Holiday Fruit Salad Treat

Looking for something fresh to go with your holiday feast? This Fall Fruit Salad pairs up nicely with turkey and all the usual sides. Toss apples, oranges, and grapes together then drizzle with an easy citrus dressing. It only takes about 10 minutes and brings a bright burst of flavor to your spread.

Reasons to Try This at Your Party

Once you’ve eaten all the heavy stuff, you kind of crave something crisp. That’s where this fruit salad shines. Tart apples, juicy oranges, and plump grapes are tossed with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. A cozy spiced citrus dressing ties it all together. You can scoop it up as a side dish or top with a scoop of ice cream and call it dessert. It’s colorful, fast to make, and guaranteed to brighten up the table.

Gather Up These Ingredients

• Orange Zest: Kicks your dressing up a notch
• Lemon Zest: Freshens up the overall taste
• Apple Pie Spice: Adds cozy autumn vibes
• Sugar: Gives just a bit of sweetness
• Orange Juice: The main base for the dressing
• Lemon Juice: Keeps the apple chunks from browning
• Oranges: Go for navels—they’re super juicy
• Grapes: Use whatever color you like, green or red
• Pecans: Brings a nice crunch (walnuts are good, too)
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy, with a punch of sweet-tart
• Red Apples: Fuji or Honeycrisp are top picks
• Green Apples: Granny Smith gives a tangy crunch

How to Fix It Up

Finish up:

Pour the cooled dressing over everything. Give it all a gentle toss and serve.

Mix fruit:

Combine all the fruits, nuts, and cranberries in a big bowl.

Fix oranges:

Peel your oranges and chop into small pieces.

Cut apples:

Slice both the red and green apples, then splash with a bit of lemon juice so they keep their color.

Strain it:

Once the dressing has thickened, strain and let it cool down.

Make dressing:

Grab a small pan and heat up orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, and both zests until it starts to get a little thick.

Toast nuts:

Set your oven to 350°F and toast pecans on a tray until toasty and fragrant.

Everyone's Favorite Holiday Side

You’re adding something different and light to all those rich dishes. The combo of crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and oranges is a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting. Sweet and spiced dressing makes it pop with fall flavors. Both kids and grownups love how refreshing and tasty it is.

Choosing the Best Fruit

Pick apples that feel firm in your hand and look shiny. A tart Granny Smith balances finer apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, which are sweeter. When it comes to oranges, get ones that are heavy for their size—they’re packed with juice. Planning to use the zest? Grab organic ones if possible, since you’ll use the outer peel.

Get That Dressing Just Right

Squeeze your own orange juice if you can for seriously good flavor. Apple pie spice gives it a warm, cozy note you want in fall. When you zest your oranges and lemons, stick to the colored part only—the white part (pith) tastes nasty. Let the dressing chill before you add it to the fruit so everything stays nice and crisp.

Make Ahead Tips

Toast up those nuts a week early and stash them in a jar with a tight lid. Make the dressing three days before and tuck it in the fridge. Only cut and toss the fruit right before you serve, so it looks and tastes its best. Leftover salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Switch It Up Your Way

Go wild with swaps—throw in bright pomegranate seeds, switch out apples for pears, or add mandarin oranges. Pecans not your thing? Walnuts work, too. Try different combos until you find your favorite mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure thing! Just pop it in an airtight container in your fridge. It'll taste amazing for up to 2 days.

→ What can I use instead of pecans?

Swap in almonds or walnuts for that same great crunch and flavor.

→ Is this vegan-friendly?

It totally is! It's all fruits and nuts with no animal stuff to worry about.

→ How do I stop the apples from turning brown?

As soon as you cut 'em, toss them in a little lemon juice. It works like a charm!

→ Should I serve this warm?

Not at all. Keep it chilled for the best taste, though room temp works too.

Conclusion

Looking for more festive ideas? Try roasting pears with sugar and spices. Or mix dried cranberries and nuts with a twist of orange zest in baked treats. All these flavors scream fall and fit perfectly at any holiday table.