As the vibrant colors of fall emerge, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season with a refreshing and hearty fruit salad. This Harvest Fruit Salad brings together a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, complemented by a delightful mix of textures. Whether you’re preparing for a festive Thanksgiving dinner or simply seeking a nutritious and delicious side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients for Harvest Fruit Salad
- 4 medium (md) apples, peeled and cubed
- 2 large (lg) Bosc pears, peeled and cubed
- 2 pomegranates, seeds extracted
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) Craisins
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) golden raisins
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) pecans, coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) glazed walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) raspberry walnut vinaigrette
How to Prepare Harvest Fruit Salad
- Extract Pomegranate Seeds: Fill a large mixing bowl with very cold water to facilitate the peeling of your pomegranates. Slice off the top of each pomegranate and make shallow cuts along the outer skin, similar to an orange. Submerge the pomegranates in the cold water and gently pull the sections apart, using your thumbs to release the seeds from the peel. The peels and membranes will float to the top, making it easy to separate them from the seeds. Once all seeds are extracted, strain the mixture to collect the pomegranate seeds.
- Cube Apples and Pears: Peel and thinly slice the apples and Bosc pears. Cut the slices into uniform cubes to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures in the salad.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, Craisins, golden raisins, chopped pecans, and glazed walnuts. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Vinaigrette: Pour half of the raspberry walnut vinaigrette over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss the salad gently to ensure that the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Gradually add the remaining raspberry walnut vinaigrette a little at a time, continuing to toss the salad until everything is lightly and evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or extra vinaigrette to taste.
This Harvest Fruit Salad is a vibrant celebration of fall’s best produce, offering a delightful combination of sweet apples and pears, tangy pomegranate seeds, and the rich, nutty flavors of pecans and walnuts. The addition of Craisins and golden raisins infuses the salad with a chewy texture and natural sweetness, while the raspberry walnut vinaigrette ties all the flavors together with its creamy and slightly tangy profile. Perfect as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast, a healthy breakfast option with a dollop of vanilla yogurt, or a refreshing snack, this salad is versatile and easy to prepare. Embrace the bounty of the season with this delicious and colorful Harvest Fruit Salad, and enjoy the comforting flavors that make autumn truly special.
