This Simple Fruit Salad with Pears is a great example of the amazing fruit salads that can still exist in the fall. This is one of those easy recipes, and I know you will love it! This is the time of year when there are so many great fruits still available, let's take advantage of them!
What Makes This Salad So Good?
Let me tell you about this easy fruit salad. Not only is it simple to put together, but the flavor combo of all the fruits is just amazing. Just make sure you are choosing seasonal fruits as they will be of the best quality.
It is simple to make. Slice up all your fruits, drizzle with a quick dressing, serve. It is a good thing to have healthy recipes like this on hand.
This is a fresh fruit salad, no canned goods here. This makes it a really healthy option! Each serving will cover one daily value of fruit in your diet.
It is great for a snack, side dish, as part of your healthy breakfast, brunch, or even a healthy dessert. This can also make an appearance on your table for holiday meals. Wouldn't this be perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday dinner?
Ingredient List
I used about 8 cups in my salad, just choose a blend of fruits you like. I will list the ones I used below.
- Apples- I used gala, but you can use whatever you like. Just make sure you are using crisp apples. You don't want them mushy.
- Grapes- I used a mix of red grapes and green grapes.
- Kiwi- I love the texture and flavor of the kiwi in this recipe.
- Pomegranate Arils
- Pears
- Lime
- Honey
Fall Fruit Recommendations
Let's talk about fall fruits you can use, there are so many great choices! If you are headed to the grocery store or farmers' market, here are a few fruits to look for. I recommended my favorite ingredients above, but just know, there are plenty to choose from.
In our area, pears have wonderful flavor right now. Just make sure you start with ripe pears, you don't want them too hard, or too mushy.
Grapes have also been really good too, I am currently eating them constantly. I used a combo of both red grapes and green grapes. Each has unique flavors and I wanted both.
Apples are another favorite right now, so are a kiwi. You can use citrus fruits if they are in season in your area. Mandarin oranges are sometimes in season early.
Lastly, pomegranates are just coming into season and add such a beautiful hue and flavor to the salad.
Prepping the Fruits
This salad is simple to make. Start by prepping your fruits. For the pears and apples, you can always soak them in a low concentration of lemon water. This will keep them from browning. I skipped this step, as we were planning to eat my salad right away.
Cut up the remaining fruit.
Choosing Pomegranates
Ever wondered how to choose a pomegranate? Let me give you a few suggestions I use:
- you Do NOT want the pomegranate to be perfectly round. It should be slightly misshapen.
- Choose one with the skin as blemish free as possible. If they are being shipped from somewhere, this will be hard. Just find the best you can.
- Make sure the pomegranate is good and heavy. You will want those seeds full of juice!
Removing The Pomegranate Arils
Now, on to the pomegranate arils. I cut my pomegranate in half. Then, over a large bowl, hit the pomegranate on the side to force the seeds out.
This is messy, so make sure to keep it over the bowl and hit hard! I think this is the easiest method for removing pomegranate seeds.
Looking for some great facts on pomegranates? This is a great page to check them out.
Honey Lime Dressing
Now, let's start on the simple dressing. It is only 2 ingredients, and so worth it. It is fresh lime juice, zest, and honey.
Zest your lime, juice your lime, and add a couple of tablespoons honey. That's it. Mix well and drizzle over the salad. I also love a dash of poppy seed too if you are into it.
The recipe is below, so check it out!
The Finished Salad
Here is your finished salad. Isn't it so beautiful and delicious fruit salad? So, what are you waiting for? Grab these fruits while they are still in season and enjoy them as long as you are able!
Serving Recommendations
You can either serve this on a large platter, as I am showing above, or in a small bowl or plate.
Whether it is served family-style or individual servings, you cannot go wrong!
Other Salad Ideas
During this covid/cold/flu season, now is the time for healthy eating. This is a great Autumn fruit salad recipe, and salads just like this are a great way to stay healthy!
If you are looking for other salad ideas, let me share a few favorites:
- Autumn Kale Salad with butternut
- Kale Salad with delicata
- Shaved brussel sprout salad with maple dressing
- Red Pear and blackberry salad
FAQ
You can! On the dressing, add in ¼ cup greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
You can. Swap the lime juice and zest for orange juice and orange zest. It is an easy swap and a great flavor change.
This is not a salad you can use for meal prep. It will hold well for several hours, maybe even 24, but the fruits will begin to brown and get slightly mushy. I recommend eating it within a few hours.
Honey Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 6 cups fruit salad
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, mix well. Drizzle over your fruit salad. Toss lightly to coat.Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!