If you're a fruit lover, you're in for a treat with this winter fruit salad! It features a fantastic mix of fresh fruits, all dressed up in a tangy-sweet dressing made from orange, lemon, raw honey, and poppy seeds. Every bite is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that'll surely leave you wanting more.
Table of Contents
- What is Winter Fruit Salad?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Winter Fruit Salad
- Key Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftovers
- More Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Recipe Card
- Winter Fruit Salad Recipe (Perfect for Holiday Season!)
- Comments
This winter fruit salad isn't just a dish, it's a celebration of the season! Besides being quick and easy to prepare at home, it's incredibly healthy and a fantastic way to savor winter's best fruits. It's a salad that's delicious, looks great, and bursts with vibrant colors.
What sets this winter fruit salad apart is its homemade dressing. Forget the usual store-bought stuff, this dressing combines the zesty kick of orange and lemon, the sweetness of raw honey, and the satisfying crunch of poppy seeds. This special dressing elevates the salad to a whole new level of deliciousness!
What is Winter Fruit Salad?
A winter fruit salad is a delicious dish made with seasonal fruits that thrive in the chilly winter months. This recipe usually includes a vibrant mix of fruits like pears, apples, oranges, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds. The fruits are tossed in a homemade dressing, which is often a blend of citrus juices and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Making a winter fruit salad at home is a great idea because it is not only healthy but also incredibly tasty. The combination of sweet and tangy fruits, paired with the zesty dressing, creates a flavor sensation that is both refreshing and comforting.
You can add a handful of nuts for a satisfying crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cozy touch. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, making it a go-to option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply brightening up your weekday meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick: You'll appreciate this recipe when you're in a hurry. The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When you're ready, simply dice the fruits, toss them with the dressing, and voila, your salad is ready!
- Vibrant and Delicious: The combination of these fruits not only makes the salad visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. The dressing, made with orange, lemon, raw honey and poppy seeds, adds a tangy-sweet flavor that compliments the fruits perfectly.
- Versatile: There's no strict rule about the fruits to include in this salad. You can easily substitute or add other fruits based on your preference or what's in season. This makes it a versatile recipe that's different every time you make it.
- Crowd Pleaser: The sweetness of the fruits combined with the tangy dressing makes this dish a hit at any gathering. It is a refreshing change from the usual desserts and is a healthier option too. You can serve it right away or refrigerate it for later. Either way, it is sure to please the crowd!
Key Ingredients
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this winter fruit salad recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
For the Salad:
- Pomegranates: These pomegranate aril will add a nice crunch to your salad. Bursting with juice, they'll provide a great contrast to the softer fruits.
- Pears: Pears are a classic salad ingredient. Their sweet, mild flavor balances out the tartness of the other fruits. I recommend Bartlett Pears.
- Persimmons: A winter fruit that carries a unique, sweet, honey-like flavor. It adds a nice color and texture to the salad.
- Honey Crisp Apples: They are incredibly juicy and sweet. These apples add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness to your salad. Apart from honeycrisps, you can also go for Fuji.
- Kiwis: Kiwi fruit is not just for tropical salads. They add a refreshing tang and vibrant green color to your winter fruit salad.
- Mandarins: These small citrus fruits are sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. Mandarin orange is great for adding a pop of color and citrusy flavor to the salad.
- For the Salad Dressing:
- Orange: The orange replaces the mandarin in the dressing for this salad. It provides a sweet citrus flavor that compliments the fruits perfectly.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the honey and orange.
- Raw Honey: This natural sweetener adds depth to the dressing. Its rich, sweet flavor pairs well with the citrus fruits.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a little crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the dressing. They also give it a visually appealing speckled look.
For the Salad Dressing:
- Orange: The orange replaces the mandarin in the dressing for this salad. It provides a sweet citrus flavor that compliments the fruits perfectly.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the honey and orange.
- Raw Honey: This natural sweetener adds depth to the dressing. Its rich, sweet flavor pairs well with the citrus fruits.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a little crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the dressing. They also give it a visually appealing speckled look.
How to Make Winter Fruit Salad
Making this incredible winter fruit salad is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
Preparing the Dressing
Before you even touch the fruit, whip up the dressing in a small bowl. Mix all the ingredients and set it aside. Once you have your dressing mixed and ready, pop it into the fridge. By doing this, the flavors get to mingle and develop, making it even more delicious.
Preparing the Fruit
Next, it is time to prepare your fruit. Remember, fruits like pears and apples have a tendency to brown quickly once cut, so save these for last.
Begin by washing all your chosen fruits thoroughly. After washing, peel the fruits if necessary, then dice or slice them according to your preference.
