If you’re looking to bring a burst of autumn’s best flavors to your table, the Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, zesty citrus, sweet cranberries, and plump grapes all dressed in a luscious apple spice-infused dressing, finished with the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans. It perfectly captures the warmth and coziness of fall in every bite, making it a favorite dish to share with family and friends, especially around Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden cutting board is filled with four types of chopped fruits arranged in separate piles: bright orange pieces at the bottom left, red apple pieces with red skin at the top, red grapes cluster at the right middle side, and green apple pieces at the bottom right. Above the board, there is a white bowl filled with red grapes, two whole oranges to the top left, and a white bowl with pecans to the top right. All items are placed on a white marbled surface, and there is a red polka dot cloth partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients makes all the difference. Each component plays a key role in balancing the flavors and textures: fresh fruits bring natural sweetness and juiciness, dried cranberries add tang, toasted pecans offer crunch and depth, and the homemade spiced dressing ties it all together with a cozy, autumnal flair.

2 medium green apples: Crisp and slightly tart, they add refreshing crunch and balance the sweetness.
2 medium red apples: Juicy with natural sweetness, they complement the green apples beautifully.
¾ cup dried cranberries: These provide a burst of tartness and chewy texture, enhancing the salad’s complexity.
1 cup pecans: Toasted for a rich, nutty crunch that brings an irresistible texture contrast.
1 cup grapes: Sweet and juicy, they add popping bursts of flavor in every bite.
3 medium navel oranges: Peeled and sectioned for bright citrus notes and juicy freshness.
1 medium lemon: Juice for tossing the apples to prevent browning and zest for the dressing’s fragrant punch.
½ cup orange juice: Forms the citrusy base of the apple spice dressing.
¼ cup white sugar: Sweetens the dressing just right without overpowering.
¼ tsp apple pie spice: The star seasoning that infuses the dressing with warm, familiar fall flavors.
1 zest lemon: Adds a bright aromatic lift to the dressing.
1 zest orange: Complements the lemon zest with sweet citrus aroma in the dressing.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and let them toast while the oven heats up. You’ll know they’re done when you catch that warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen, usually when the oven reaches temperature. Once toasted, set them aside to cool completely — this step unlocks their richness and adds that perfect crunch to your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Spice Dressing

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, white sugar, apple pie spice, and the zests of lemon and orange. Heat over medium flame, whisking constantly to meld all flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and allow it to cool fully. This spiced dressing is what transforms the salad into a festive fall sensation!

Step 3: Slice and Treat the Apples

Core and chop the green and red apples into bite-sized pieces. To keep these beauties from turning brown and losing their crisp appearance, toss them with the juice from half a lemon right away. This simple trick locks in freshness and keeps your salad looking vibrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Remaining Fruit

Peel the naval oranges and cut them into bite-sized pieces for juicy bursts of citrus flavor. Rinse the grapes and let them dry, ready to add their sweet pop to the mix. The dried cranberries are ready to toss in as is but add a satisfying chewiness.

Step 5: Combine and Dress the Salad

In a large bowl, gently mix together the apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, and orange pieces. Drizzle your cooled apple spice dressing over the fruit and toss everything lightly to coat every piece with that warm, spiced goodness. This is the magic moment where all the autumn flavors come together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful fruit salad that has three main layers: the bottom layer is made of green apple chunks with a smooth surface, the middle layer shows bright orange segments and deep red grapes with shiny skins, and the top layer features light brown pecan halves with a rough texture scattered on top. A woman's hand is pouring a golden dressing over the fruit from a small clear jar, with the dressing flowing in a smooth stream. In the background is a blurred plate of pecans on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving to add visual appeal and extra flavor pops. A few fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and bring a fresh contrast to the spiced fruit flavors.

Side Dishes

This Fall Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving classics like roasted turkey, herb stuffing, or mashed sweet potatoes. It’s a refreshing, fruity balance to savory and hearty dishes, offering a palate-cleansing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this fruit salad in hollowed-out oranges or apple bowls to make an eye-catching centerpiece. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass trifle dish can highlight the beautiful colors and textures, turning it into a stunning fall-themed offering at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, but the pecans might soften over time, so consider storing them separately and adding right before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended because the fresh fruit will become mushy and the texture will suffer once thawed. Stick to making just enough to enjoy within a couple of days for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh fruit dish, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. The beauty of this salad is in its crisp, cool texture and fresh flavors, which shine brightest straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be wonderful substitutes if you want a different nutty flavor or texture. Just toast them lightly to enhance their richness before adding.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses no animal products. Just ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly if that’s a concern for you.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so if using them, consider adding a bit more sugar to the dressing to balance the tartness. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier which works perfectly in this salad.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

For the best flavor and texture, prepare and toss the salad no more than 3 to 4 hours ahead of serving. Keeping the pecans separate until serving helps maintain their crispness.

What can I do if I don’t have apple pie spice?

Apple pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. You can easily make your own blend by combining these spices in equal parts. It brings that signature warmth essential to the dressing.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up the Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe is like catching the essence of autumn in a bowl. It’s fresh, flavorful, and festive—perfect for sharing once the leaves start turning and the air feels crisp. Whether you bring it to a holiday gathering or enjoy it as a bright side to your everyday meals, this salad is bound to become one of your favorite seasonal treats. I really hope you try it and fall in love with every spiced, nutty, fruity bite as I have!

Fall Fruit Salad with Apple Pie Spice and Toasted Pecans Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need