Fall Fruit Salad with Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Fall Fruit Salad brings together the sweet and spicy flavors of autumn in a refreshing, colorful mix. Combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, and tart blackberries with a warm cinnamon-maple dressing, it’s perfect for a healthy snack or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large sweet apples
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, zest and juice the orange. Add the maple syrup and ground cinnamon, then whisk everything together until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the red seedless grapes, blackberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl.
- Step 3: Cube the apples into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Toss all the fruit gently but immediately to coat them evenly with the dressing.
- Step 4: Serve the salad right away or cover and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use crisp, sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries for extra tartness and color contrast.
- Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their nutty flavor before adding.
- For a vegan option, ensure the maple syrup is pure and not mixed with non-vegan ingredients.
Storage
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown over time, so toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing. For best freshness, consume within a day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Yes! Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even sliced kiwis can be great additions or substitutions, depending on your preference and what’s in season.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
Tossing the apple pieces immediately in the cinnamon-maple dressing helps slow browning, but if you want extra protection, consider adding a little lemon juice to the dressing.
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Fall Fruit Salad with Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and cozy fall fruit salad featuring sweet apples, juicy oranges, grapes, blackberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a warm maple-cinnamon dressing. This refreshing yet comforting salad is perfect for autumn gatherings or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 2 large sweet apples, cubed
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Nuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the zest and juice of the orange. Whisk in the maple syrup and ground cinnamon until well combined, creating a warm, flavorful dressing.
- Add the Fruit and Nuts: Add the red seedless grapes, blackberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl. Cube the sweet apples into bite-sized pieces and add them immediately to the mixture.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure the fruit is evenly coated with the maple-cinnamon dressing.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp to hold up well in the salad.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey if preferred.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fall fruit salad, autumn salad, maple cinnamon dressing, fresh fruit salad, healthy fall snack
