Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Fall Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant way to celebrate the season’s best harvest. Combining crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, and tangy pomegranate, it’s dressed in a bright citrus dressing that brings all the flavors together.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, chopped
- 2 medium pears, chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup citrus dressing (such as orange or lemon vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and chop the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes and remove seeds from the pomegranate if necessary.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the prepared fruits. Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of apple and pear varieties for different textures and sweetness.
- Swap grapes with sliced figs or add toasted nuts for extra crunch.
- Make your own citrus dressing by whisking fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and olive oil.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve if making in advance. Gently toss again before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Fresh fruit is best for this salad to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors. However, you can use thawed frozen fruit if fresh is unavailable, but the salad may be softer.
What can I substitute for citrus dressing?
If you don’t have citrus dressing, a light honey and lemon juice mixture or a store-bought vinaigrette with bright flavors works well as a substitute.
PrintFall Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe
This Fall Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix of crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, and tangy pomegranate seeds, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing. It’s a perfect light, healthy dish that captures the essence of autumn flavors and is ideal for a quick snack or a festive side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
- 2 medium pears, cored and chopped
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Citrus Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash all the fruit thoroughly. Core and chop the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes and remove the pomegranate seeds carefully to avoid bruising the seeds.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Place all the chopped fruit in a large bowl. Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly, ensuring the dressing infuses the fruit with flavor.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving cold for a refreshing and flavorful fall treat.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Make the salad fresh for the best texture; fruits can brown or become mushy if left too long.
- Optionally, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Keywords: fall fruit salad, autumn salad, fresh fruit salad, healthy salad, citrus dressing, apple pear salad, seasonal fruit salad
