Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining equal parts diced apple and pear, dressed in a light honey-cinnamon vinaigrette and topped with fresh mint and walnuts. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 diced apples and 2 diced pears (each cut into 1/2-inch cubes) in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over fruit, tossing gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. Toss once more to distribute ingredients.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep apple cider vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple-Pear Fruit Salad with Mint Vinaigrette?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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