Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving isn’t exactly famous for its light fare. Between the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, a little freshness can go a long way. Enter: the Turkey Fruit Platter. This adorable and vibrant Thanksgiving fruit tray is the perfect antidote to all the heavy dishes (and let’s face it, the food coma that follows). It’s fun to make, gorgeous on the table, and, most importantly, a kid-friendly appetiser that even your picky eater niece will love.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or heading to Friendsgiving with a dish in hand, this platter brings festive flair without the fuss. And guess what? You don’t even have to turn on the oven. Just 20 minutes and some colourful fruit, and boom—holiday magic!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Fruit Platter
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It’s a showstopper—without any culinary stress.
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Totally customizable with whatever fruit you have on hand.
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A healthy holiday snack amidst a sea of stuffing and gravy.
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Your kids can help you make it (read: an actual Thanksgiving miracle).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Glaze (Edible “Glue”):
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1 Tablespoon (8 g) powdered sugar
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¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) water
For the Fruit Turkey:
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½ pear (this is your turkey body)
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2 candy eyes
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1 baby carrot (you’ll carve feet and a beak—don’t worry, it’s fun!)
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2 cups (300 g) grapes
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2 cups (330 g) pineapple chunks
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1 pint (about 300 g) strawberries, sliced
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2 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated
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2 kiwis, sliced
How to Assemble Your Turkey Fruit Platter
1. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and water until it forms a thick paste. Add more sugar or water to adjust the consistency as needed.
2. Create the turkey body:
Place the pear half cut-side down at the bottom center of a large round or oval platter.
3. Add the face and feet:
Use the glaze to stick the candy eyes onto the narrow end of the pear. Slice the baby carrot lengthwise—cut little feet from one half and place them at the base of the pear. Use a small triangle piece from the other half for the beak and stick it just under the eyes.
4. Build the tail (aka fruit rainbow!):
Arrange the fruit in half-circle rows around the pear, starting with grapes closest to the body. Then layer sliced strawberries, kiwi, pineapple chunks, mandarin segments, and a final outer ring of strawberries for extra pop.
Olivia’s Tips for a Picture-Perfect Turkey Fruit Platter
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Fruit freshness matters. Soft or mushy fruit will droop—go for firm and ripe.
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Pat fruit dry with paper towels so it doesn’t slide around.
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Feeling crafty? Add mini marshmallows, cranberries, or blueberries for more tail feathers.
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Want extra “wow”? Use a tiny cookie cutter to shape fruit like stars or hearts.
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Don’t stress perfection—this is one turkey where “wobbly” = “adorable.”
A Little Backstory From My Kitchen to Yours
The first time I made this Turkey Fruit Platter, my then-4-year-old called it “the funniest turkey ever” and insisted we name it Gerald. Now, Gerald makes an appearance every Thanksgiving, complete with candy eyes slightly crooked and a strawberry tail that looks like it was arranged by a toddler (because it was).
These kinds of recipes are my favorite—not just because they’re easy, but because they create moments. Laughter. Messy counters. Tiny sticky fingers stealing grapes. And honestly? That’s what this season is all about.
What to Serve with Your Turkey Fruit Platter
This platter pairs beautifully with savory bites like cheese and crackers or a creamy spinach dip. You can also set it next to your dessert table as a light, refreshing option (a relief for anyone who’s on round three of pie). For brunch gatherings, serve it with yogurt and granola for a balanced, festive start to the day.
Pro tip: pair it with hot apple cider or a holiday punch for bonus hostess points.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
If by some miracle you have fruit left over, here’s what to do:
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Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 days.
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Prevent browning: Sprinkle a little lemon juice over the fruit to keep it fresh and bright.
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Use it up: Toss extra fruit into smoothies, oatmeal, or even bake into a quick fruit crisp.
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The pear may brown quickly—so eat “the turkey body” first!
FAQs About Turkey Fruit Platters
Q: Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, apples, or melon balls all work. Just aim for a mix of colours for that rainbow tail.
Q: How far in advance can I make this?
Assemble it up to 4 hours ahead and store in the fridge, covered lightly with plastic wrap. Wait to add the candy eyes and carrot details until right before serving.
Q: Is this really a kid-friendly appetiser?
Oh yes. Kids love the colours and shapes—and it’s a sneaky way to get some fruit in before pie!
Q: Can I make this outside of Thanksgiving?
Definitely! Swap the pear for an apple and the eyes for raisins, and you’ve got a fun animal platter for any holiday or birthday bash.
Bringing the Joy with This Turkey Fruit Platter
Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Thanksgiving feast or just bringing a dish to your sister-in-law’s house, this Turkey Fruit Platter delivers festive charm with minimal effort. It’s colourful, fun, and filled with goodness—a reminder that the best holiday moments often come from the simplest recipes.
So gather your grapes, grab that pear, and let your creativity shine. Who says healthy can’t be fun?
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Print
Turkey Fruit Platter
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 large fruit platter (serves about 8–10) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Fruit Platter is a festive and healthy Thanksgiving snack that doubles as a fun centerpiece. With colorful layers of fruit arranged into a turkey shape, it’s a kid-friendly dish that adds freshness to the holiday table without cooking required. Perfect for gatherings, Friendsgiving, or a light alternative among heavier holiday classics.
Ingredients
For the Glaze (Edible “Glue”):
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1 tablespoon (8 g) powdered sugar
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¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) water
For the Fruit Turkey:
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½ pear (turkey body)
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2 candy eyes
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1 baby carrot (for feet and beak)
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2 cups (300 g) grapes
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2 cups (330 g) pineapple chunks
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1 pint (300 g) strawberries, sliced
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2 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated
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2 kiwis, sliced
Instructions
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Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar and water into a thick paste. Adjust with more sugar or water if needed.
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Create the turkey body: Place the pear half cut-side down at the bottom center of a large platter.
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Add the face and feet: Use glaze to attach candy eyes to the pear. Slice the carrot into small feet and a triangular beak, placing them at the base and below the eyes.
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Build the fruit tail: Arrange grapes in a half-circle around the pear. Follow with rows of strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mandarin slices, and another layer of strawberries for extra color.
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Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use firm, ripe fruit to keep the design fresh and upright.
Pat fruit dry with paper towels before arranging to avoid slipping.
Add extras like blueberries, marshmallows, or shaped fruit pieces for variety.
Assemble up to 4 hours in advance, but add candy eyes and carrot details just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack / Holiday Platter
- Method: No-cook assembly
- Cuisine: American (Holiday / Thanksgiving)