Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Cozy Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Crisp autumn mornings inspire delightful culinary adventures with an autumn harvest fruit salad that celebrates seasonal bounty.

Sweet local apples and juicy pears mingle perfectly with ripe berries and crunchy nuts.

Each colorful bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors dancing across your palate.

Farmers markets overflow with vibrant produce, making this recipe a true celebration of nature’s gifts.

Minimal preparation transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Creamy honey yogurt dressing adds a luxurious touch, binding the fresh elements into a harmonious whole.

Fall’s abundance comes alive in this simple yet sophisticated salad that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Autumn Fruit Salad: Why It’s a Fall Favorite

  • Burst with Seasonal Freshness: Packed with autumn's finest fruits, this salad celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of the season, making every bite a delightful harvest experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Mix and match fruits based on availability or personal preference, creating a versatile dish that adapts to your taste and what's in your kitchen.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, this fruit salad offers a healthy and delicious way to nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • No-Fuss Family Pleaser: Simple to prepare and universally appealing, this recipe brings everyone together with its colorful presentation and irresistible honey-yogurt dressing.

What You’ll Need for This Fall Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruits:
  • Pineapple: A tropical fruit that adds sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.
  • Red Grapes, Green Grapes: Classic grape varieties that provide juicy texture and refreshing taste.
  • Strawberries: Bright red berries that bring vibrant color and natural sweetness.
  • Blueberries: Small, antioxidant-rich berries that contribute a deep blue color and burst of flavor.
  • Bananas: Creamy fruit that adds smooth texture and natural sweetness.
  • Mandarin Oranges: Citrusy segments that bring bright, zesty notes to the fruit salad.
Dressing Ingredients:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a tangy and rich foundation for the dressing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the dressing.
Spice:
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the fruit and adds a subtle, comforting flavor.

How to Make an Autumn Salad That Shines

Step 1: Prepare the Fruity Foundation

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in a vibrant mix of juicy fruits:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Red grapes
  • Green grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Banana slices
  • Mandarin orange segments

Gently tumble the fruits together, creating a colorful symphony of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Craft the Dreamy Honey Yogurt Sauce

In a separate small bowl, blend together:
  • Smooth Greek yogurt
  • Golden honey
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Warm ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, luscious dressing that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Marry the Fruits with the Dressing

Tenderly pour the honey-yogurt mixture over your fruit medley. Use a soft folding motion to coat each piece of fruit, ensuring every bite will be a burst of sweetness without crushing the delicate fruits.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle and Chill

Slide the fruit salad into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least half an hour. This magical resting time allows the flavors to intertwine and create a harmonious taste experience.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Transfer your chilled fruit masterpiece to a beautiful serving dish or individual plates. The result is a refreshing, elegant dessert that celebrates the bounty of the autumn harvest.

Top Tips for Sweet and Creamy Autumn Salad

  • Use ripe, seasonal fruits for the best flavor and natural sweetness in your harvest salad.
  • Slice bananas just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan version.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Prepare the dressing separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick, easy meal prep.

Seasonal Twists to Elevate Autumn Fruit Salad

  • Tropical Remix: Replace mandarin oranges with mango chunks and add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Berry Blast: Swap out some fruits with raspberries, blackberries, and kiwi for an intense berry version.
  • Autumn Spice: Sprinkle toasted pecans and add a dash of nutmeg to enhance the fall seasonal feel.
  • Citrus Punch: Include grapefruit segments and blood orange slices for a bright, zesty citrus variation.

Pairing Ideas for Your Harvest Salad Bowl

  • Pair Sweet Sparkling Wine: Select a light, fruity prosecco or moscato to complement the fruit salad's vibrant flavors and enhance the honey-yogurt sweetness.
  • Refresh with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to balance the fruit's natural sugars and provide a soothing, aromatic backdrop to the dessert.
  • Match Nutty Side Garnish: Sprinkle toasted almonds or chopped pecans around the salad to add a crunchy texture and earthy undertone that contrasts with the fruit's softness.
  • Elevate with Ginger Mocktail: Mix fresh ginger, sparkling water, and a touch of honey to create a zesty, effervescent drink that cuts through the yogurt's creaminess and highlights the fruit's freshness.

Storage Tips to Keep That Fall Fruit Salad Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy fruit and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Not recommended due to high water content of fruits, which will cause texture changes and mushiness when thawed.
  • Quick Reheat: Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to take the chill off.
  • Individual Portions: Pack single servings in small sealed containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or lunch additions.

Autumn Salad Questions? Let’s Dig In

  • What fruits are included in this salad?

The salad features a delightful mix of pineapple, red grapes, green grapes, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and mandarin oranges, creating a colorful and nutritious blend.

  • Is the dressing healthy?

Yes, the honey yogurt dressing is made with Greek yogurt, which is high in protein, and natural honey, offering a nutritious and tasty coating for the fruits.

  • Can I use frozen fruits for this recipe?

Fresh fruits are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen fruits if fresh are not available, just drain excess liquid before mixing.

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Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crisp seasonal bounty meets creamy sweetness in this Autumn Harvest Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing. Colorful orchard gems mingle with silky yogurt, creating a refreshing medley that welcomes fall’s delightful flavors you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
  • 2 cups red grapes, halved
  • 2 cups green grapes, halved
  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups blueberries
  • 3 large bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained

Sweeteners and Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Carefully slice and cube the pineapple, ensuring even-sized pieces for uniform texture and presentation.
  2. Halve the red and green grapes to prevent choking hazards and enhance dressing absorption.
  3. Hull and quarter the strawberries, maintaining their vibrant color and natural shape.
  4. Peel and segment the mandarin oranges, removing any excess membrane for a cleaner bite.
  5. Slice bananas into rounds, sprinkling them last to prevent premature browning.
  6. Combine all prepared fruits in a spacious mixing vessel, gently intermingling without crushing delicate berries.
  7. Whisk honey, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a separate container until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  8. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the fruit medley, using a soft folding technique to distribute evenly without damaging the fruit’s integrity.
  9. Refrigerate the salad for 25-35 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to harmonize and dressing to slightly chill.
  10. Plate the salad in elegant serving dishes, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon or fresh mint leaves for visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap fruits based on seasonal availability to keep the salad fresh and budget-friendly.
  • Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing.
  • Prevent banana browning by adding them just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
  • Select ripe but firm fruits to ensure the best flavor and prevent mushy texture in the salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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