If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and perfectly spiced for crisp autumn days, you’ll love this Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe. It’s a refreshing way to celebrate fall’s bounty, combining juicy grapes, sweet apples, and tart blackberries all kissed by a warming citrus-maple-cinnamon dressing. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a cozy weeknight side, or a holiday potluck, this salad brings bright flavors and comforting notes to every bite.
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In the Kitchen
This Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients balanced with a zingy, spiced dressing. It's easy to pull together but tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting something special.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The dressing enhances each fruit’s natural sweetness without overpowering, keeping them fresh and plump.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Toasty pecans add a crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the silky dressing.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using a few quality ingredients means the flavors can really sing through.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: This salad works just as well tossed fresh or made ahead for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients at a Glance
Quality and freshness really shine here — choose ripe, crisp apples and juicy grapes for the best texture and flavor in this Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe.
- Orange: Look for a firm, fragrant orange with plenty of zest to brighten the dressing.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness that blends beautifully with cinnamon and citrus.
- Ground Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice — avoid pre-mixed or overly processed powders.
- Red Seedless Grapes: Choose plump, evenly colored grapes without wrinkles for juicy bites.
- Blackberries: Pick firm blackberries free of mold or mushiness to keep texture balanced.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add an irresistible crunch and a buttery note.
- Sweet Apples: Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala work fabulously here.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
Step 1 — Whisk Together the Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing
Start by zesting and juicing a fresh orange directly into a large mixing bowl. You’ll notice the vibrant citrus aroma immediately waking up your senses. Add the maple syrup and ground cinnamon, then whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and silky. This dressing combines bright tang with gentle sweetness and warming spice — a perfect coating for your fruit salad.
Step 2 — Prepare and Toss the Fruit
Gently rinse your red seedless grapes and blackberries, then add them right to the bowl with the dressing. For the apples, peel if you prefer, then cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Toss the fruit immediately to coat every piece evenly with the luscious dressing. This also helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly. Finally, fold in the pecans for a crunchy surprise in every bite.
Things to Remember
When making the Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe, timing and texture are your best friends. Quick tossing protects the apples from browning, and the cinnamon should be whisked well for a smooth, rich dressing.
- Doneness Cue: Fruit should glisten evenly with dressing but not feel soggy or mushy.
- Temperature Trick: Keep the salad chilled until serving for maximum refreshing quality.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prep the dressing and chop fruit separately in advance, then combine just before serving.
- Common Pitfall: Tossing the fruit too long can bruise delicate blackberries—handle gently!
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love to add a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes just before serving for added texture and a touch of richness. A zesting of orange peel on top also amps up the fresh citrus aroma, making this Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe feel festive and bright.
Plays Well With
This fruit salad pairs beautifully with savory mains like roasted chicken or pork, cutting through their richness with refreshing sweetness. It also works well alongside warm fall soups or creamy cheeses, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For casual dining, serve in a rustic wooden bowl for an earthy vibe. For special occasions, layer the salad in clear glasses or a pretty glass bowl to showcase the beautiful colors. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a polished, inviting look.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container to keep the fruit fresh. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though I recommend eating it sooner to enjoy the best texture. Apples may soften and release juices, so sometimes a gentle stir before serving helps refresh the mix.
Freezing Tips
This Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe doesn’t freeze well because fresh fruit and dressing textures change dramatically when thawed. I’d recommend enjoying fresh and making just enough to avoid freezing.
Reheating Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe Without Drying Out
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 15 minutes to take the chill off, giving the flavors time to meld without drying out or losing fresh crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Pears, figs, or pomegranate seeds make great additions. Just be mindful of balancing sweet and tart fruits for the best overall flavor.
For the freshest texture, toss and serve immediately. If making ahead, combine fruit and dressing shortly before serving within a few hours.
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it great for most dietary preferences.
You can, but maple syrup adds a distinct, earthy sweetness that perfectly matches the cinnamon and citrus notes. Honey will change the flavor profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s that kind of simple dish that people ask for again and again. The dressing’s bright, cozy flavor wakes up everyday fruit, while the crunchy pecans bring a satisfying dimension. Give this a try when you want to add color, warmth, and a little magic to your meal. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
This Fall Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a sweet and spiced orange-maple dressing. Featuring juicy grapes, blackberries, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect healthy side dish or snack with a hint of warm cinnamon flavor ideal for autumn gatherings.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit Salad
- 16 ounces red seedless grapes
- 12 ounces blackberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 large sweet apples (cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, add the zest and juice of one orange. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, then whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
- Combine the Fruit: Add 16 ounces of red seedless grapes, 12 ounces of blackberries, and 1 cup of chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add Apples and Toss: Cube 2 large sweet apples into bite-sized pieces and add them immediately to the bowl. Toss all the fruit thoroughly to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Serve or Store: Serve the fruit salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use crisp, sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- To prevent apple pieces from browning, toss them quickly in the dressing and serve soon after preparation.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dressing along with the cinnamon.
- This salad is best served fresh and may lose texture if stored longer than one day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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