Will the apples go brown?

Not if you follow the star step: slice apples last and toss immediately in the dressing. The sugar and acid in the dressing slow oxidation. Bold answer: Nope — the dressing seals them.

Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely. Pears, persimmons, figs, and pomegranate arils all make great additions. Make it yours! This is the essence of flexible Fruit Recipes . Bold word: Fruit Recipes .

How long will the salad keep?

Up to 3–4 days refrigerated. Best within 24 hours for peak texture and color.

Is this a dessert or a side?

Both. It’s a stellar light dessert and an elegant side for holiday spreads — a true member of your Fall Recipes and Summer Dessert Recipes rotations depending on how you style it. Bold words: Fall Recipes , Summer Dessert Recipes .

Fall Fruits Salad with Orange Cinnamon Dressing — Cozy, Spiced And Simple

Description

Bright, simple, and full of fall flavors—this salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, tart blackberries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a warm orange–cinnamon maple dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dressing

1 orange — zest and juice
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the salad

16 oz red seedless grapes
12 oz blackberries
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
2 large sweet apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended)

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Instructions

In a roomy mixing bowl, grate the orange zest and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Whisk in the maple syrup and cinnamon until the dressing is smooth and fragrant.
Add the grapes, blackberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl.
Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, then add them last. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each piece of fruit is coated in the dressing.
Serve right away, or cover and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

Notes

Make-ahead: You can assemble this salad up to one day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that has settled.
Apple picks: Choose sweet, crisp varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best texture and flavor.
Storage: Kept in an airtight container, the dressed salad will stay good for 3–4 days in the fridge, though it’s at its peak on day one.
No fresh orange? If you need a substitute, ¼ cup prepared orange juice equals the juice of one orange.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad