Introduction

Celebrate the cozy flavors of the season with this Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad.
Packed with crisp apples, juicy pears, tart cranberries, and sweet grapes, this colorful salad
captures the essence of fall in every bite. Tossed in a light honey-cinnamon dressing, it’s the perfect
side dish for holiday gatherings, brunches, or a refreshing dessert that brings warmth to your table.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), chopped
• 2 ripe pears, chopped
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and chop the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Slice the grapes in half and remove any seeds.
2. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, cinnamon, and orange zest until smooth.
3. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add all the fruit — apples, pears, grapes, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds.
4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add Nuts and Chill: Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top and chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Description

This Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad is a vibrant medley of textures and tastes — crisp, juicy, tangy, and sweet.
The natural sweetness of the fruits pairs beautifully with the honey-cinnamon dressing, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch.
It’s a healthy, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Tips

• Use firm fruit: Choose firm apples and pears to keep the salad crisp.
• Prevent browning: Toss chopped apples and pears in a little lemon juice before mixing to prevent oxidation.
• Add protein: Top with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a filling breakfast option.
• Make it festive: Add diced persimmons or figs for a holiday twist.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and cut fruit ahead of time; combine just before serving.

Correction

• If the salad tastes too sweet, balance it with more lemon juice.
• If it’s too tart, drizzle in a bit more honey or add extra grapes for sweetness.
• If the texture feels too soft, add extra crunchy nuts or crisp apples.