Fall Fruit Salad: 2 Amazing Fall Flavors

Name: Fall Fruit Salad: 2 Amazing Fall Flavors
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples; 2 medium pears; 1 cup red or green grapes; 1 cup pomegranate seeds; 2 small mandarin oranges; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

by basmer

7 de September de 2025

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Fall Fruit Salad has a way of bringing the cozy, vibrant essence of autumn right to your plate. I still remember the first time I tried making a truly seasonal version; it wasn’t just about throwing fruit in a bowl, but about capturing the rich flavors and colors of the harvest season. This particular seasonal fruit salad fall recipe became an instant hit at our family gatherings, filling the air with a delightful aroma of cinnamon and citrus. It’s so refreshing and beautiful, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Fall Fruit Salad

This isn’t just any fruit salad; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty! Here’s why it’s a must-make:

It’s incredibly easy fall fruit salad to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Loaded with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s a genuinely healthy fall fruit salad option you can feel good about.
The combination of crisp apples, juicy pears, and sweet grapes is simply irresistible.
It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite seasonal produce.
The simple honey-lemon-cinnamon dressing adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
It makes a beautiful centerpiece for any autumn table, especially for holiday meals.

Ingredients for This Autumn Fruit Salad Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful fall fruit salad with apples and pears. You’ll need a colorful assortment of fresh produce to really make it shine. The combination of crisp apples and juicy pears provides a wonderful base, bringing that quintessential autumn flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 medium apples, cored and diced – Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully for crunch.
2 medium pears, cored and diced – Bosc or Anjou pears offer a lovely sweetness.
1 cup red or green grapes, halved – Seedless varieties are best for easy eating.
1 cup pomegranate seeds – These add a burst of tartness and a beautiful jewel-like appearance.
2 small mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented – Their sweetness and citrusy notes are a refreshing addition.
1/4 cup dried cranberries – These little gems offer a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped – For a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons honey – This forms the base of our light, sweet dressing.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder – This spice is key to that warm, autumnal aroma.

How to Make a Fall Fruit Salad

Crafting this vibrant dish is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for any occasion. This guide will walk you through how to make a fall fruit salad that’s bursting with flavor and color.

Step 1: Begin by washing all your beautiful fruits under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This ensures your salad is fresh and clean.
Step 2: Prepare your apples and pears by coring them and dicing them into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are easy to scoop and enjoy in a single bite.
Step 3: Halve the grapes for easier eating. If you’re using larger grapes, cutting them in half prevents them from being too large to manage.
Step 4: Carefully separate the seeds from the pomegranate. You can do this by scoring the outside of the fruit and gently pulling it apart over a bowl to catch the seeds.
Step 5: Peel the mandarin oranges and separate them into individual segments. Remove any white pith for a cleaner taste.
Step 6: Combine all the prepared fruits – the diced apples and pears, halved grapes, pomegranate seeds, and mandarin orange segments – along with the dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl. The colors are already so inviting!
Step 7: Add the roughly chopped walnuts or pecans to the bowl. These nuts provide a wonderful crunch and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the fruits beautifully.
Step 8: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon powder. This simple dressing is key to tying all the flavors together and creating a delightful, light coating for your quick fall fruit salad.
Step 9: Pour this delicious dressing evenly over the fruit and nut mixture in the large bowl.
Step 10: Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula. Be careful not to mash the fruit; you want to coat everything evenly while keeping the fruit intact.
Step 11: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly harmonious taste experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Fall Fruit Salad

Want to elevate your autumn fruit salad? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a big difference:

Always choose firm, ripe fruits. Overripe fruit can become mushy, especially after dressing.
For an extra layer of flavor, toast your nuts! It brings out their natural oils and adds a wonderful depth.
Don’t skip the chilling step. Letting the salad sit allows the dressing to coat the fruit beautifully and the flavors to meld.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking. A little more honey or a touch less lemon juice can change the whole profile.

What’s the secret to perfect Fall Fruit Salad?

The secret is in the dressing and the fruit combination! A light, balanced dressing with honey, lemon, and cinnamon creates a perfectly spiced fall fruit salad. Using a mix of textures and flavors, like crisp apples, juicy pears, and tart pomegranate, also ensures every bite is exciting. For more ideas on flavor combinations, check out these honey lime chicken variations.

Can I make this Autumn fruit salad recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the fruit and store it separately from the dressing for up to 24 hours. Combine and dress the salad about 30 minutes to an hour before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Fall Fruit Salad?

A common pitfall is using fruits that brown quickly, like bananas. Stick to heartier fall fruits. Also, be gentle when tossing; overmixing can bruise the delicate fruits and make the salad look unappetizing. Learn more about foods to eat less of for a healthier lifestyle.

Best Ways to Serve Fall Fruit Salad

This vibrant dish is incredibly versatile and shines in so many settings. It’s a wonderful addition to any brunch spread, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. For a lovely light lunch, pair a generous scoop with a side of chicken salad or a simple green salad. And of course, it’s a perfect Thanksgiving fruit salad! Its beautiful colors and seasonal flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to turkey and all the fixings, bringing a touch of freshness to the holiday table. You might also enjoy these easy family dinners.

Nutrition Facts for Fall Fruit Salad

This delightful salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. A serving of this vibrant dish offers a fantastic balance of natural sweetness and healthy goodness.

Calories: 280
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 5mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Fall Fruit Salad

Properly storing this delightful fruit salad for autumn season ensures you can enjoy its fresh flavors for days. Once cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. For the best quality and to maintain that crisp texture, it’s best kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While freezing isn’t ideal for this salad due to the fresh fruit, if you must, wrap it very tightly to prevent freezer burn, though the texture may change upon thawing. Reheating isn’t typically necessary as this salad is best served chilled. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Fruit Salad

What are the best fruits to use in a Fall Fruit Salad?

For the perfect fall fruit salad, I love using fruits that are in season and offer a mix of textures and flavors. Crisp apples and juicy pears are essential, providing that classic autumn crunch. Grapes add sweetness, while pomegranate seeds offer a delightful tartness and beautiful color. Mandarin oranges bring a burst of citrus, and dried cranberries add a chewy, sweet-tart element. You really want a variety to make your harvest fruit salad recipe sing! Consider pairing this with some easy air fryer chicken thighs for a complete meal.

Can I make this Harvest fruit salad recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare parts of this salad in advance! I usually prep the fruit and chop the nuts a day ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. It’s best to combine everything and add the dressing about 30 minutes to an hour before serving to keep the fruit from becoming soggy. This way, you have a beautiful, fresh salad ready to go when needed.

What can I add to make this Fall Fruit Salad more interesting?

To really amp up your fall fruit salad, consider adding toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil can add a surprising and refreshing twist. For a touch of warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger in the dressing works wonderfully. If you’re looking for a more substantial salad, some crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a lovely savory contrast. Discover more homemade seasoning mixes to enhance flavors.

Variations of Fall Fruit Salad You Can Try

This delightful salad is so adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch it up and make it your own:

For a Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the nuts. You can add toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead for a lovely crunch, creating a wonderful fall fruit salad with nuts and seeds without the actual nuts.
For a Creamier Dressing: Whisk a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of cream cheese into the honey-lemon-cinnamon dressing. This creates a rich and decadent creamy fall fruit salad dressing that’s absolutely divine.
Add Warm Spices: Boost the autumnal flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dressing along with the cinnamon. This makes for an even more complex and cozy spiced fall fruit salad.
Incorporate Dried Fruits: Beyond cranberries, try adding chopped dried apricots or cherries for more chewy texture and concentrated sweetness.

This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. For more inspiration on seasonal cooking, explore the latest recipes.