Name: Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 orange (zested and juiced); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 16 ounces red seedless grapes; 12 ounces blackberries; 1 cup chopped pecans; 2 large sweet apples (cubed)

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.

A white bowl filled with a fresh fruit mix showing three main layers: the bottom layer has blackberries, the middle layer has red grapes, and the top layer consists of light yellow apple pieces sprinkled with cinnamon and mixed with small brown pecans. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks and a metal whisk nearby, with part of a red patterned cloth in the background. The fruits look juicy and the cinnamon gives a warm color touch to the apples and pecans photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing, autumn fruit salad, fall healthy recipes, fall brunch ideas, seasonal fruit salad

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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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

Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image — Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing, autumn fruit salad, fall healthy recipes, fall brunch ideas, seasonal fruit salad

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.

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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

Can I use other fruits in the Fall Fruit Salad with Citrus Maple Cinnamon Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! Pears, figs, or pomegranate seeds make great additions. Just be mindful of balancing sweet and tart fruits for the best overall flavor.

How long will this salad keep before serving?

For the freshest texture, toss and serve immediately. If making ahead, combine fruit and dressing shortly before serving within a few hours.

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it great for most dietary preferences.

Can I substitute honey for maple syrup in the dressing?

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!

Full Printable Recipe