Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad is a refreshing, sweet-tart dish that combines crisp apples, juicy cranberries, and a light dressing for a vibrant side. Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or a healthy snack, this salad adds color and a burst of fresh flavor to any table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala, diced)
fresh or dried cranberries
red grapes (halved)
mandarin oranges (drained, if canned)
pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
lemon juice
honey or maple syrup
poppy seeds (optional)
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
fresh mint (for garnish, optional)

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, cranberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, and pineapple chunks.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup) until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

If using, sprinkle in poppy seeds and chopped nuts and toss again.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Garnish with fresh mint just before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use dried cranberries instead of fresh for extra sweetness.
Add sliced bananas or kiwi for more variety.
Swap honey for agave syrup to make it vegan.
Top with shredded coconut for a tropical touch.

storage/reheating

Store Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Stir gently before serving to redistribute any dressing.
This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 4 hours in advance. Add bananas right before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid extra liquid.

How do I keep the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning.

Is this fruit salad sweet or tart?
It’s a balance of both—the sweet fruits and honey dressing mellow the tart cranberries.

Can I serve this at a holiday meal?
Absolutely! It’s a bright, fresh side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or brunch.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together crisp fruit, a tangy-sweet dressing, and beautiful colors for any occasion. Light, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s sure to brighten up your table and delight your guests.

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