Name: Winter Fruit Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 apples, chopped; 2 pears, chopped; 2 oranges (navel or blood), peeled and segmented; 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced; 1 cup grapes, halved; 1 banana (optional, sliced just before serving); 2 tablespoons lemon or orange juice; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

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This Winter Fruit Salad is a colorful, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a light citrus-honey dressing. It’s the perfect way to brighten up chilly days with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. I like to serve it as a healthy breakfast side, a festive holiday dish, or a refreshing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad uses fresh, in-season fruits that are easy to find in the colder months. It’s quick to make, naturally sweet, and full of vitamins. The citrus dressing ties everything together with a hint of brightness, and I can easily adjust the fruits based on what I have on hand. It looks beautiful on the table and always feels light and refreshing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples
Pears
Oranges (I like to use navel or blood oranges)
Pomegranate seeds
Kiwi
Grapes
Banana (optional, added just before serving)
Lemon or orange juice (for the dressing)
Honey or maple syrup
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prep the Fruit:
I peel and slice the oranges, peel and dice the kiwi, core and chop the apples and pears, and slice the grapes in half. I also remove the seeds from a pomegranate or use pre-packed arils.
Toss with Citrus Dressing:
In a small bowl, I whisk together lemon or orange juice with honey or maple syrup. I pour it over the fruit and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill and Serve:
I like to chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld. Just before serving, I sometimes add sliced bananas and sprinkle some fresh mint on top for extra freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes me around 20 minutes to prep, and I usually chill it for another 30 minutes before serving. There’s no cooking required, which makes it even easier.

Variations

Add dried fruits: Sometimes I toss in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for extra texture and sweetness.
Use winter citrus: I love adding segments of grapefruit or Cara Cara oranges for more flavor depth.
Add crunch: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted coconut flakes give the salad a nice crunch.
Change the dressing: Instead of citrus and honey, I occasionally use a light yogurt-based dressing with a pinch of cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, though, as some fruits like apples and bananas can brown quickly. I usually add bananas just before serving and give the salad a quick toss to freshen it up if stored overnight. No reheating is needed.

FAQs

Can I make this salad the night before?

Yes, I often prep the salad the night before, minus the bananas. I add those right before serving to keep them from turning brown.

What fruits work best in winter?

I stick to winter staples like apples, pears, oranges, pomegranate, kiwi, and grapes. They’re fresh, flavorful, and widely available during the colder months.

How do I keep apples and pears from browning?

I toss them in citrus juice like lemon or orange juice right after chopping. It keeps them looking fresh and adds extra flavor.

Can I use canned fruit in this salad?

I prefer fresh fruit for texture and flavor, but in a pinch, I’ll use canned mandarins or pears—just make sure they’re well-drained.

Is this salad suitable for a holiday table?

Definitely. I love serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s brunch. It’s colorful, light, and a nice balance to heavier dishes.

Conclusion

This Winter Fruit Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something fresh and healthy during the colder months. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I serve it at a family breakfast or a holiday gathering, it brings a burst of color and flavor to the table.

Winter Fruit Salad

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This Winter Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a light citrus-honey dressing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it brings brightness and natural sweetness to cold days.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 apples, chopped
2 pears, chopped
2 oranges (navel or blood), peeled and segmented
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 cup grapes, halved
1 banana (optional, sliced just before serving)
2 tablespoons lemon or orange juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Peel and segment the oranges. Peel and dice the kiwi. Core and chop the apples and pears. Halve the grapes and prepare the pomegranate seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon or orange juice with honey or maple syrup to make the dressing.
Place all the prepped fruit in a large bowl. Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat evenly.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Just before serving, add sliced banana if using and garnish with fresh mint leaves.