Sweet Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

Autumn’s Juiciest Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

Summer’s vibrant colors start to mellow as autumn leaves dance, and this delightful fall fruit salad recipe brings warmth to your table.

Crisp apples, juicy pears, and sweet pomegranate seeds create a beautiful medley of seasonal flavors.

Cinnamon and honey drizzle enhance the natural sweetness of each bite.

Textures blend perfectly, from crunchy nuts to soft, ripe fruits.

This simple yet elegant dish celebrates the bounty of autumn’s harvest.

Serve chilled and watch as smiles spread around the table, connecting everyone through the pure joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Fall Fruit Salad

For Dressing Ingredients:
  • Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence to elevate the dressing's complexity.
  • Orange Juice: Provides natural sweetness and tangy liquid base for the dressing.
  • Maple Syrup: Introduces rich, deep sweetness with subtle caramel undertones.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice that complements fall fruits beautifully.
For Fruits:
  • Grapes, Blackberries: Juicy berries that offer burst of freshness and vibrant color contrast.
  • Apples: Select crisp, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for perfect texture and sweet-tart balance.
For Crunchy Element:
  • Pecans: Adds delightful nutty crunch and rich, buttery flavor to complement soft fruits.

Tools to Assemble a Beautiful Fall Fruit Salad

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and tossing the fruit.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cubing apples and chopping pecans.
  • Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping fruits and nuts.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure maple syrup and other liquid ingredients.
  • Zester or grater: Useful for creating fine orange zest.
  • Serving spoon: Great for mixing and serving the fruit salad.

How to Put Together a Refreshing Fall Fruit Salad

  • Zesty Flavor Base

Gather a large mixing bowl and whisk together bright orange zest, fresh orange juice, sweet maple syrup, and warm ground cinnamon until the dressing becomes smooth and fragrant.

  • Fruit Collection

Toss crisp grapes, juicy blackberries, and crunchy chopped pecans into the prepared dressing mixture.

  • Apple Magic

Slice crisp apples into bite-sized cubes and gently fold them into the fruit blend, ensuring every piece gets coated with the delicious citrusy dressing.

  • Serving Style

Enjoy the salad right away for maximum freshness, or seal in a container and chill until you’re ready to indulge in this seasonal treat. Perfect for a quick snack or elegant side dish that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Flavor Pairing Tips for Fall Fruit Salad

  • Swap out grapes for pears or swap blackberries for raspberries to create your unique seasonal twist.
  • Sprinkle chia seeds or hemp hearts for an extra protein and omega-3 boost that enhances the salad's health benefits.
  • Toss apple cubes in the citrusy dressing quickly to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, crisp fruit appearance.
  • Prepare the dressing and chop fruits separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

How to Serve Fall Fruit Salad as a Side or Dessert

  • Festive Autumn Platter: Arrange the fruit salad on a beautiful wooden board with scattered whole pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair this vibrant salad alongside Greek yogurt, granola, or freshly baked morning muffins for a delightful weekend breakfast spread.
  • Dessert Transformation: Scoop the fruit salad over vanilla ice cream or pound cake for a quick and elegant after-dinner sweet treat that celebrates fall flavors.
  • Potluck Star: Pack the salad in a clear glass container to showcase the colorful fruits and bring a refreshing dish that stands out at family gatherings or community events.

Keeping Fall Fruit Salad Fresh in the Fridge

  • Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the fruit salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor melding and provide a refreshing cool texture.
  • Smart Storage Solution: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, understanding that berries might soften slightly over time.
  • Advance Preparation Tip: Prepare the dressing and cut harder fruits like apples in advance, but add delicate berries just before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent bruising.
  • Serving Temperature Magic: Serve the salad chilled for the best taste experience, letting the orange-maple dressing create a delightful coating on each fruit piece.
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Sweet Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

Sweet Fall Fruit Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Seasonal Mediterranean fall fruit salad combines crisp apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts with honey-mint dressing. Balanced flavors and fresh ingredients make this light side dish perfect for autumn gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet apples, cubed
  • 16 oz (454 g) red seedless grapes
  • 12 oz (340 g) blackberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 orange, zest and juice
  • 2 tbsps maple syrup
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Dressing Creation: Whisk orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Initial Fruit Incorporation: Gently fold grapes, blackberries, and pecans into the aromatic dressing, ensuring even coating and flavor distribution.
  3. Apple Preparation and Final Mixing: Dice apples into uniform cubes and delicately integrate them into the fruit mixture, thoroughly tossing to guarantee each ingredient is elegantly dressed.
  4. Serving Recommendations: For optimal taste and presentation, serve immediately to highlight the fruits’ vibrant colors and fresh textures. If not consuming right away, seal the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate, maintaining its delectable qualities for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • Zest Boost: Orange zest adds intense citrus flavor and aromatic depth to the dressing, elevating the entire fruit salad’s taste profile.
  • Dressing Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated sauce that evenly coats every fruit piece.
  • Freshness Matters: Serve immediately for maximum texture and vibrant fruit colors, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours without compromising quality.
  • Nut Caution: Add pecans just before serving to maintain their crisp crunch and prevent soggy texture from sitting in the dressing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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