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Wholesome Fall Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

fall fruit salad - featured image

A refreshing and vibrant fruit salad featuring crisp apples, pears, and grapes tossed in a bright honey lime dressing. This light, gluten-free side dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for fall gatherings or as a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and cubed
  • 2 medium firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), cored and cubed
  • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash all fruit thoroughly. Core and cut apples and pears into uniform bite-sized cubes. Halve the grapes and extract pomegranate arils if using.
  2. Place all cut fruit into a large, wide mixing bowl and gently toss to mix.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and fresh lime juice until the honey is dissolved. If honey is thick, microwave for 10 seconds to loosen.
  4. Add lime zest and a pinch of salt to the dressing mixture and whisk to incorporate.
  5. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss with a large spoon or tongs until every piece is lightly coated. Avoid crushing the fruit.
  6. Sprinkle chopped mint over the top and toss one more time to distribute.
  7. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Give a final gentle toss before serving chilled.

Notes

Use firm fruits to prevent mushiness. Do not freeze the salad as the high water content will cause it to become watery upon thawing. For best texture, consume within 24 hours. If making ahead, keep fruit and dressing separate until 30 minutes before serving. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added just before serving for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall fruit salad, honey lime dressing, healthy side dish, gluten-free, vegan option, quick recipe, autumn recipes, light dessert