Winter Fruit Salad
User Reviews
5
Winter Fruit Salad
Description
This salad brings together seasonal fruits including mandarins, apples, kiwi, bananas, and pomegranate seeds. The apples provide a crisp bite, complemented by the softness of ripe bananas and kiwi. Mandarin oranges add juiciness and bright citrus notes, while the pomegranate seeds contribute bursts of tartness and crunchy texture.
The dressing is a simple blend of honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds, which coats the fruit gently to enhance freshness without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. The poppy seeds add subtle visual interest and a mild nutty crunch.
This salad is best served immediately after tossing to maintain the texture of the bananas and avoid browning of apples. It can be a vibrant addition to a winter meal or a healthy snack. Pears can be substituted for bananas if preferred, adjusting sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
Salad
- 8 small mandarin orange peeled and segmented
- 4 medium apple preferably 2 gala, and 2 opal or golden delicious
- 4 large kiwi peeled and diced, ripe
- 4 banana peeled and diced, just ripe
- 1 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (from about 1 large)
Instructions
- For the dressing: In a mixing bowl whisk together honey, lemon zest, lemon juice and poppy seeds.
- For the fruit salad: Add all of the prepared fruit to a large salad bowl, pour dressing evenly over top and gently toss to coat. Serve right away.
Notes
- Pears can be substituted for bananas for a different but complementary texture and sweetness.
- The recipe yields approximately 12 cups of salad, suitable for multiple servings.
- Serve the salad shortly after preparation to maintain fruit freshness and avoid discoloration.