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Fall Fruit Salad

This ridiculously easy Fall Fruit Salad bursts with sweet, tart, and spiced autumn flavors. It's fast to make, requires no cooking, and is perfect as a vibrant side dish or a thoughtful gift for cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 orange for zest and juice
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 0.75 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 16 oz red seedless grapes
  • 12 oz blackberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans lightly toasted for more flavor (optional)
  • 2 large sweet apples Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, cut into bite-sized pieces

Equipment

  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Whip up the dressing: Grab a large bowl. Carefully zest your orange right into the bowl, then cut it in half and squeeze out all that lovely juice. Next, pour in your maple syrup and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. This is your magic potion!
  2. Step 2: Add your first round of fruit and nuts: Gently add the red seedless grapes, juicy blackberries, and those crunchy chopped pecans into the bowl with your dressing.
  3. Step 3: Cube the apples: Take your sweet apples and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add these freshly cut apples to the bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Toss immediately: As soon as those apples hit the bowl, toss everything together right away. The citrus from the orange dressing will help prevent your apples from browning, and coating them quickly ensures every piece gets a taste of that delicious fall-inspired mixture.
  5. Step 5: Serve or store: Serve this vibrant Fall Fruit Salad immediately, or if preparing ahead, cover it and pop it into the refrigerator until you're ready to share.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Customize this salad by swapping blackberries for raspberries, pomegranate arils, or sliced fresh cranberries. Pears are also a fantastic fall fruit to include (ensure they are ripe but firm). Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. For an even more special treat, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
Tips for Success: To prevent apples from browning, toss them with the citrus dressing immediately. Choose firm, ripe fruit to help them hold their shape and texture. You can partially prep ahead by washing grapes and blackberries, chopping pecans, and making the dressing a day ahead, keeping them separate. Chop apples right before assembling. Taste and adjust the dressing for sweetness or spice if desired.
How to Store: Cover the salad tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While apples might soften slightly and show a tiny bit of browning, the flavors will remain delicious.