Description

This Fall Fruit Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors, using the best fruits the season has to offer. With crisp apples, juicy pears, and vibrant pomegranate seeds, this salad celebrates autumn in every bite. It’s a refreshing and healthy side dish for Thanksgiving, a cozy fall brunch, or a light dessert. The maple dressing adds just the right touch of sweetness, and the toasted pecans give it an extra crunch!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 large apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart, like Gala and Granny Smith), cored and diced

2 pears, cored and diced

1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup toasted pecans (optional)

1/2 cup orange segments (optional, for added citrusy zing)

For the Maple Dressing:

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Pinch of salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra fall flavor)

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruits: Core and dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Halve the grapes, remove the pomegranate seeds from the fruit, and peel the orange if using, cutting it into segments.
Toast the Pecans (if using): In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
Make the Maple Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more maple syrup for sweetness or lemon juice for tartness.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate seeds, and orange segments. Toss gently to combine.
Add the Dressing: Pour the maple dressing over the fruit and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Top and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top (if using) for an extra crunch. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: This salad is best served fresh but can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 day. The flavors will develop further if allowed to chill, but the fruits may lose some of their crispness.

Notes

For extra sweetness, you can add dried cranberries or raisins.

Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Drizzle with honey or agave syrup for a different sweet note.

Incorporate fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Category: Side Dish, Dessert
Method: Mix
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg