Name: Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought, not from concentrate); ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice (can substitute cinnamon); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 cup pecans; 3 navel oranges; 2 green apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious for a sweeter taste); 2 red apples (recommended: Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp); 1 cup red seedless grapes; ¾ cup dried cranberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 58 reviews

There is something truly magical about a fresh, vibrant fruit salad that captures the essence of autumn, and this Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe does exactly that. Bursting with crisp apples, juicy oranges, sweet grapes, tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, all wrapped in a wonderfully fragrant spiced orange dressing, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons. Whether you’re gathering around the table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just craving something bright and wholesome on a cool day, this salad balances sweet, tart, and warm spice flavors in every bite, making it an instant fall favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with six distinct layers of fruit and nuts arranged in sections: bright orange chunks of orange, chopped green apples with pale green skin, whole red grapes, chopped red apples with red skin, dark red dried cranberries in the middle, and a pile of brown pecan halves on top of the grapes and dried fruit. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are loose pecans, a small bowl filled with pecans, a glass jar containing light golden honey with a whisk inside, a white bowl with red grapes, and an orange and white checkered cloth on the lower right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients—just a few simple, fresh staples that bring amazing texture, color, and that signature autumn flavor. Each item plays an important role, ensuring your salad is bursting with seasonal goodness.

½ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal to capture bright citrus notes, but high-quality store-bought juice also works great.
¼ cup white sugar: Balances the acidity in the dressing and helps create a lovely glaze.
¼ teaspoon apple pie spice: Adds warm, comforting autumn spices; cinnamon can be used as a substitute.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Lifts the dressing with a fresh, tangy brightness—best using a microplane for fine zest.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Enhances the orange flavor and adds vibrant color to the dressing.
1 cup pecans: Toasted for crunch and rich nuttiness that complements the fruit beautifully.
3 navel oranges: Peeled and diced for juicy bursts and a sweet citrus punch.
2 green apples: Tart and crisp, great for cutting through the sweetness.
2 red apples: Choose sweeter varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for balance.
1 cup red seedless grapes: Adds juicy texture and natural sweetness.
¾ cup dried cranberries: Provides a chewy tartness that contrasts nicely with fresh fruit.

How to Make Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven as it heats up. Keep a close eye and pull them out as soon as you start to smell their toasty aroma, usually when the oven reaches temperature. This step really brings out the nutty depth that makes every bite exciting.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Orange Dressing

Grab a small saucepan and whisk together the orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, lemon zest, and orange zest over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. This simmer allows the sugar to dissolve and the spices to infuse the citrus, creating a beautifully fragrant dressing. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth, vibrant mixture and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prep Your Fresh Fruit

Core and slice the apples into nice, bite-sized pieces—bite-sized is key to easy eating and perfect salad texture. Peel the oranges carefully, removing the pith, and dice them similarly. If you’ll be serving little ones, slice the grapes in half for safety. This fresh fruit mix is what makes the salad so colorful and delightful, each fruit bringing its unique flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Combine the apples, grapes, oranges, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans in a large bowl. Drizzle your cooled spiced orange dressing over the fruit and gently toss until everything is coated lovingly in that citrus-spicy glaze. This gentle tossing ensures each bite sings with flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Ready to Serve or Chill

If you’re not serving immediately, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld even more. When serving, give it a little toss to freshen it up—this salad shines both fresh and chilled!

How to Serve Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad showing three main layers: bottom layer of small red and green apple pieces with red skin and white flesh, middle layer with bright orange chunks of citrus fruit, and top layer with whole red grapes and glossy pecan nuts adding a textured brown touch. A spoon full of the same fruit and nut mix is held above the bowl with a bunch of red grapes and a small white bowl with pecans blurred in the white marbled background. The colors are vibrant and the textures range from smooth fruit skins to rough nut shells. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a special touch, sprinkle extra toasted pecans or a few fresh mint leaves on top right before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the spiced orange dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad makes an outstanding accompaniment to roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken. Its bright, fruity notes cut through richer mains perfectly, offering a palate-cleansing bite in every forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it in hollowed-out oranges or individual glass jars for a festive presentation. You can also layer the salad with whipped mascarpone or Greek yogurt in parfait glasses for a lovely brunch option that doubles as dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for maximum freshness, as the fruit will begin to soften and release juices over time.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit texture, freezing the salad is not recommended as it will become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the dressing separately if you prepare extra; just thaw and remix before using.

Reheating

This salad is fantastic served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to warm the dressing before storing extra, gently heat it on the stovetop but avoid boiling.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or toasted almonds make great alternatives and will add a similar crunch and richness to your Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe.

What if I can’t find apple pie spice?

Don’t worry—you can simply use ground cinnamon, or mix cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves for a homemade spice blend that captures the warm autumn flavors.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing and toast the pecans up to two days in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the fruit salad as close to serving time as possible to maintain fresh textures.

Is it okay to use canned orange juice?

While freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal for bright flavor, good-quality store-bought orange juice that’s not from concentrate works well too. Avoid those with added sugars to balance the sweetness perfectly.

How can I make this salad kid-friendly?

Slice grapes in half to prevent choking, and choose sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Golden Delicious for a more appealing flavor to younger palates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dish that captures all the cozy feelings of autumn, this Fall Fruit Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, packed with seasonal flavor, and versatile enough to complement any meal or celebration. Trust me, once you try it, this vibrant salad will become a beloved part of your fall traditions!