Granny Smith Apples: They give that zingy crispness
• Honeycrisp or Fuji Apples: For their natural sweetness
• Dried Cranberries: They add a chewy sweet-tart bite
• Pecans: Adding crunch. Try walnuts as an alternative
• Grapes: Either color works fine
• Navel Oranges: These work best for juiciness
• Lemon Juice: Stops apple discoloration
• Orange Juice: Forms the sauce base
• Sugar: For a touch of sweetness
• Apple Pie Spice: Brings that autumn warmth
• Lemon Zest: Adds brightness to the mix
• Orange Zest: Enhances the citrus flavor

Preparation Instructions

Brown the pecans:

Warm your oven to 350°F. Spread nuts on a tray until they're fragrant.

Prepare sauce:

Combine orange juice, sugar, spices, and both zests in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Filter mixture:

Run sauce through a strainer. Set aside to cool down.

Prepare apples:

Cut both apple varieties. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Get oranges ready:

Remove peel and chop oranges into smaller chunks.

Combine ingredients:

Throw all fruits, cranberries, and toasted nuts into a large bowl.

Complete dish:

Drizzle cooled sauce over everything. Toss thoroughly before serving.

Reasons This Dish Wins Fans

This mix brings a welcome lightness to substantial holiday feasts. The combo of crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and citrusy oranges makes a beautiful display. The warm-spiced sauce gives it that autumn feel everyone loves. It's a hit with grown-ups and kids alike because it's refreshing yet satisfyingly sweet. Look for solid, plump apples that feel weighty and have vibrant colors. Granny Smiths offer that tangy crunch, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring natural sweetness. Choose oranges that seem heavy for their size - they'll be the most juice-packed. When you'll be using the outer peel, try to get organic fruit if possible.

Elevating Your Sauce

Freshly squeezed orange juice really makes this sauce stand out. The apple pie spice adds that warm, homey touch. When zesting citrus, just scrape off the colored outer layer - avoid the white part since it's bitter. Always let your sauce cool completely before adding it to your fruit mixture to keep everything nice and crisp.

Advance Preparation Tips

You can toast your pecans up to seven days ahead and store them in an airtight container. The sauce can be made three days in advance and kept refrigerated. It's best to cut and mix the fruits just before you plan to serve for maximum freshness. Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge for a couple days.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to shake things up. Toss in some ruby-red pomegranate seeds for extra pop, or swap apples for pears. Try adding some mandarin segments or use walnuts instead of pecans. Keep experimenting until you find the mix that works best for your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare it earlier?

Keep it in an airtight box in the fridge for a day or two. The flavors get even better the longer it sits!

→ What can I use if pecans aren't available?

Swap them with almonds or walnuts. They'll still bring the same crunchy texture and taste great.

→ Is this suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! It’s just fruit and nuts with no animal ingredients.

→ How do I stop apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices with a splash of lemon juice as soon as you cut them. It's a game-changer.

→ Should this be served warm?

No, it’s best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. Room temp works too if you prefer.

Conclusion

Looking for more fun and tasty holiday sides? Try baking your favorite fall fruits with spices and sugar. Or make crunchy glazed nuts with a bit of orange juice. For a festive breakfast, bake treats with dried cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest. They all feel cozy and fit perfectly at festive meals.