Go Back
+ servings
Fall Fruit Salad

Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Citrus Twist for Joyful Gatherings

This Fall Fruit Salad combines crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and tangy oranges, all topped with a spiced citrus dressing, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Fruit
  • 2 cups Green Apples Adds crunch and tartness; swap with diced pears for a different flavor.
  • 2 cups Red Apples Sweet and colorful; varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work best.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Provides chewy sweetness and a splash of color; feel free to substitute raisins.
  • 1 cup Pecans Crunchy and nutty; use walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.
  • 2 cups Grapes Juicy bursts of flavor; can be replaced with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
  • 2 cups Navel Oranges Sweet and juicy; clementines or mandarins can be a delicious alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Prevents apple browning while adding acidity; skip if needed, but a splash of vinegar can brighten.
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Serves as the sweet base; freshly squeezed is always best!
  • 2 tablespoons White Sugar Adds sweetness to the dressing; consider honey or maple syrup for an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice Infuses warm, cozy flavors; cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice are great substitutes.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon & Orange Zest Provides aromatic brightness; an essential component for full flavor.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • small saucepan
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5–7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, and the zests of both lemon and orange. Heat over medium heat while whisking until the mixture starts to simmer, about 3-4 minutes. Strain the dressing to remove any solids and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  3. Wash and core the green and red apples. Slice them into bite-sized pieces, tossing them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange segments. Stir gently to mix the ingredients without mashing the fruit.
  5. Pour the cooled spiced citrus dressing over the fruit salad. Toss gently to coat evenly and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best flavor. Dress just before serving for maximum freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!