Holiday Fruit Salad Mix

Looking for something refreshing alongside your festive spread? This Autumn Harvest Fruit Blend perfectly complements your turkey and trimmings. Combine crisp apples, juicy grapes, and tangy oranges with a zesty citrus splash. Ready in just 10 minutes, it brings a burst of freshness to your holiday feast.

Perfect Bright Addition To Your Celebration Menu

You'll want something light after those hearty dishes. This fruit combo fits the bill wonderfully. Snappy apples, plump grapes, and tangy oranges come together with chewy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. The flavored dressing ties everything into one tasty package. Enjoy it alongside your main dishes or pop some ice cream on top for a sweet treat. It's super fast to throw together and adds beautiful colors to your holiday spread.

What You'll Need

• Granny Smith Apples: They give that bright, tangy bite
• Honeycrisp or Fuji: For natural sweetness
• Dried Cranberries: They pack chewy sweetness with a hint of tang
• Pecans: They add crunch. Try walnuts as an alternative
• Grapes: Pick either red or green varieties
• Navel Oranges: These work the best
• Lemon Juice: It stops apple slices from darkening
• Orange Juice: Forms the dressing base
• Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness
• Apple Pie Spice: Brings that autumn warmth
• Lemon Zest: Gives that fresh citrus kick
• Orange Zest: Brightens the whole dressing

How To Put It Together

Brown the nuts:

Warm your oven to 350°F. Spread pecans on a tray until they're fragrant.

Prepare dressing:

Combine orange juice, sugar, spices and both zests in a saucepan. Warm it until slightly thickened.

Filter mixture:

Run the warm dressing through a strainer. Set aside to cool down.

Slice apples:

Cut both apple varieties. Toss with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh.

Prepare oranges:

Remove peels and cut oranges into small chunks.

Combine everything:

Toss all fruits, cranberries and toasted nuts in a large bowl.

Last touch:

Drizzle the cooled dressing over the mixture. Stir well before serving.

Why Folks Can't Get Enough

This mixture brings a welcome lightness to heavy holiday feasts. The combo of crunchy apples, sweet grapes and juicy oranges makes a beautiful display. That spiced dressing adds just the right fall touch. Both youngsters and grown-ups go for it since it's refreshing and naturally sweet. Look for solid, unblemished apples that feel weighty and have bright skins. Granny Smiths give you that wonderful tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp balance with their sweetness. For oranges, the heavier ones pack more juice. Try getting organic produce when you'll be using the peel for zesting.

Boosting Your Dressing Flavor

Freshly squeezed orange juice really makes your dressing stand out. The apple pie spice brings that warm autumn feeling everyone loves. When you're zesting citrus, just take the colored outer layer - the white part underneath tastes bitter. Always let your dressing cool completely before adding it to keep all your fruits nice and crisp.

Prepping Ahead

You can toast your nuts up to seven days early and store them in an airtight container. The dressing can be made three days before and kept in your fridge. Always cut and mix your fruits right before you plan to serve for maximum freshness. Any leftovers will stay good in the fridge for a couple days.

Customize It

Feel free to change things around. Throw in some pomegranate seeds for a pop of color, or swap apples for pears. Try adding some mandarin segments or use walnuts instead of pecans. Keep experimenting until you've got your favorite combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this a day ahead?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Flavors get even better after resting overnight.

→ No pecans? What should I use?

Any crunchy nut will do—try walnut pieces or slivered almonds.

→ Is everything vegan-friendly?

Yep, there’s no animal ingredients—just fruits, dressing, and nuts.

→ How can I keep the apple slices bright?

Toss them right away in some lemon juice. It works wonders!

→ Do I heat it up before servin'?

Nope, serve it chilled, or at room temp if you prefer.

Conclusion

Want some holiday meal ideas? Try roasted apples and pears with cinnamon. Toast nuts with juice and a little sugar. Or make quick cranberry-orange muffins for a warm breakfast treat. All of them scream cozy fall vibes and work for festive occasions!