When it comes to Thanksgiving, my sister takes the lead. She's the one with 3 children living in close proximity to my parents. I usually escape with bringing just myself to the table. This year the entire family is engaged in a morning run, reflecting the healthier habits we've all been adapting. So, instead of showing up empty handed (or with a dish laden with fat), I elected to put together a fruit salad for our breakfast/brunch. It isn't only super-easy, but will travel and keep well until I arrive.

The weekend cannot be all casseroles and butter. At some point, your body craves vitamins. This salad not only offers a lighter option for the adults, but serves as the go-to dish for children in the mix. Little ones do like this so much more than anything else on a typical holiday buffet. The bonus? It is super easy and completely healthy for the kiddos.. and for you!

SIMPLE FRUIT SALAD

1/2 pint blueberries
2 pineapples, cored and sliced into 1/4" chunks
1/2 lb seedless green or light red grapes
1 pint strawberries. Stemmed and sliced in half
2 Oranges
1 lime
1 lemon
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tsp Sugar in the Raw (course)
1 6oz container vanilla greek yogurt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Put washed blueberries and grapes into a bowl with sliced strawberries and pineapple. In a different bowl, squeeze the juice from one orange, lime and 1/2 lemon & mix with half of the agave nectar and sugar. Toss this mixture with fruit. In another small bowl, whisk yogurt, extract, the juice from the second orange, 1/2 lemon and remaining agave nectar. Place the yogurt/juice blend in the center of a platter surrounded with the fruit salad. This keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge. Double the recipe if you want a healthy snack on hand throughout Thanksgiving weekend. And, feel free to use whatever fruit you have on hand- -kiwi, a handful of leftover shredded coconut, apples, cherries... anything goes! 


What is your healthy alternative for the holiday season?  I would love more ideas, as Christmas family gatherings are just around the corner. Please share, and keep following the Southern Sophisticate.