Go Back
Adam

Fall Fruit Salad — Fresh, Juicy & Bursting with Autumn Flavors

When fall arrives, fresh fruit gets a cozy, golden glow. 🍎🍐🍇 This Fall Fruit Salad is a celebration of the season’s best — crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of honey-cinnamon dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s light, colorful, and packed with natural sweetness, making it the perfect side for holiday dinners, brunches, or even a healthy dessert. Each bite delivers a balance of crisp texture, juicy freshness, and warm spiced aroma. Whether you serve it in a glass bowl at Thanksgiving or as a quick snack during the week, this salad captures the very essence of autumn — comforting, refreshing, and irresistibly simple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍎 For the Salad
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples diced
  • 2 pears diced
  • 1 cup red grapes halved
  • 1 cup green grapes halved
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans or walnuts chopped and toasted (optional)
🍯 For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp cinnamon ground
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk or fork
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large spoon for tossing

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Fruit
  1. Wash and dry all the fruit. Dice the apples and pears into bite-sized cubes. Cut the grapes in half, and remove pomegranate seeds if using a fresh fruit.
Step 2 – Prevent Browning
  1. Place the chopped apples and pears in a large bowl. Drizzle a little lemon juice over them and toss to prevent browning.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. This dressing adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
Step 4 – Combine the Salad
  1. Add grapes, pomegranate seeds, and cranberries to the apples and pears. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture.
Step 5 – Toss Gently
  1. Using a large spoon, toss the fruit gently until each piece is evenly coated with the honey-cinnamon dressing.
Step 6 – Add the Nuts (Optional)
  1. Just before serving, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and warmth.
Step 7 – Serve Fresh
  1. Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended — fruit will lose texture.
Re-toss Before Serving: Stir gently before eating again, as juices may settle at the bottom.
💡 Tip: If making ahead, keep nuts and dressing separate until serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
🥄 Variations
Creamy Style: Add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
Tropical Fall Mix: Add pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges for a sunny touch.
Nut-Free: Skip nuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Berry Boost: Toss in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for extra color.
Vegan Version: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Cinnamon Apple Lovers: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
Warm Option: Lightly heat the honey dressing and pour over the fruit for a comforting, warm salad.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the fruit and dressing separately, then mix before serving.
2. How do I keep apples from turning brown?
Toss them in lemon juice immediately after chopping.
3. Can I use different apples?
Of course! Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady work beautifully.
4. What if I don’t have pomegranate?
You can substitute with dried cherries or fresh raspberries.
5. Is it sweet or tangy?
It’s lightly sweet with a fresh citrus tang from the orange and lemon juice.
6. Can I add bananas?
Yes, but only right before serving, as they brown quickly.
7. How can I make it more filling?
Add Greek yogurt or granola for a breakfast-style fruit bowl.
8. What nuts are best?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds — all toasted for extra flavor.
9. Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s naturally sweet, colorful, and healthy.
10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes — easily double or triple it for Thanksgiving or potluck gatherings.
🏁 Conclusion
This Fall Fruit Salad is like a bowl of edible autumn sunshine — crisp apples, juicy grapes, sweet cranberries, and warm cinnamon all in perfect harmony. 🍎🍇🍁
The honey-orange dressing brings everything together, highlighting the fruits’ natural sweetness and adding a subtle spiced glow. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is beautiful — perfect for holiday tables, cozy breakfasts, or healthy desserts.
Simple, colorful, and bursting with flavor — this salad captures the best of the season in every bite.