Why Make This Recipe
Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for the colder months. It brings together the bright flavors of fresh fruit and the zing of citrus, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday gatherings or a healthy snack. This recipe is versatile, nourishing, and easy to prepare, providing a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruits while boosting your vitamin intake.
How to Make Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (sliced, then cut into small pieces (2-21/2 cups))
- 2 cups clementine slices
- 2 cups sliced kiwi (halved lengthwise, then sliced—about 5-6 kiwi)
- 1 1/2-2 cups pomegranate arils (from 1 pomegranate)
- 4-5 tablespoons orange juice (high quality or fresh-squeezed)
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or agave (use agave for vegan)
Directions:
- Combine Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the apples, clementines, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the orange juice with honey or agave to create your dressing.
- Gently Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and gently stir to combine, making sure the fruit is evenly coated. Taste and add extra sweetener or more dressing if needed. Remember that the salad will become juicier as it sits.
- Serve & Store: If possible, chill the fruit salad for 15-30 minutes before serving. You can make it up to 1-2 hours in advance for the best texture. Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, noting that the fruit will continue to soften over time.
How to Serve Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at any winter gathering, or enjoy it as a healthy breakfast or snack. It pairs well with yogurt or can be served alone on a beautiful platter. Make it more festive by garnishing it with mint leaves, or present it in individual cups for a special touch.
How to Store Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing
To keep your winter fruit salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the fruit will become softer over time due to the dressing. If you notice excess juice, simply drain it before serving.
Tips to Make Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing
- Use ripe and fresh fruits for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing based on the sweetness of your fruits.
- Experiment with different fruits like pears or berries for added diversity.
- For a crunchier texture, add some nuts or seeds before serving.
Variation
Feel free to change up the ingredients based on what is in season or your personal preferences. You can add fruits like pear, grapes, or even tropical fruits like pineapple for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but fresh is recommended for optimal texture and flavor.How can I make this salad vegan?
Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.Can I prepare this salad the night before?
While it’s best to store it for a few hours, you can prepare it the night before. Just note that the fruit will become softer and juicier. Consider adding the dressing closer to serving time to maintain the right texture.
Winter Fruit Salad with Fresh Citrus Dressing
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 apples 2 apples (sliced, then cut into small pieces) About 2-2.5 cups
- 2 cups 2 cups clementine slices
- 2 cups 2 cups sliced kiwi (about 5-6 kiwi) Halved lengthwise, then sliced
- 1.5-2 cups 1 1/2-2 cups pomegranate arils From 1 pomegranate
Dressing
- 4-5 tablespoons 4-5 tablespoons orange juice High quality or fresh-squeezed
- 2-3 tablespoons 2-3 tablespoons honey or agave Use agave for a vegan option
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the apples, clementines, kiwi, and pomegranate seeds.
- In a small bowl, mix the orange juice with honey or agave to create your dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and gently stir to combine, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated. Taste and add extra sweetener or dressing if needed.
- Chill the fruit salad for 15-30 minutes before serving, or make it up to 1-2 hours in advance for the best texture.
Serving
- Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at any winter gathering, or enjoy it as a healthy breakfast or snack.
- It pairs well with yogurt or can be served alone on a beautiful platter, garnished with mint leaves for a festive touch.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Note that the fruit will continue to soften over time.