Easy Winter Fruit Salad Recipe
This Easy Winter Fruit Salad is a vibrant, no-fuss celebration of the season’s finest fruits, tossed in a sweet-tangy honey-cinnamon dressing. Full of juicy apples, pears, citrus, and jewel-like pomegranate arils, it’s colorful enough to turn heads at any brunch and bright enough to liven up even the dullest winter day. The blend of flavors and textures makes each bite exciting, so whether you serve it as a festive side or a healthy snack, you’re in for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as effortless as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruit Salad:
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
- 2 pears, diced
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Winter Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Start by dicing the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces that are easy to fork up. Next, peel and segment your oranges, then halve the grapes. Having all your fruit prepped and ready is the secret to a salad that looks beautiful and invites everyone to dig in.
Step 2: Mix the Fruit
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced apples, pears, orange segments, pomegranate arils, and halved grapes. Give everything a soft toss to evenly distribute the colors and flavors.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. The result should be a silky, aromatic dressing that smells like winter in the best way.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the honey-cinnamon dressing over the prepared fruit. Using a large spoon, gently toss until all the fruit is glistening and perfectly coated. This step is where the magic happens, tying all the delicious flavors together.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the salad if you like a little extra crunch. For a final burst of freshness and an ultra-inviting look, add whole or torn fresh mint leaves right before serving. You can enjoy your Easy Winter Fruit Salad immediately, or chill it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more.
How to Serve Easy Winter Fruit Salad
Garnishes
A handful of fresh mint leaves scattered over the salad makes the colors pop and adds a cool contrast to the juicy fruit and honeyed dressing. You can also try thin slices of orange peel for a show-stopping finish and a little extra citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
This Easy Winter Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with brunch dishes like quiches, pancakes, and pastries, or even as a refreshing counterpoint to hearty holiday roasts and casseroles. It’s equally charming next to a cheese plate for a light, flavorful starter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls or parfait cups for an elegant touch at winter gatherings. For more casual occasions, spoon it over creamy Greek yogurt or alongside a warm stack of waffles. You can even layer it in jars for a pretty, portable snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Winter Fruit Salad keeps very well in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The lemon juice helps preserve the fruit’s color and crispness, so you can enjoy it for up to two days with plenty of freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad (the texture of the fruit can turn mushy when thawed), you can freeze extra pomegranate arils separately to use later. For the best results and brightest flavors, enjoy the salad fresh within a couple days of making it.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—Easy Winter Fruit Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any dressing and refresh the fruit’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible—try swapping in kiwi, persimmon, or even mango for a fun twist. Just aim for about the same volume of fruit as listed to keep the balance right.
How can I prevent the apples and pears from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing does wonders for keeping your fruit fresh and vibrant. If you need extra protection, toss your diced apples and pears with a little bit of the lemon juice right after chopping.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Definitely—just use maple syrup instead of honey for a completely plant-based Easy Winter Fruit Salad. It’s naturally gluten-free as well!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is a great candidate for prepping ahead. Combine the fruit and dressing, then store tightly covered in the fridge for up to a day. Add nuts and mint just before serving for best texture and presentation.
How do I scale the recipe for a crowd?
Doubling or tripling the ingredients works beautifully for potlucks or parties. Mix up the salad in a big serving bowl and offer garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their scoop.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Easy Winter Fruit Salad enough—it’s one of those fuss-free dishes that brightens up cold days and brings people together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a weekday snack, it’s guaranteed to add color, freshness, and a little extra joy to your winter spread. Give it a try and watch it disappear!
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Easy Winter Fruit Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Easy Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a light and healthy treat. Packed with a mix of fresh fruits, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Fruit Salad:
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
- 2 pears, diced
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fruit Prep: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, diced pears, orange segments, pomegranate arils, and grapes.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add sliced celery.
- This salad is great for brunch or as a light holiday side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
