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Best Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad

Best Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with a Crunchy Twist

Celebrate the goodness of fall with the Best Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad, featuring sweet apples, juicy pears, and a crunchy twist of toasted pecans.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups chopped apples Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
  • 2 cups diced ripe pears Select fresh, ripe pears for optimal flavor.
  • 1 cup halved red grapes Halve before adding for easier eating.
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries Can be substituted with raisins.
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery Chop finely for even distribution.
  • ½ cup toasted pecan pieces Toast in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 1 whole lemon juice Fresh is best but bottled can work.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional based on flavor preference.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chopped apples, 1 cup of halved red grapes, and 2 cups of diced ripe pears. Toss lightly to mix.
  2. Add 1 cup of finely chopped celery and ¾ cup of dried cranberries. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Toast ½ cup of pecan pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until browned and aromatic. Allow to cool before adding to salad.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently until well coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and add the toasted pecans on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Always use fresh, seasonal ingredients for vibrant flavors. Dice apples and pears right before serving to prevent browning.

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