Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad Recipe
This Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad captures the cozy flavors and colors of fall in every bite. Crisp apples, juicy pears, sweet grapes, and tart pomegranate arils come together in a refreshing bowl of seasonal goodness — all lightly coated in a maple-lemon glaze and topped with toasted nuts for crunch. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, brunch, or any fall gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍁 Full of fall flavor: Apples, pears, and maple syrup make this salad taste like autumn in a bowl.
- 🥗 Quick to make: Just chop, toss, and serve — no cooking required!
- ✨ Beautiful presentation: A colorful, jewel-toned salad that looks stunning on any table.
- 💪 Wholesome ingredients: Naturally sweetened with fruit and honey or maple syrup.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples (cored and chopped) | 2 |
| Pears (cored and chopped) | 2 |
| Seedless Red Grapes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Pomegranate Arils | 1 cup |
| Dried Cranberries | 1/2 cup |
| Pecans or Walnuts (toasted) | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple Syrup or Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Cinnamon (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Optional Add-Ins
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sliced Persimmons | 1 cup |
| Shredded Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
How To Make Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad
- Prepare the Fruit: Core and chop apples and pears. Place in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add grapes, pomegranate arils, and cranberries.
- Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans or walnuts for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Sweeten & Season: Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the fruit, sprinkle with cinnamon (if using), and toss gently. Add any optional mix-ins like persimmons, coconut, or cheddar.
- Add Nuts & Serve: Just before serving, add toasted nuts and toss lightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Chef Tips & Variations
- 🍯 For a glaze: Whisk 1 tbsp maple syrup with 1 tsp lemon juice and drizzle before serving.
- 🥥 Make it tropical: Add coconut and mandarin orange segments for a fun twist.
- 🧀 Sweet-salty balance: Sharp cheddar or feta adds a great contrast to the fruit.
- 🌿 Finishing touch: Garnish with mint or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix all ingredients except nuts; add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad
Yield: 6–8 servings | Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- Apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate, dried cranberries
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Chop fruit and toss with lemon juice.
- Add grapes, pomegranate, and cranberries.
- Drizzle maple syrup or honey, sprinkle cinnamon, and toss gently.
- Top with toasted nuts before serving.
Chef Tip: For a beautiful fall look, serve in a clear glass bowl and garnish with mint leaves.
💬 Tried this recipe? Tag @SmartCookRecipes on Instagram or leave a comment — I’d love to see your fall fruit creations! 🍁🍇🍎