Combining the Ingredients
Once all your fruit is prepared, it is time to combine everything. Grab a large bowl, then toss all the diced or sliced fruit into it. Mix them gently to ensure a good variety of fruit in every serving.
Adding the Dressing
Now, retrieve your pre-prepared dressing from the fridge. Pour it over the fruit salad in the bowl. You'll want to make sure that all the fruit gets a good coating, so take your time. Gently mix and toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing.
Serving the Salad
Your winter fruit salad is now ready to serve! You can serve it immediately, or if you prefer, cover the bowl with an air-tight lid and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. This can help the flavors meld together even more.
And there you have it! Enjoy your fresh, delicious winter fruit salad. It is a perfect dish for any winter gathering or simply as a healthy snack.
Key Ingredients
- Use Fresh, Ripe Fruits: For the best taste and texture, use fresh, ripe fruits in your salad. The sweetness of the ripe fruits will naturally enhance the flavor of your salad without needing extra sugar.
- Prepare Your Dressing in Advance: To allow the flavors to meld together, prepare your salad dressing in advance. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. This also saves time when you're ready to assemble your salad.
- Dice Fruits Last: Fruits like pears and apples brown quickly once cut. To maintain their freshness and color, dice these fruits last just before assembling your salad.
- Coat the Fruits Evenly: Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit salad and toss carefully to make sure that each piece of fruit is evenly coated. This will enhance the overall flavor of your salad.
- Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing and crisp salad, cover your mixed fruit salad with an air-tight lid and refrigerate it before serving. This will also allow the fruits to soak up the dressing.
- Enjoy Right Away: Fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve right after preparation or within a few hours to enjoy the crunch and natural sweetness of the fruits.
- Experiment with Different Fruits: Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruits based on what's in season. This will add variety and keep your winter fruit salad exciting.
Substitutions and Variations
This delicious winter fruit salad recipe is perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
- Add a tropical twist: If you're longing for a taste of the tropics, try this variation. Swap out the pears and apples for chunks of pineapple and mango. These tropical fruits will add a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the pomegranate.
- Try it nutty: For a bit of crunch and added protein, toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds. The nuts add a nice texture contrast to the soft fruits and their slight bitterness will balance out the sweetness of the honey dressing.
- Make it creamy: If you're a fan of creamy salads, this variation is for you. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing. The yogurt adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that plays well with the sweet and tart fruits.
- Boost it with berries: For an antioxidant boost, add a cup of mixed berries to the salad. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work well. They'll add an extra pop of color and a tart, sweet flavor that's perfect for a winter fruit salad.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. It'll give your fruit salad a surprising kick that contrasts with the sweet, juicy fruits.
- Add a hint of mint: For a refreshing twist, add finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the salad. The mint adds a cool, refreshing flavor that compliments the sweet fruits and citrus dressing perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
- Start your winter morning with a burst of freshness! This fruit salad, with its vibrant mix of pomegranates, pears, and kiwis, makes a delightful pairing with a bowl of warm oatmeal or yogurt. The contrasting textures and flavors will surely wake you up!
- Looking for a light lunch option? Serve this winter fruit salad alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of tomato soup. The sweet and tangy flavors of the fruit salad will balance out the savory notes of your main dish.
- Add a festive touch to your holiday dinner spread by serving this winter fruit salad as a side dish. The vibrant colors and refreshing taste will compliment richer, heavier dishes like roast turkey or glazed ham on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Make snack time more exciting by serving this fruit salad with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is a fun and healthy treat that kids (and adults) will love!
- For a refreshing dessert, layer this winter fruit salad in between layers of sponge cake or angel food cake. Top it off with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Hosting a brunch? This fruit salad fits right in! Serve it alongside quiche, croissants, or your favorite egg dish. It adds a light, fresh element to the meal.
- For a quick, on-the-go snack, pack this winter fruit salad in a mason jar or airtight container. It is a healthy, refreshing snack that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fruits used in this recipe are pomegranate aril, pears, persimmons, honey crisp apples, kiwis, and mandarins. These fruits are ideal because they are readily available in winter and have unique flavors that combine beautifully. However, feel free to substitute or add other fruits you enjoy or have on hand.
The salad dressing is simple to prepare. You will need one large orange, half of a large lemon, a quarter cup of raw honey, and half a teaspoon of poppy seeds. Blend these ingredients and store the dressing in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
The dressing should be prepared first and stored in the fridge until it is time to serve the salad. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful dressing.
Fruits like pears and apples tend to brown quickly when cut. To prevent this, dice these fruits last and immediately toss them in the salad dressing. The citric acid in the dressing will help prevent browning.
