Best Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad Recipe
This Best Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad is a refreshing and nutritious blend of crisp apples, sweet pears, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a creamy, lightly spiced yogurt-honey dressing. Perfect for a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and vibrant autumn flavors that can be enjoyed chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces (toasted to enhance their nutty flavor)
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups red grapes (seedless, cut in half for easier eating)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup celery (sliced thin for a subtle crunch)
- 2 ripe pears (like Bartlett or Anjou, cored and chopped)
For the Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (full-fat Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare and Combine the Fruit and Celery: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 large chopped apples, 2 cups of halved seedless red grapes, 2 ripe chopped pears, and 1 cup of thinly sliced celery. Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and gently toss everything to ensure an even mixture.
- Toast and Add the Pecans: Toast 1/2 cup pecan pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until aromatic and slightly browned. Coarsely chop the toasted pecans and add them to the fruit and celery mixture.
- Make the Yogurt-Honey Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of salt until smooth and well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste according to fruit ripeness.
- Dress and Mix the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit and pecan mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a more cohesive taste.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste. Optionally, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch.
Notes
- To toast pecans, use a dry skillet over medium heat and stir often to avoid burning.
- Choose ripe fruit to enhance natural sweetness and reduce the need for extra honey.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat or non-fat yogurt instead of full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice to the fruit prevents browning of apples and pears.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a refreshing standalone snack.
Keywords: Autumn fruit salad, apple pear salad, yogurt fruit dressing, pecan fruit salad, healthy fall recipes, easy fruit salad
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/best-autumn-harvest-fruit-salad-recipe/
