Turkey may be the long-reigning star of Thanksgiving. But we all know that the sides actually steal the show, every time. From green beans to mashed potatoes to all manner of casseroles, Thanksgiving side dishes bring that extra “oomph” of flavor to the holiday table.

This year, try brightening up your traditional spread with fruit! Adding fruit to your Thanksgiving menu brings vibrant flavor and a tropical contrast to all those cozy, savory and often-heavily-rich classics.

Here are 10 Thanksgiving side dishes and appetizers from Dole^®’s kitchen that mix timeless holiday favorites with fresh, fruit-forward flair using wholesome fruit.

Tropical Gold Sweet Potato Casserole

Your grandma’s easy sweet potato casserole recipe gets a glow-up! Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Slices in 100% Pineapple Juice^ add a juicy sweetness that perfectly balances the spices and buttery sweet potatoes. This easy Thanksgiving side dish feels comforting and familiar, yet just elevated enough to spark a lively conversation at the table: “Pineapple on pizza, pineapple on casserole, what on earth is next?”

Try this upgraded classic: Tropical Gold Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Carrots and Pineapple with Warm Brown Butter Sage Vinaigrette

Roasted vegetables meet fruit in this heavenly salad. Earthy sage butter mingles with roasted carrots and Dole^® Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Pineapple Juice*, creating one of the best veggie side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. The balance of sweet, savory and nutty notes makes this a more health-conscious complement to the richer dishes on your table.

Toss up this salad: Roasted Carrots and Pineapple with Warm Brown Butter Sage Vinaigrette

Beet Fennel and Mandarin Orange Salad

Another refreshing salad option for when the table feels a little heavy: this beet salad recipe adds the rainbow hues of a garden harvest to your feast. Roasted beets and crisp fennel pair beautifully with sweet Dole^® Mandarin Oranges In Light Syrup for a pop of color and bright flavor. 

Prepare this rainbow of a Thanksgiving salad: Beet Fennel and Mandarin Orange Salad

Pineapple Cucumber Salad

One more salad for you! This time, it’s our take on the TikTok-viral cucumber salad. Liven things up with a refreshing counterpoint to all the other rich sides of Thanksgiving. Crisp cucumbers, sweet Dole^® Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Pineapple Juice* and a bright dressing make this the perfect “breather” dish between bites of stuffing and gravy. 

Add a whisper of summer to your spread: Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Pineapple Chutney with Baked Cheese

Classy, cozy and completely delicious, this pineapple chutney with baked brie is one of those Thanksgiving appetizers your guests will talk about all year. The jammy blend of brown sugar, spices and Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Chunks in 100% Pineapple Juice* pairs beautifully with baked brie (or goat cheese, or feta, or whatever soft cheese strikes your fancy). It’s a melty, fruity masterpiece that doubles as an elegant starter or easy party snack.

Try the baked brie recipe you’ve been dreaming of: Pineapple Chutney with Baked Cheese

Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites

Bite-sized appetizers are where good hosting meets smart snacking, and these mozzarella cheese bites nail that balance. Each skewer layers Dole^® Frozen Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Chunks and soft mozzarella, finished with rosemary sprigs for a fragrant touch. This easy cheese appetizer is fun to prepare, simple to serve and looks gorgeous on a board.

Assemble these bites for your grazing guests: Rosemary Pineapple Mozzarella Bites

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

More bites, but this time, they’re sweet and smoky. Need we say more? These bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are a guaranteed hit. The crispy bacon shell meets caramelized Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Chunks in a combination that’s irresistible. It’s the ultimate appetizer for Thanksgiving or any other dinner occasion; easy to prepare ahead of time, and liable to instantly disappear.

Bring on the bacon with this simple recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple 

Hula Ham Sliders

For something hearty but still fun, these sliders work double duty as an appetizer before the feast and as the best next-day leftovers ever. Sweet Dole^® Pineapple Slices in 100% Pineapple Juice* and savory ham sandwiched between tender rolls bring big flavor in mini form. An easy win for both pre- and post-dinner snacking.

Throw together this kid-friendly favorite: Hula Ham Sliders

Pineapple Cheese Ball

You can’t go wrong with a retro classic! Our take on a cheese ball combines creamy cheese with sweet Dole^® Crushed Pineapple in 100% Pineapple Juice* for a festive, tangy bite. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up, slice and serve. It’s one of the best modern cheese ball recipes you can find that feels nostalgic but not dated.

Have a ball making this easy recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball 

Peachy Maple Pecan Pumpkin

We have another cheese ball for you, but this one has more of a dessert flair! Add a warm, sweet note to your Thanksgiving sides with this peachy “pumpkin.” This cute centerpiece combines fall’s favorite flavors with Dole^® Jarred Sliced Peaches in 100% Fruit Juice** in a twist that’s unexpected yet wholly festive. It’s the kind of treat that makes “just one more bite” impossible.

Make your own cute little pumpkin: Peachy Maple Pecan Pumpkin

Celebrate a Brighter Thanksgiving with Dole

So what did you think of some of the fruity twists we tried? Did we inspire you to add a little something extra to your beloved Thanksgiving classics? 

As you bond with your loved ones over gratitude and good food this Thanksgiving, we hope you channel your sense of culinary adventure and give these ideas a try! We also hope that these fruit-forward recipes prove that even the most tried-and-true Thanksgiving side dishes can continue to surprise you in the best way.Ready to bring even more sunshine to your menu? Explore our other products and recipes to inspire you! Make sure to share your fruity creations by tagging @DoleSunshine on social media.