Thanksgiving Recipes for a Florida Feast

When Thanksgiving arrives in Florida, we take a fresh spin on traditional holiday dishes with vibrant tropical flavors, sunny outdoor grilling, and light, refreshing sides. Check out these recipes that will bring a Florida twist to your Thanksgiving table!

1. Citrus-Glazed Turkey

Florida’s citrus is the star of this turkey recipe, adding a tangy glaze that’s perfect for a Thanksgiving in the sunshine. The glaze infuses the turkey with juicy citrus flavors while keeping it tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Season the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
• Brush the turkey with the citrus glaze, making sure to coat it evenly.
• Roast the turkey in the oven, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 2.5-3 hours.
• Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

2. Tropical Fruit Salad

This bright and fresh fruit salad is a perfect addition to a Florida Thanksgiving. With a mix of tropical fruits and a tangy citrus dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both light and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
• 2 ripe mangoes, cubed
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, strawberries, and kiwi.
• In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, and lime juice to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

3. Grilled Veggies with a Kick

These smoky grilled vegetables are a great side for your Thanksgiving feast. Marinated in citrus juice and garlic, they bring out the best in Florida’s fresh produce. Serve them alongside your turkey or as a delicious vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.
• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Toss the vegetables in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Place the veggies on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred (about 8-10 minutes).
• Serve immediately with a drizzle of the leftover marinade.

4. Florida Key Lime Pie

No Florida Thanksgiving is complete without a slice of Key Lime Pie! This tangy, creamy pie made with fresh key lime juice is the perfect way to end your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• 2 large egg yolks
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
• In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
• Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes, until the filling is set.
• Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

5. Mango Salsa with Chips

Kick off your Thanksgiving feast with this easy and flavorful mango salsa. Serve it with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine mango, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
• Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa and stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
• These Thanksgiving recipes with a Florida twist are sure to bring a touch of sunshine to your table! Whether you’re grilling outdoors or enjoying a tropical dessert, these dishes will make your holiday meal unforgettable.

Looking for a home that’s perfect for hosting family gatherings?

At Wemert Group Realty, we’re here to help you find the perfect space to create lasting holiday memories. Whether you’re looking for a cozy home with a spacious kitchen or a Florida-style oasis for outdoor entertaining, we’ve got you covered. Call (321) 567-1202 today and let us help you find your dream home!