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Fall Fruit Salad — Fresh, Cozy & Naturally Sweet

This Fall Fruit Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, crisp, juicy, and warm flavors inspired by the best seasonal produce. Apples, pears, grapes, and pomegranate seeds come together with a touch of cinnamon and a light maple-citrus dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it. Unlike summer fruit salads that are bright and tropical, a fall fruit salad is comforting and cozy. It features fruits that are full of rich flavor and firm texture, making the salad satisfying and fresh at the same time. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch tables, school lunches, family dinners, or simply as a healthy snack. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — wholesome ingredients, natural sweetness, and warm flavor notes. A true seasonal celebration in one beautiful bowl.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Fruit
  • 2 apples chopped (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
  • 2 pears chopped (Bosc or Bartlett recommended)
  • 1 cup red or green grapes halved
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • Optional: 1–2 mandarins or clementines peeled and segmented
Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice or apple cider
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • A sprinkle of extra cinnamon

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
  1. Wash all fruit well.
  2. Chop apples and pears into bite-size cubes.
  3. Halve the grapes.
  4. Add everything to a large bowl along with pomegranate seeds.
  5. If using mandarins or clementines, gently fold them in as well.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. maple syrup
  3. orange juice
  4. cinnamon
  5. vanilla extract
  6. The dressing should taste lightly sweet, warm, and bright.
Step 3: Combine
  1. Pour the dressing over the fruit.
  2. Gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the fruit.
Step 4: Serve
  1. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  2. Top with pecans or pumpkin seeds if desired.
  3. Serve fresh and chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Add a squeeze of lemon to prevent apples and pears from browning if storing longer.
No reheating needed — serve chilled.
🥄 Variations
Add Banana:
Add sliced banana just before serving to avoid browning.
Cranberry Twist:
Add dried cranberries for extra chew and tartness.
Creamy Style:
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or whipped mascarpone just before serving.
Spiced Warm Version:
Lightly warm the fruit in a skillet with cinnamon for a cozy dessert-like version.
Holiday Version:
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice to enhance seasonal flavors.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — prepare the dressing and chop the fruit, but toss together just before serving.
How do I prevent apples and pears from browning?
Toss them with orange juice or lemon juice before mixing.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady — all hold texture well.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Not recommended — it will become mushy.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, lightly warm in a skillet for a cozy fall variation.
What protein pairs well with this dish?
Yogurt, cottage cheese, grilled chicken, salmon, or nuts.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely — honey works beautifully.
Can I add melon?
It’s better to stick to fall fruits for flavor balance.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger bowl and adjust dressing to taste.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely — it’s lightly sweet, refreshing, and colorful.
🏁 Conclusion
This Fall Fruit Salad is bright, refreshing, and full of cozy seasonal warmth. Every bite highlights the natural sweetness of apples and pears, paired with juicy grapes and tart pomegranate, all gently coated in a cinnamon-maple glaze.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall — simple, wholesome, colorful, and utterly delicious.