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Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad Recipe
Celebrate the beauty of the fall season with this Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad — a colorful, refreshing, and wholesome dish that captures the best flavors of autumn in one bowl. Filled with crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, and tangy cranberries, all tossed in a luscious honey-cinnamon dressing, this salad is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a cozy brunch, or a light side dish, this fruit salad brings a burst of natural sweetness and fall charm to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Fruit Salad
This isn’t your ordinary fruit salad — it’s a seasonal masterpiece that celebrates fall’s finest produce. The combination of textures, colors, and flavors makes every bite a delight. The crisp apples, tender pears, and juicy grapes pair perfectly with the warm hints of cinnamon and honey. It’s healthy, naturally sweetened, and comes together in just minutes.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply looking for a refreshing snack that embodies the spirit of the season, this Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s versatile — you can easily customize it based on what fruits you have on hand.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
- 2 ripe pears, diced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup green seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Honey-Cinnamon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Wash, core, and dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Slice the grapes in half and remove any seeds. Gather your pomegranate arils and dried cranberries. If using nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant — this enhances their flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as desired. The dressing should be slightly thick and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add all the chopped fruits. Drizzle the honey-cinnamon dressing evenly over the top. Gently toss until all the fruit is well coated and glistening.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted nuts on top for extra crunch.
Tips for the Best Fruit Salad
1. Choose firm fruits: Crisp apples and slightly firm pears hold their shape well and prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
2. Prevent browning: Toss apples and pears in lemon juice before adding to the mix to maintain their bright color.
3. Customize it: Add seasonal fruits like persimmons, figs, or mandarin oranges for more variety.
4. Add texture: A handful of granola or shredded coconut can give the salad an interesting crunch.
5. Make it creamy: For a richer twist, fold in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or whipped cream before serving.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the dressing and chop the fruit (except apples and pears) a few hours in advance. When ready to serve, cut the apples and pears fresh, toss everything with the dressing, and chill briefly. This ensures the fruit stays crisp and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
This Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad is a perfect side for many meals or occasions. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or even with a cheese board for a beautiful fall spread. It also pairs wonderfully with breakfast dishes like waffles, pancakes, or yogurt parfaits.
For a festive touch, garnish the salad with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon just before serving. It’s a simple addition that makes the dish look as beautiful as it tastes.
Health Benefits
This fruit salad isn’t just delicious — it’s also loaded with nutrients! Apples and pears are rich in fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full longer. Grapes and pomegranate seeds provide antioxidants that support heart health, while honey adds a natural source of energy. Plus, the nuts add healthy fats and protein, making this salad a well-rounded, nourishing choice.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release a bit of juice, but it will still taste wonderful. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 4g
Why This Salad is Perfect for Fall
Autumn is all about warm flavors and cozy textures — and this fruit salad embodies exactly that. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the earthy spices, making it the perfect transition dish from summer to fall. It’s colorful, satisfying, and a healthier alternative to heavy desserts, yet it feels just as indulgent.
Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad is a celebration of the season’s best produce — a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that bring joy to any occasion. It’s easy to make, naturally sweet, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it as a side dish, dessert, or light breakfast, it will bring warmth and freshness to your fall table.
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this vibrant, wholesome fruit salad — the perfect mix of nature’s finest harvests in every spoonful!