As autumn settles in, it brings a delightful shift in flavors and colors. The days may be getting shorter and cooler, but that doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to fresh and vibrant fruits!
This fall, we’re embracing seasonal produce like the juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges and the rich, tart burst of berries in a simple yet stunning fruit salad. Tossed in a sweet orange juice coating, it’s a refreshing dish that’s an easy fall party idea or a wholesome gluten-free snack for class parties.
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Why Mandarins and Berries?
Mandarin oranges (a.k.a. clementines) are not only sweet and easy to peel but also packed with vitamin C. They’re a delightful addition that brings brightness to the fruit salad.
Berries—whether strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries—are antioxidant powerhouses that provide a burst of color and flavor. Together, they capture the essence of fall while keeping things light and refreshing.
Fall fruit salad is a perfect side dish on the Thanksgiving table or as an alternative to pumpkin pie. Or pair it with an easy dinner like our Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef (Easy Takeout Fakeout!)
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How to Make A Fall Fruit Salad
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Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Start by rinsing your berries gently under cold water. Slice the strawberries into quarters for a uniform bite-sized treat. Peel and segment your mandarins, making sure to remove any seeds.
Step 2: Mix the Orange Juice Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice and honey until well combined. This simple dressing adds a natural sweetness and enhances the fruit’s flavors without overpowering them.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed berries, sliced red grapes, and mandarin oranges. Drizzle the orange juice coating over the top and toss gently to ensure all the fruit is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container and let it sit in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the walnuts over the top and garnish with fresh mint for a pop of color and added freshness.
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Enjoying Your Fall Fruit Salad
This fall fruit salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it as a bright side dish at your next gathering, layer it in a parfait with dairy-free yogurt and granola, or simply savor it as a mid-afternoon snack. It’s a great way to keep things light while celebrating the season’s bounty.
If you have it on hand, green kiwi’s are great in this salad too!
Personalize This Autumn Fruit Salad
Feel free to get creative! Add other seasonal fruits like crunchy honeycrisp apples (gala apples are another good option) or sweet pears for extra crunch, dried cranberries for color, or substitute pecans or slivered almonds for the walnuts if you prefer. You can even sprinkle in some cinnamon and nutmeg, chia seeds, or hemp seeds for a boost of nutrition. This salad is all about celebrating what you love and making it your own.
If you want a little more sweetness, add a dash of maple syrup or a dash of vanilla extract.
As we embrace the beautiful fall season, let’s enjoy the vibrant flavors it brings. This mandarin and berries fruit salad is a refreshing reminder that even as the weather cools, there’s plenty to celebrate. Enjoy every sweet, juicy bite, and happy autumn!
An Additional Benefit – Eat The Rainbow
This time of year brings crisp air, cozy drinks, and warm and fuzzy movies, but it also brings the flu and nasty viruses. Eating the rainbow is one way to keep your immune system strong through the cold months. It’s all thanks to the different nutritional benefits provided through the different food colors.
This fall fruit salad recipe makes eating the rainbow effortless! From blackberries to raspberries and every color in between, we’ve got you covered! That’s why it is a staple for breakfast at our house.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Salad
What are the best fruits to eat in the fall?
It is always best to stick to seasonal produce. In early fall this will include berries, apples, pears, and possibly stone fruits like nectarines and peaches. Later in the fall, it will be primarily apples, pears, and imported fruits, unless you are lucky enough to live where it is warm year-round!
Do you need fruit salad dressing?
In this recipe, the dressing is a blend of orange juice and honey. Technically you do not need to have a dressing for fruit salad, but it brings the salad together. Instead of eating individual fruits, they will all have a common flavor making it feel like an actual dish.
What can I substitute for the orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, cut a couple of unpeeled mandarin oranges and juice them into a cup. This can be used in place of the orange juice. If you don’t have extra oranges, you could also use lemon juice or lime juice but decrease the amount since it will be sour (you could also increase the honey or maple syrup)
What fruits should not be mixed in fruit salad?
This one is a personal preference but I stay away from soft fruits like bananas or overripe kiwis and peaches.
Ingredients
- Raspberries, 6 ounces
- Blackberries, 6 ounces
- Blueberries, 6 ounces
- Strawberries, 6 ounces
- 5 mandarin oranges
- 1/4 Cup Walnuts
- 1 Cup Red Grapes, cut in half
Fruit Salad Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Honey
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the 2 Tablespoons orange juice with 1 teaspoon of honey and set aside
- Wash the fruits and place the berries in to a large bowl
- If the grapes are not yet cut in half, do that now and add them to the bowl with the berries
- Peel the mandarin oranges and add the peeled slices to the bowl of fruit.
- Pour the orange juice and honey dressing over the fruits and gently toss until all fruits are well coated
- Transfer the fruits to an airtight covered container and place in the fridge for a minimum of 20 minutes
- Prior to serving, sprinkle the walnuts over the top of the fruits
- Sere and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 190Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 8gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g
Nutritional information was calculated automatically. Please verify accuracy
