Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Maple Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Fall Fruit Salad combines the sweet zest of orange and warm spices with fresh autumn fruits and crunchy pecans. It’s a quick, refreshing dish perfect for a light snack or a colorful side at your seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 2 large sweet apples, cubed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, zest and juice the orange. Add the maple syrup and ground cinnamon, then whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well combined.
- Step 2: Add the red seedless grapes, blackberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing.
- Step 3: Cube the sweet apples into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Immediately toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the fruit with the dressing.
- Step 4: Serve the fruit salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans are not available.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for additional sweetness and color.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within one day to maintain freshness and texture. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Avoid storing it for longer as the apples may brown and the fruit can become mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad shortly before serving to keep the fruit fresh and prevent browning, especially the apples. If you must prepare it earlier, toss the apples in lemon juice before adding to slow browning and keep the salad refrigerated.
Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Pears, figs, or persimmons would all complement the flavors nicely. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to keep the balance of textures and sweetness.
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Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Maple Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Fall Fruit Salad combining juicy oranges, sweet apples, blackberries, grapes, and crunchy pecans, all lightly dressed with a maple cinnamon dressing. This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for a healthy snack or a festive side dish during autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 2 large sweet apples, cubed
Dressing & Nuts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, zest and juice one orange. Add the maple syrup and ground cinnamon, whisking thoroughly until well combined to create a sweet and spiced dressing.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Add the red seedless grapes, blackberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing.
- Incorporate Apples and Toss: Cube the sweet apples into bite-sized pieces, add them into the bowl, then immediately toss all the ingredients together to evenly coat the fruit with the dressing.
- Serve or Store: Serve the fruit salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best consumed within a day for optimal freshness and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe fruit to maximize flavor and texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds according to your preference or allergies.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them immediately with the dressing.
- This salad is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fall fruit salad, autumn salad, fruit salad recipe, maple cinnamon dressing, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad
