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Fall Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing

A vibrant autumn fruit salad featuring seasonal favorites tossed in warm cinnamon orange dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings and healthy desserts.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Fruit Salad
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples large, cored and diced
  • 2 Anjou pears large, cored and diced
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 2 naval oranges large, peeled and segmented
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
Cinnamon Orange Dressing
  • 0.25 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare all fruits by washing thoroughly. Core and dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on for added nutrition and texture.
  2. Peel the oranges completely, removing all white pith, then segment them by cutting between the membranes to release clean fruit pieces.
  3. Gently rinse the blackberries and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any stems or damaged berries.
  4. If using fresh pomegranate, cut it in half and remove the arils carefully to avoid staining. If using pre-packaged arils, simply drain if necessary.
  5. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, then roughly chop them.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  7. In a large serving bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, blackberries, pomegranate arils, orange segments, and dried cranberries.
  8. Pour the cinnamon orange dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  9. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top and give one final gentle stir to distribute.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve chilled as a side dish, light dessert, or healthy snack option.
  12. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it's best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Notes

Choose fruits that are ripe but still firm for best texture. The lemon juice helps prevent browning of apples and pears. This salad is best served within 24 hours but can be stored for up to 3 days refrigerated.