Easiest Harvest Fruit Salad Recipe (Quick, Simple & Delicious!)

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Introduction

Does the smell of cinnamon and spice just instantly make you feel all cozy inside? I know it does for me! And when it comes to fall flavors, there are few things as delightful and surprisingly simple as a vibrant harvest fruit salad. This recipe brings together the best of autumn’s bounty in a way that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for guests but is so easy, you’ll want to whip it up for a weeknight treat. Seriously, you’re going to love how quickly this comes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
  • Easy: Simple chopping and mixing – no fancy techniques required!
  • Giftable: Package it up for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or neighbors.
  • Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and tart flavors are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 medium green apples: Think Granny Smith! They bring a wonderful crispness and a little tang.
  • 2 medium red apples: Fuji or Gala are lovely choices here for their sweetness.
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries: These little gems add a chewy, tart sweetness that’s just perfect for fall.
  • 1 cup pecans: Toasted or raw, these nuts add a satisfying crunch and a warm, earthy flavor.
  • 1 cup grapes: Halved for easier eating, any kind works – green, red, or a mix!
  • 3 medium navel oranges: For that burst of bright, juicy citrus.
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced: This is our secret weapon to keep the apples from browning and add a zesty brightness.

And for the dressing:

  • ½ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best if you have it!
  • ¼ cup white sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness and bring out the fruit’s sweetness.
  • ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice: This is where all those cozy fall scents come from! Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves – it’s all in here.
  • Zest of 1 lemon: Don’t skip this! It adds an incredible layer of fragrant citrus flavor.
  • Zest of 1 orange: More citrus magic!

How to Make It

Okay, let’s get this party started! It’s really as simple as chopping and mixing.

  1. Prep Your Apples: Start by dicing your green and red apples. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces – think about what you’d want to easily scoop up with a spoon!
  2. Segment Your Oranges: Next, peel your navel oranges. Then, carefully segment them, removing any pith. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
  3. Halve Your Grapes: Give your grapes a quick slice right down the middle. This makes them easier to enjoy and helps them absorb that lovely dressing.
  4. Combine the Stars: Now, grab a big bowl! Add your diced apples, dried cranberries, pecans, halved grapes, orange segments, and that all-important lemon juice. Give everything a gentle stir to get acquainted.
  5. Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and everything is nicely combined. This dressing smells amazing on its own!
  6. Bring It All Together: Pour that delicious dressing over your fruit and nut mixture. Toss everything gently until all those colorful ingredients are coated. And voilà! Your beautiful Harvest Fruit Salad is ready to be devoured.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is so forgiving and adaptable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Fruity Swaps: Love pears? Dice up a ripe pear and add it in. Pomegranate seeds would also be stunning and add a festive sparkle!
  • Nutty Alternatives: Walnuts are a fantastic substitute for pecans. If you have allergies, toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas would add a nice crunch.
  • Spice it Up: Not a fan of apple pie spice? Try a mix of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
  • A Little Extra Sweetness: If you like your salads a bit sweeter, you can add a tablespoon or two more sugar to the dressing, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
  • Citrus Zing: A splash of lime juice can add a different kind of brightness.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your fruit salad even more wonderful:

  • Apple Browning Prevention: The lemon juice is key here! Make sure to toss your apples in it right after dicing to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
  • Toasting Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding.
  • Don’t Over-Toss: Be gentle when you’re mixing everything together, especially after adding the dressing. You want to keep those beautiful fruit pieces intact.
  • Prep Ahead: You can dice the apples and oranges and make the dressing a few hours ahead of time. Keep them separate and toss just before serving to prevent the fruit from getting too soft.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep nicely in the refrigerator.

Transfer any remaining fruit salad to an airtight container. It should stay fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days. The apples might soften a bit over time, but the flavors will meld together beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can dice your fruit and prepare the dressing a few hours in advance. Toss everything together right before you plan to serve it to keep the apples crisp.
  • Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even some firm berries like raspberries would be lovely additions.
  • Is this recipe good for potlucks? It’s fantastic for potlucks! It travels well and is always a hit with a crowd.

Harvest Fruit Salad

A delightful and surprisingly simple harvest fruit salad that brings together the best of autumn's bounty in a way that's both refreshing and comforting. It's perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Airtight container

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 medium green apples Granny Smith recommended
  • 2 medium red apples Fuji or Gala recommended
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans Toasted or raw
  • 1 cup grapes Halved, any kind
  • 3 medium navel oranges
  • 1 medium lemon juiced

Dressing Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed recommended
  • 0.25 cup white sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 1 medium lemon zest of
  • 1 medium orange zest of

Instructions
 

  • Prep Your Apples: Start by dicing your green and red apples into bite-sized pieces.
  • Segment Your Oranges: Peel your navel oranges and carefully segment them, removing any pith. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
  • Halve Your Grapes: Give your grapes a quick slice right down the middle.
  • Combine the Stars: In a big bowl, add your diced apples, dried cranberries, pecans, halved grapes, orange segments, and lemon juice. Give everything a gentle stir.
  • Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Bring It All Together: Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are coated. Your Harvest Fruit Salad is ready.

Notes

This recipe is adaptable. You can substitute fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds, use walnuts instead of pecans, or adjust the sweetness with extra sugar, honey, or maple syrup. For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans. To prevent apples from browning, toss them with lemon juice immediately after dicing. You can prep components ahead of time and toss just before serving.

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