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. After combining all the fruits and dressing, you can cover the salad with an air-tight lid and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. It is a convenient and delicious make-ahead dish for any occasion.
This winter fruit salad can be served right away or refrigerated for later use. It is a versatile dish that can be a refreshing dessert, a healthy snack, or a vibrant addition to your breakfast or brunch table.
How to Store Leftovers
We all know how delicious a winter fruit salad can be. It is fresh, it is sweet, and it is packed with all the health benefits of winter fruits. But what do you do if you have leftovers? Don't worry. I've got you covered!
First things first, let's talk about refrigeration. Leftover winter fruit salad can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. To store, place the salad in an airtight container and make sure that the fruit is covered in its own juices to prevent it from drying out.
As for freezing your winter fruit salad, it is generally not recommended. Freezing can cause the fruit to become mushy and lose its fresh, crisp texture.
While some fruits can handle freezing better than others, most of the fruits commonly used in a winter fruit salad (like citrus and apples) don't fare well in the freezer. So, it is best to enjoy your salad fresh or refrigerated for a short period.
Recipe Card
Winter Fruit Salad Recipe (Perfect for Holiday Season!)
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large pomegranates
- 2 large pears
- 2 large persimmons
- 2 large honey crisp apples
- 4 kiwis
- 6 mandarins
For the Dressing
- 1 freshly squeezed juice from a large orange
- ½ freshly squeezed juice from half of the large lemon
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ½ tsp. poppy seeds
Instructions
Preparing the Dressing
- Before you even touch the fruit, whip up the dressing in a small bowl. Mix all the ingredients together and set it aside. Once you have your dressing mixed and ready, pop it into the fridge. By doing this, the flavors get to mingle and develop, making it even more delicious.
Preparing the Fruit
- Next, it is time to prepare your fruit. Remember, fruits like pears and apples have a tendency to brown quickly once cut, so save these for last.
- Begin by washing all your chosen fruits thoroughly. After washing, peel the fruits if necessary, then dice or slice them according to your preference.
Combining the Ingredients
- Once all your fruit is prepared, it is time to combine everything. Grab a large bowl, then toss all the diced or sliced fruit into it. Mix them together gently to ensure a good variety of fruit in every serving.
Adding the Dressing
- Now, retrieve your pre-prepared dressing from the fridge. Pour it over the fruit salad in the bowl. You'll want to make sure that all the fruit gets a good coating, so take your time. Gently mix and toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing.
Serving the Salad
- Your winter fruit salad is now ready to serve! You can serve it immediately, or if you prefer, cover the bowl with an air-tight lid and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. This can help the flavors meld together even more.
- And there you have it! Enjoy your fresh, delicious winter fruit salad. It is a perfect dish for any winter gathering or simply as a healthy snack.
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This recipe was originally posted on November 14, 2016, and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Sheila Root says
I made it for Christmas. Some of the family is fighting cancer. Delicious way to help with the fight!
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
For sure! It's everyone's favorite! Thank you for trying out this recipe!
Nat says
Yum!
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
For sure!
Carol says
How do you make the dressing? Do you just use the juice from the orange & lemon along with the honey & poppy seeds for the dressing g?
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Yes. There is a link in the recipe for Tropical Fruit Salad where I show more detailed how to make dressing. Thanks for your comment Carol.
Jessica says
Where can I find persimmons? Can I substitute something else if it's not available?
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Persimmons are in season right now and can be found at any grocery store. You can omit the persimmons if you cant find it or substitute with plums. I hope this helps.
Alicia says
How quickly do the pears and apples brown? Would like to take to a potluck at work and it would be in the fridge for 6 or 7 hours.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
It only browns while your dicing it, as soon as the fruit get coated with citrus dressing they loose it's brown shades, look normal and doesn't brown any more. So 7 hours is perfectly fine as long as the salad has dressing and refrigerated. I hope this helps. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Debbie Leier says
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
valya'stasteofhome.com says
I had my in the fridge for 24 hrs, but it's best if consumed with in 6 hours.
L says
Love it. Can't wait to make it.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you!
Niki says
Where do I buy poppy seeds, lol?
But seriously. This looks so good!!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Hi Niki. You can buy puppy seeds at most grocery stores. If you cant find it in the store, ask an associate. Thank you! Yes, it looks good, but it tastes even better than it looks. Enjoy!
Victoria says
Looks BEAUTIFUL!!! Makes me just want to eat it right off the screen!!! Thank you so much for posting this, @valyastasteofhome!!!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
You are very welcome Victoria. Enjoy! 🙂
Nellie says
This salad is so beautiful! I can't wait to make it. Thank you!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you very much! Let me know how you like it.