Our kids love adding extra whipped cream to the fruit salad. Most years it turns into more cream than fruit, just the way I like it.

Fruit salad adds color and lightness to a heavy Thanksgiving meal. Not everyone serves Fruit Salad at Thanksgiving, but it has always been on my family’s table. It was a favorite as a kid. I mean who doesn’t like eating tons of whipped cream and pretending its good for you? And it is always fun getting the one cherry in the whole bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 2 apples, diced
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) we always use mandarin oranges.
• 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla yogurt

Variations:

• Dairy‑free: use coconut cream
• Healthier: skip cream, drizzle honey instead
• Substitute any fruit you want. Just remember that fruits like apples and bananas will turn brown if they are put in too early.

Tips:

• Drain canned fruit well to avoid watery salad
• Add seasonal fruit like pomegranate for festive color

Engagement Prompt: Do you serve fruit salad at Thanksgiving, or save it for summer?