Cozy Fall Fruit Salad Recipe: A Colorful Autumn Treat

Crisp autumn winds whisper the arrival of seasonal delights, and this fall fruit salad captures the essence of harvest magic.

Bursting with vibrant colors and rich fall fruit salad flavors, the recipe celebrates nature’s bounty in every delectable bite.

Sweet apples mingle with juicy pears, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Tart pomegranate seeds add a surprising pop of brightness to the mix.

Warm cinnamon and a drizzle of honey weave through the ingredients, transforming simple fruits into a memorable seasonal treat.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through autumn’s most cherished produce.

Prepare to savor the season’s most enchanting flavors in one spectacular dish.

Festive Fall Fruit Salad: The Fresh Factor

• Perfect for holiday gatherings with minimal prep and maximum flavor impact.
• Packed with fresh fruits, nuts, and a zesty homemade dressing that delivers incredible taste and health benefits.
• Versatile salad appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, making it an ideal potluck or family meal companion.
• Transform ordinary fruits into an extraordinary dish with a gourmet touch through toasted pecans and custom spiced dressing.

Ingredients Needed for Fall Fruit Salad

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that provide a classic fall texture and sweet flavor.
• Oranges: Juicy citrus segments that add bright, tangy notes to the salad.
• Grapes: Sweet and refreshing fruit that contributes a smooth, round texture.

• Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy dried berries that introduce a festive holiday touch.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts that bring a rich, warm, and crunchy element to the salad.

• Orange Juice, Sugar: Create a sweet and vibrant liquid base for the dressing.
• Apple Pie Spice: Warm spice blend that enhances the fall flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest, Orange Zest: Citrus zests that add bright, aromatic notes to the dressing.

• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a fresh, tangy undertone.

Fruit Salad Tools: Bowls, Knives & More

• Baking sheet: for toasting pecans in the oven.
• Small saucepan: to prepare the dressing and heat ingredients.
• Fine mesh strainer: for straining the dressing.
• Large mixing bowl: to combine and toss fruit ingredients.
• Sharp knife: for coring apples and cutting oranges.
• Cutting board: for preparing fruits.
• Whisk: to mix dressing ingredients while heating.
• Measuring cups/spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements.

Putting Together Fall Fruit Salad

Step 1: Toast Nutty Pecans

Place pecans on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven at 350F.

Roast until they release a warm, rich aroma and turn slightly golden.

Carefully remove and let them cool completely on the countertop.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Citrus Dressing

• Orange juice
• Sugar
• Apple pie spice
• Lemon zest
• Orange zest

Whisk ingredients together over medium heat.

Let the mixture bubble gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer and set aside to cool down completely.

Step 3: Prepare Crisp Apples

Wash and core apples, then slice into bite-sized chunks.

Splash with fresh lemon juice to keep them bright and prevent browning.

Step 4: Segment Juicy Oranges

Carefully peel oranges, removing all white membrane.

Slice into appealing bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assemble Colorful Fruit Medley

• Prepared apple chunks
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans
• Whole grapes
• Orange segments

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the cooled citrus dressing over the fruit mixture.

Gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunchiest texture.

Smart Tips for Fruit Salad Perfection

• Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, watching carefully to prevent burning for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Toss apple pieces with fresh lemon juice to keep them crisp and white, maintaining the salad's fresh appearance.
• Simmer orange juice with spices to develop a deep, complex flavor that enhances the fruit's natural sweetness.
• Mix dressing just before serving to keep fruits crisp and prevent soggy texture, ensuring a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
• Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, or use sugar-free alternatives for diabetic-friendly options.

Fall Fruit Salad – Fun Flavor Combos

• Gluten-Free Autumn Salad: Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free, gluten-free alternative that maintains crunch and nutrition.
• Vegan Harvest Medley: Swap honey or refined sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar to create a plant-based friendly dressing that complements seasonal fruits.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Blend: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the festive flavor profile intact.
• Tropical Winter Remix: Add mango, papaya, or kiwi pieces to introduce exotic fruits that bring vibrant colors and unique taste dimensions to the traditional fall salad.

Ways to Serve Up Fall Fruit Salad

• Harvest Party Platter: Arrange the fruit salad on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and whole nuts for a gorgeous holiday centerpiece.
• Festive Brunch Companion: Serve alongside warm cinnamon rolls or buttermilk pancakes to create a delightful seasonal breakfast spread.
• Elegant Dessert Option: Spoon the fruit salad into crystal dessert glasses and top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for an extra special touch.
• Grab-and-Go Treat: Package individual portions in clear mason jars for a convenient and beautiful potluck or holiday gathering contribution.

Keeping Fall Fruit Salad Crisp

• Transfer leftover fruit salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent fruit from browning.
• Not recommended for this recipe due to high water content in fresh fruits. Freezing will cause texture changes and make fruits mushy when thawed.
• Gently stir the fruit salad at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its original texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent fruit from becoming soft or losing its crisp texture.
• For optimal taste, consume the fruit salad within 24 hours of preparation. If stored longer, drain excess liquid and add fresh toasted pecans to revive the crunch and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use lemon juice on apples?

Lemon juice prevents apples from turning brown by slowing down oxidation, keeping the fruit looking fresh and appetizing in the salad.

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

• What if I don't have apple pie spice?

You can substitute with a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger to achieve a similar warm, seasonal flavor profile.

• Are the pecans necessary for the recipe?

While pecans add crunch and depth, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if needed, or omit them for a nut-free version.

Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired fall fruit salad combines seasonal apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds with a honey-mint dressing. Crisp ingredients and delicate flavors offer a refreshing twist you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 medium green apples
• 2 medium red apples
• 3 medium navel oranges
• 1 cup grapes
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Nuts:

• 1 cup pecans

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange pecans on a baking sheet. Toast until aromatic, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow nuts to cool completely after removing from oven.
2. Create a zesty dressing by combining orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon and orange zests in a saucepan. Whisk ingredients over medium heat, bringing to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and let cool to room temperature.
3. Prevent apple browning by immediately tossing freshly cored and chopped apple pieces with lemon juice from half a lemon.
4. Carefully remove orange peel and segment the fruit into bite-sized chunks, ensuring no white pith remains.
5. Select a spacious mixing bowl and gently combine prepared apples, dried cranberries, cooled toasted pecans, whole grapes, and orange segments.
6. Drizzle the cooled, fragrant dressing over the fruit mixture, carefully folding to ensure even coating without crushing delicate ingredients. Serve chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely during the brief oven time.
• Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and sweetness in the salad.
• Customize the dressing by adjusting spices or swapping orange juice with apple cider for a deeper autumn flavor profile.
• Prepare fruits just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning, especially with apples and oranges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg