Fresh Fall Fruit Salad Recipe with Maple-Lime Dressing (Print Version)

Fall Fruit Salad Recipe - a vibrant mix of seasonal fruits with a zesty maple-lime dressing. Quick to make, refreshing, and full of autumn flavors.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Harvest Fruits

01 - 3 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), diced
02 - 2 sweet pears (like Bosc or Anjou), diced
03 - 2 cups juicy grapes (red or green), halved
04 - 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
05 - 2 fresh oranges, segmented

→ Zesty Dressing

06 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark, for rich flavor)
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

→ Crunchy Toppings

10 - 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Optional Embellishments

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Start by washing all your gorgeous fruit. I usually get out a big bowl of water and let them soak for a bit, especially the grapes. Then, get to chopping the apples and pears. I like to keep them in bite-sized pieces, not too tiny, not too big. Honestly, this is where my kitchen gets a little messy, with fruit peels everywhere, but it smells so fresh! Don't worry if it's not perfect; rustic is good.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together your real maple syrup, fresh lime juice, and those pinches of cinnamon and nutmeg. I always give it a little taste test here; sometimes I add a tiny bit more lime if the fruit is super sweet, or a tad more maple if I'm feeling extra indulgent. This dressing is what ties the whole Fall Fruit Salad Recipe together, so make it sing!
03 - Now, gently combine all your chopped apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate arils, and orange segments in a large bowl. This is where the magic happens, seeing all those colors come together! I often find myself admiring the vibrant hues. Pour that beautiful maple-lime dressing over the fruit. Don't just dump it; drizzle it slowly, making sure to coat everything evenly.
04 - With a large spoon or your (clean!) hands, gently toss the fruit salad. You want to make sure every piece gets a little kiss from that delicious dressing. Be careful not to mash the softer fruits, hon. I once got a bit too enthusiastic and ended up with a slightly bruised pear situation. Oops! This step is all about even distribution and keeping things pretty.
05 - Before serving, sprinkle in your toasted pecans or walnuts. I usually toast mine lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes until they smell nutty – makes such a difference! Then, scatter those fresh chopped mint leaves over the top. The mint really brightens everything up and adds a lovely aroma. It’s like the final flourish that says, "I care!"
06 - For the best flavor, let your Fall Fruit Salad Recipe chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to soak up all that goodness. Honestly, sometimes I just can't wait and sneak a spoonful right away! Serve it up in a pretty bowl and watch it disappear. It always looks so inviting, a real showstopper on any fall table.

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh lime juice; bottled just doesn't deliver the same zing.
02 - Don't over-mix once the dressing is on, especially with delicate pears.
03 - Toast your nuts for an incredible depth of flavor that's truly worth the extra step.
04 - For an extra vibrant presentation, add a sprinkle of fresh mint right before serving.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - small whisk
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 2g

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