Fall Fruit Salad Recipe

This Fall Fruit Salad is everything you love about the season, tossed into one vibrant, juicy bowl. Imagine crisp apples, juicy pears, tart pomegranate seeds, and sweet grapes all mingling with a cozy Cinnamon Dressing. It’s fresh, festive, and just plain irresistible. Whether you’re bringing it to a Thanksgiving potluck or prepping it for a light and easy lunch, this salad brings that fall magic with every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want seconds.

Looking for another fruity twist? Check out our refreshing Peach Watermelon Salad Recipe for a sunny splash of summer!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with seasonal fruit goodness
  • Sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced Cinnamon Dressing
  • Comes together in under 15 minutes
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Great for brunches, potlucks, or just a cozy snack

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryLunch or Dessert
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook TimeNone
Total Time15 minutes
Servings6
ChefMaster Emily

Fall Fruit Salad

This Fall Fruit Salad is a vibrant medley of crisp apples, juicy pears, tart pomegranate seeds, sweet grapes, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a warm honey-cinnamon dressing. It’s fresh, festive, and perfect for any fall gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Fruit Base
  • 2 apples chopped
  • 2 pears chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes halved
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts toasted optional
Dressing
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Wash and chop apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes and collect pomegranate seeds.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon to make the dressing.
  3. Combine all fruits, cranberries, and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp fruit for best results. This salad is best eaten the same day, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Not suitable for freezing.

How to Make Fall Fruit Salad

1. Prep the fruit

Wash and chop your Fall Fruits like apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes, and gather your pomegranate seeds.

2. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon to make a luscious Cinnamon Dressing.

3. Toss it all together

Add all your fruit, dried cranberries, and nuts into a large mixing bowl. Pour the Cinnamon Dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

4. Chill and serve

Pop the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use a mix of red and green apples for visual contrast and flavor depth.
  • Toast the nuts for extra crunch and a richer taste.
  • Add a handful of mini marshmallows for a fun twist kids will love.

Flavor Variations

  • Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper fall vibe.
  • Try using persimmons or figs if they’re in season.
  • Add a touch of vanilla extract to the dressing for a sweet note.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a slice of cinnamon coffee cake for brunch.
  • Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey as part of your Thanksgiving Recipes.
  • Enjoy it solo as a refreshing midday snack, even among your favorite Summer Dessert Recipes.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can chop the fruits and mix the dressing a day ahead—just keep them separate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Leftovers

While best fresh, this Fall Fruit Salad holds up well. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing. It’s a great addition to your weekly rotation of Fruit Dishes or Fruit Recipes.

Freezing

Not recommended. The fruits will lose their texture after thawing.

Reheating

No need! This one’s best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit?
It’s best to stick with fresh fruit here to maintain the perfect texture and juiciness.

What other nuts can I use?
Almonds or cashews work great too, just make sure they’re chopped.

Is this vegan?
Just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I make it ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Just wait to combine the dressing and fruit until right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Fall Fruit Salad is a total crowd-pleaser and one of those dishes that just feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s cozy, colorful, and so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making it again and again all season long. Whether you’re craving classic Fruit Salad Recipes or exploring new Fall Recipes, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen!