Winter fruit salad brings brightness and refreshment to the coldest days of the year. Made with a colorful medley of seasonal fruits like juicy clementines, crisp apples, sweet pears, tangy kiwi, and ruby-red pomegranate arils, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Tossed in a light honey-lemon poppy seed dressing, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or any time you want a cheerful, healthy side dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with vitamin-rich, in-season fruit
- Features a zesty citrus-honey dressing
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Takes just 25 minutes to prepare
- A healthy, festive dish for Christmas, New Year’s, or winter brunches
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups clementine segments (about 3–4 fruits)
- 2 pears, diced
- 2 apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 5 kiwis, peeled and diced
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
Dressing
- ¼ cup honey
- Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 orange + 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill the fruit (optional): For a refreshing salad, refrigerate the fruit before starting.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar, combine honey, citrus zests and juices, and poppy seeds. Shake or whisk until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine clementines, pears, apples, and kiwis.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle over just enough dressing to coat the fruit, then gently toss to combine.
- Top and serve: Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and chopped mint. Serve immediately or within 1–3 hours.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 258
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Vitamin C: 183mg
- Potassium: 820mg
Tips & Variations
- Choose ripe, firm fruit for the best texture and flavor.
- Cut fruits evenly for visual appeal and balanced bites.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep fruit fresh and crisp.
- Use pre-seeded pomegranate arils to save prep time.
- Want more crunch? Add chopped pistachios or sliced almonds before serving.
FAQs
Can I make winter fruit salad ahead of time?
You can prep the fruit and dressing separately and combine right before serving for best results.
How long does it stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed within 1–3 hours. Leftovers can be blended into smoothies the next day.
What fruits can I substitute?
Use grapes, mandarin oranges, or even persimmons depending on what’s available and in season.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
Winter Fruit Salad
Equipment
- – Large salad bowl
- – Mason jar or small whisking bowl
- – Sharp knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- #### Fruit
- – 2 cups clementine segments
- – 2 pears diced
- – 2 apples Fuji or Honeycrisp, sliced
- – 5 kiwis diced
- – ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- #### Dressing
- – ¼ cup honey
- – Zest + 2 tbsp juice from 1 lemon
- – Zest + 2 tbsp juice from 1 orange
- – 1 tsp poppy seeds
- – Chopped mint optional
Instructions
- Optional: Chill fruit beforehand for a refreshing bite.
- In a jar, mix honey, lemon and orange zest and juice, and poppy seeds. Shake well.
- In a large bowl, mix clementines, pears, apples, and kiwis.
- Pour in dressing (use just enough to coat) and gently toss.
- Top with pomegranate arils and mint. Serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
This winter fruit salad is a refreshing way to celebrate the season’s best produce. Bright, juicy, and lightly sweetened with a lemon-orange poppy seed dressing, it’s a vibrant addition to your holiday table or any cold-weather meal. Easy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor—it’s winter wellness in every bite