Irresistible Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a fast, colorful way to enjoy peak fall flavors without fuss. Ready in minutes and full of natural sweetness, it fits busy mornings, potlucks, or a simple dessert. The mix of apples, pears, grapes, and seasonal fruit keeps each bite interesting. A light honey or maple dressing brightens the fruit and helps everything hold together.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on contrast and convenience. Using equal parts of a few sturdy fruits avoids a mushy mix while keeping prep quick. Seedless grapes and diced apples and pears require little trimming but deliver a satisfying crunch. The optional cinnamon adds warm autumn aromatics without extra steps. A citrus splash of lemon juice prevents browning so the salad looks fresh longer. Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and a toasty note that balances the fruit. The dressing is a one bowl mix so you do not need special tools or time consuming steps.

Flavor and Texture

Sweet and tart fruits play together for bright, layered flavor. Apples and pears provide crisp, juicy bites that pair well with soft, juicy grapes. Seasonal options like pomegranate seeds add pop and a slight tang while figs or kiwi add silky softness. The honey or maple syrup rounds out sharper notes and creates a glossy finish. Nuts deliver a nutty crunch that makes the salad feel complete and satisfying.

Ingredients

– 1 cup diced apples
– 1 cup diced pears
– 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
– 1 cup chopped seasonal fruits (such as pomegranate, kiwi, or figs)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, grapes, and seasonal fruits.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Choose firm apples like Gala or Honeycrisp so they stay crisp when mixed. Buy prewashed grapes to cut prep time and halve them with a quick rocking cut. If you are in a rush, use pre chopped seasonal fruit or frozen pomegranate arils that defrost quickly. Warm the honey slightly if it is thick so it mixes easily with lemon juice. To keep serving simple, toss the dressing right before serving to avoid soggy fruit.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to three days. Keep the nuts separate if you prefer they stay crunchy and add them just before serving. If you expect to meal prep, wait to dress the fruit until the day you plan to eat it. Use lemon juice on its own to slow browning when you need a longer hold time.

Short Closing Note

This autumn fruit salad is deliberately simple to save time while keeping great flavor. It adapts easily to what is seasonal or already in your fridge.

FAQ

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