Winter Fruit Salad

Name: Winter Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 clementine oranges, peeled and segmented; 2 cups seedless grapes, halved; 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced; 2 medium persimmons, peeled and sliced into small wedges; 2 medium apples, cored and sliced; 1 large pomegranate, seeded; 1-2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice); 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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This easy Winter Fruit Salad combines juicy citrus, sweet grapes, crisp apples, and tart pomegranate, all tossed together with a simple honey-lime dressing. It is a vibrant and colorful dish that's as gorgeous as it is delicious, making it a standout treat on any dinner table. Even better, it comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep (or even faster if you are quick at chopping fruit!).

Easy Winter Fruit Salad combines juicy citrus, sweet grapes, crisp apples, permissions, and tart pomegranate, tossed together with a honey-lime dressing. | aheadofthyme.com

Winter fruits are so underrated, yet they bring some of the best flavors to the table. From the brightness of orange and permissions and the tangy flavor of kiwi, to the crispness of apples, this fruit salad highlights everything the season has to offer. It's refreshing, sweet, and tart. Serve it at brunch or as a treat after a hearty lunch or dinner this winter.

Why You'll Love This Winter Fruit Salad

Quick and effortless. This winter fruit salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you're short on time but still want a dish that impresses. Whether it's a festive holiday spread or a work potluck, this fruit salad is the perfect quick addition.
A symphony of flavors. The combination of juicy citrus, crisp apples, tangy kiwi, mellow permissions, and the subtle sweetness of honey in the dressing creates a beautifully balanced dish. Add the crunch of pomegranate, and you've got a dish that's as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Bright and beautiful. During the colder months, meals can often feel heavy or dull. This salad brings a burst of vibrant color and freshness to the table, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering or a cheerful pick-me-up on an ordinary day.
So healthy. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from all the fresh fruit, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it's naturally vegetarian, and you can easily adjust it to suit different dietary needs - swap the honey for maple syrup to make it vegan!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Winter Fruit Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

clementine oranges - these juicy, sweet oranges add a burst of citrus flavor. Peel them and separate into segments for easy eating. Feel free to substitute with any type of citrus that you like such as mandarins, tangerines, blood oranges, etc.
grapes - choose red or green grapes for a pop of sweetness and crisp texture. Slice them in half for bite-sized perfection.
kiwi - vibrant with a tangy-sweet flavor, kiwi adds both color and a tropical twist. Peel and slice into thin rounds or small chunks.
persimmons - Fuyu persimmons work best for their firm texture and honey-like sweetness. Slice into small wedges for a beautiful presentation.
apples - Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady add crunch and balance the other fruits' softness. Thinly slice or dice as desired.
pomegranate - pomegranate seeds provide a delightful crunch and tartness. You can extract seeds from a fresh pomegranate or buy prepackaged arils to save some time.
honey - adds a natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing the citrus and tangy flavors. Feel free to substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
lime - fresh lime juice brings brightness and keeps the fruits from browning. You can also use lemon if you prefer.
poppy seeds - gives the dressing a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a small mixing bowl, and large serving bowl.

How to Make the Best Winter Fruit Salad

Assemble. Chop and prep fruit. Arrange the prepared fruits in a large serving bowl

Make dressing. In a small mixing bowl, add honey, lime juice, and poppy seeds, and stir until combined.

Toss. Drizzle dressing on top and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Recipe Variations

Add more fruits. You don't have to stop with the listed ingredients. Pears, dried cranberries, or even blood oranges can enhance the salad's flavor and visual appeal. They all pair wonderfully with the honey-lime dressing.
Incorporate greens. If you want to stretch this dish into a more traditional salad, toss the fruits with a bed of baby spinach, arugula, or spring greens. The added greens balance the sweetness of the fruit with a peppery or mild bite.
Sweeten the dressing. The honey-lime dressing is already lightly sweet, but you can adjust to taste with more honey or a splash of maple syrup if desired.
Add crunch. Sprinkle toasted nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or pecans over the top for texture, or mix in crumbled feta cheese for a savory touch.

How to Serve

This Winter Fruit Salad is refreshing and delicious served on its own as a light lunch, snack, or side. It feels right at home on a casual brunch tables as well, along with some other favorites such as:

For more recipes, see our 40+ Best Brunch Ideas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dress right before serving. To keep the fruits vibrant and fresh, add the honey-lime dressing just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures the flavors stay bright and balanced.
Prep ahead. Save time by slicing and prepping all the fruits a few hours ahead of your gathering. Store them separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture and freshness, then combine everything when ready to serve.
Customize for dietary needs. If you're serving a crowd, consider offering the poppy seeds or honey-lime dressing on the side for those with dietary restrictions. This also allows guests to adjust the sweetness and seasoning to their preference.
Store leftovers smartly. If you have extras, store the undressed fruit in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It's perfect for a quick snack or a next-day breakfast topping!

Storing Instructions

This easy winter fruit salad is best stored without the dressing to keep the fruits fresh and crisp. Place the prepared fruits in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the honey-lime dressing in a separate container or mason jar on the side for up to a week. Shake well before using, and dress the salad right before serving to preserve its texture and flavor.

FAQ

What fruits are best for a winter fruit salad?

Winter offers a variety of delicious fruits that shine in a fruit salad. Clementine oranges, kiwis, persimmons, pomegranates, apples, and grapes are all excellent choices. Their mix of sweetness, tartness, and texture makes them a perfect combination for a winter-themed dish. Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like blood oranges or pears to customize your salad.

What type of dressing works well for a winter fruit salad?

A simple honey-lime dressing is perfect for enhancing the natural sweetness and tartness of the fruits without overpowering them. The honey adds a touch of warmth, while the lime juice brightens the flavors. Adding poppy seeds gives the dressing a subtle nuttiness and a visually appealing touch. You can also try a yogurt-based dressing for a creamy twist.

How far in advance can I make a fruit salad?

You can prep the fruits a day ahead, slicing and storing them separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. To prevent browning, toss apple slices in a little lime juice before storing. Wait to combine the fruits and add the dressing until right before serving to keep the salad vibrant and crisp. When stored properly, the prepared fruit will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge.

More Recipes with Fresh Fruit

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