Easy Winter Fresh Fruit Salad
User Reviews
4.7
Easy Winter Fresh Fruit Salad
Description
This winter fruit salad brings together a variety of fresh fruits suited for the season, such as juicy mandarins, sweet grapes, tart kiwi, and crisp apples or pears. The pomegranate seeds contribute a jewel-like appearance and bursts of tart flavor. The dressing is a simple blend of honey, orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon, which adds warmth without overpowering the fruit's natural tastes. The slight cinnamon note complements the citrus and enhances the overall freshness.
The salad is tossed gently to preserve the integrity of each fruit piece, with options to substitute fruits based on availability or preference. Pears can be treated with lemon juice to prevent browning before mixing. Preparing this salad a few hours ahead lets flavors meld, although color bleeding may occur depending on fruit choices.
Ideal as a light dessert or a fresh side, this salad balances sweetness, acidity, and texture. The combination of soft, firm, juicy, and crunchy fruits provides pleasant mouthfeel variety. The dressing’s simplicity supports the fruit’s natural flavors while adding a touch of sophistication.
To extract fresh pomegranate seeds, submerge pomegranate quarters in water and gently separate seeds from membranes; the seeds sink and skins float, simplifying harvesting.
Ingredients
Fruit:
- *Fruit is adaptable; see note below*
- 1 cup blueberries fresh
- 1 cup kiwi fruit peeled and diced
- 1 cup mandarin orange drained, or fresh mandarin/navel orange segments
- 1 cup apple or pears, diced
- 1 cup grapes halved
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice see note for lemon variation
- cinnamon light pinch
Instructions
- Place the fruit in a serving bowl. (If using pears, because they sometimes darken faster than apples, I like to toss them with a light squeeze of lemon juice before adding to the salad.)
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the fruit and toss to combine.
- The fruit salad can be made a couple hours ahead of time - keep in mind that depending on what type of fruit is used, the colors may seep into each other as the salad sits.
Notes
- Adjust fruit types based on season and preference to total about 5-6 cups excluding pomegranate seeds.
- Pomegranate seeds are key for color, texture, and flavor; fresh seeds from whole pomegranates are preferred over pre-packaged options.
- Use lemon juice on pears before adding to salad to prevent browning.
- For the dressing, mixing fresh orange and lemon juices adds brightness; all orange juice makes it sweeter and less tangy.
- Use a very light pinch of cinnamon to add subtle warmth without overpowering the salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 102kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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