This Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish packed with seasonal fruits that bring color and flavor to any meal. Perfect for a holiday gathering, brunch, or a light dessert, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Features fresh, seasonal winter fruits
- Naturally sweet and refreshing
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
- Easy to prepare in just minutes
- Perfect for holiday meals or everyday snacking
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Oranges
- Pomegranates
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Dried cranberries
- Honey or maple syrup
- Lemon or orange juice
- Fresh mint (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Fruit: Peel and segment the oranges, dice the apples and pears, slice the kiwi, and halve the grapes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the prepared fruit with pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and fresh lemon or orange juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- Tropical Twist: Include pineapple or mango for added sweetness.
- Dairy Addition: Top with crumbled feta or Greek yogurt.
- Citrus Boost: Mix in blood oranges or clementines.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the fruit may change.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Add lemon juice to prevent apples and pears from browning if preparing in advance.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the fruit and store separately, then mix just before serving.
What’s the best way to deseed a pomegranate?
Cut it in half, hold it over a bowl, and tap the back with a spoon to release the seeds.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best, but thawed frozen fruit can work in a pinch.
What other dressings can I use?
A citrus vinaigrette or vanilla-infused syrup works great.
How do I prevent the fruit from browning?
Toss the apples and pears with lemon or orange juice immediately after cutting.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I add bananas?
Bananas can be added but should be added just before serving to avoid browning.
What can I serve this salad with?
It pairs well with brunch dishes, roasted meats, or as a healthy dessert.
Can I add a protein source?
Yes! Try adding Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or chopped nuts.
How do I make this salad more festive?
Use a mix of red and green fruits and garnish with fresh mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Conclusion
Winter Fruit Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or as a healthy snack, this vibrant salad is sure to impress!
Print
Winter Fruit Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing mix of seasonal fruits, lightly sweetened with a citrus-honey dressing. Juicy oranges, crisp apples, sweet pears, and tart pomegranate arils come together for a vibrant and nutritious dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy holiday side!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 apples, cored and diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 2 pears, cored and diced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh if available)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Citrus Honey Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and poppy seeds.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oranges, apples, pears, pomegranate arils, grapes, and dried cranberries.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
- Add Toppings & Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if using.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- To prevent apples and pears from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Swap pecans for almonds or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Serve over yogurt or oatmeal for a heartier breakfast option.
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