As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn red and gold. It’s a time to enjoy the season’s fresh produce and flavors. A wholesome fall fruit salad is a perfect way to celebrate.
Remember the laughter and stories shared over fruit? This salad is more than food; it’s a bond between people. In just 15 minutes, you can make a delicious autumn fruit salad. It’s great for Thanksgiving or a cozy brunch.
Preparing this treat connects you to the season and loved ones. It’s a way to appreciate the bounty of fall and the people you care about.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy fall fruit salad recipe ready in 15 minutes.
- Uses seasonal fruits like apples and berries for vibrant flavors.
- Perfect for gatherings, from Thanksgiving to brunch.
- Mixes textures with crunchy nuts and sweet, juicy fruits.
- Can be customized with other fruits and nuts for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This delicious fall fruit salad is a great way to enjoy autumn’s flavors. It combines sweet apples, tart berries, and crunchy pecans. This mix creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
This salad is also super quick to make. You can have it ready in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days or sudden gatherings. The ingredients are easy to find and show off the season’s best, making every bite fresh and tasty.
Fall Fruit Salad Recipe
Making a tasty fall fruit salad is easy and fun. It mixes the best of the season into a dish everyone will enjoy. Just gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps for a quick, refreshing salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dressing:
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit salad:
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large sweet apples
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, zest and juice the orange. Add maple syrup and cinnamon, whisking well to combine.
2. Add grapes, blackberries, and pecans to the bowl.
3. Cube the apples into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Toss the fruit immediately to coat it with the dressing.
4. Serve the fruit salad immediately or store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes:
For added freshness, consider chilling the fruit salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
Make your healthy fall salad your own by adding different fruits and nuts. This not only boosts the flavor but also adds a fun texture. Try out these ideas to make your autumn fruit recipe or thanksgiving fruit salad special.
Fruit swaps/additions
Adding fruits like pears, pomegranate arils, figs, or cranberries can make your salad pop. These fruits bring the taste and color of autumn to your salad. Every bite becomes a celebration of the season.
Nut alternatives
Want to mix things up? Try using walnuts or toasted seeds instead of pecans. These nuts and seeds add healthy fats and protein. They make your salad interesting and keep it nutritious.
Vegan sweetness
If you’re vegan, swap maple syrup for agave or use honey if you can. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweetness of your salad, no matter their diet.
Anti-browning trick
To keep apples fresh, chill the salad before serving. Toss the apple pieces in lemon juice to keep them colorful and crisp. This trick makes your healthy fall salad even more appealing.
Storage & Make‑Ahead
Preparing an easy fruit salad ahead of time saves you time. It also makes sure you have a tasty autumn fruit recipe ready when you need it. You can keep this best fall fruit salad in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Chilling the salad early helps keep the apples looking fresh. This way, your salad stays vibrant and appealing.
Keeps 3–4 days in the refrigerator; apple browning minimal if chilled early
Chilling your salad keeps it fresh. Store it in an airtight container to prevent apple browning. This keeps your salad looking great all week.
Store dressing separately if prepping ahead and toss just before serving
If you make this autumn fruit recipe ahead, store the dressing separately. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps your fruits crisp and flavors vibrant.
Nutrition & Timing
The healthy fall salad you’re making is not just pretty. It’s also full of good stuff for your body. A mix of fresh fruits makes a salad that tastes great and is good for you. You can make this favorite in just 15 minutes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | ~6 |
| Calories per Serving | ~220 |
Adding this salad to your meals means you can have a guilt-free treat in the fall. Each serving has about 220 calories. This lets you enjoy without feeling bad. The mix of seasonal fruits brings wellness and happiness to your autumn gatherings.
Serve & Pair
This fall fruit salad is perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors make your gatherings more special. It’s great as a healthy dessert or a delightful side at Thanksgiving or brunch. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience.
Perfect as a healthy dessert or side at Thanksgiving/brunch
As a thanksgiving fruit salad, it fits well into festive spreads. Its sweetness and freshness offer a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting guests, this seasonal fruit salad brings cheerful color and taste to your table.
Pair with Greek yogurt, granola, or alongside pumpkin soup for a complete fall menu
For those who enjoy a blend of textures and flavors, consider serving the fall fruit salad recipe alongside creamy Greek yogurt or crunchy granola. This combination adds nutritional benefits and creates a satisfying mouthfeel. Enjoy it next to a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, allowing the fruit salad’s freshness to brighten the savory profile of the soup.
| Dish | Pairing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Fruit Salad | Greek Yogurt | Rich and creamy contrast |
| Fall Fruit Salad | Granola | Adds crunch and fiber |
| Fall Fruit Salad | Pumpkin Soup | Balances sweet and savory |
With these pairings, your thanksgiving fruit salad will surely be a highlight of any meal.
Conclusion
This delicious fall salad recipe is a vibrant mix of seasonal fruits. It captures the flavors and textures of autumn perfectly. It’s quick to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a great choice for any gathering or meal this season.
You can customize this salad with different fruits and nuts to suit various tastes and diets. It’s impressive as a main dish or a side, perfect for your holiday table or brunch.
Let this salad be your favorite dish this fall. It reminds you of the harvest and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
This delicious fall salad is more than just a medley of fruits—it’s a celebration of the season itself. With crisp apples, juicy berries, and crunchy pecans tossed in a warming cinnamon-orange dressing, every bite evokes the essence of autumn. Whether you’re hosting a festive Thanksgiving dinner or planning a cozy weekend brunch, this dish brings color, flavor, and a sense of connection to the table.
One of the best things about this fall fruit salad is how customizable it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to include other seasonal favorites like figs, pears, or pomegranate arils. If you love exploring fruit-forward combinations, consider pairing this with our apple arugula salad for a more savory option, or try the berry spinach salad for something green and antioxidant-rich. For a citrusy twist, the fruit salad with honey-lime dressing is another vibrant take worth trying.
Whether served as a starter, side, or light dessert, this fruit salad is a nourishing, joyful dish that captures the richness of fall. Let it be a reminder of harvest traditions, shared stories, and the simple pleasures of eating well with the ones you love.
Fall Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit salad:
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large sweet apples
Instructions
- In a large bowl, zest and juice the orange. Add maple syrup and cinnamon, whisking well to combine.
- Add grapes, blackberries, and pecans to the bowl.
- Cube the apples into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Toss the fruit immediately to coat it with the dressing.
- Serve the fruit salad immediately or store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
For added freshness, consider chilling the fruit salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
