Winter Fruit Salad

Winter fruit salad is the perfect burst of color and flavor when the weather turns cold. Made with juicy clementines, crisp apples, sweet pears, vibrant kiwis, and jewel-like pomegranate arils, this salad is not only beautiful—it’s refreshing, immune-boosting, and incredibly easy to make. Tossed in a zesty citrus-honey poppy seed dressing, it’s a cheerful way to enjoy fresh produce even in the colder months. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, a healthy side, or a brunch addition, this dish will brighten any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and fresh seasonal fruit in every bite
• A zesty citrus-honey dressing that’s sweet but not overpowering
• Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan
• Quick to prepare—just chop, mix, and serve
• Perfect for holiday tables, breakfast, or a refreshing snack

Ingredients

• 2 cups clementine segments (3–4 clementines)
• 2 ripe pears, diced
• 2 apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
• 5 kiwis, peeled and diced
• ¾ cup pomegranate arils
• For the Dressing:
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (1 tsp zest + 2 tbsp juice)
  • 1 large orange, zested and juiced (1 tsp zest + 2 tbsp juice)
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • Chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Chill fruit (optional): For a crisp, refreshing salad, refrigerate fruit for at least 15 minutes before preparing.
2. Make the dressing: In a jar or sealed container, combine honey, lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, and poppy seeds. Shake well to emulsify.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together clementines, pears, apples, and kiwis.
4. Dress and toss: Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat. You may not need all the dressing—add gradually to taste.
5. Add garnishes: Top with pomegranate arils and fresh mint if using.
6. Serve fresh: Enjoy within 1–3 hours of preparing for best texture and flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 258 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 45g
• Vitamin C: 183% DV
• Potassium: 820mg

Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on fruit size and variety.

Tips & Variations

• Choose ripe but firm fruit to avoid a mushy salad
• Slice evenly so every bite has balanced texture
• Make it vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup or agave
• Add texture with toasted nuts or shredded coconut
• Turn leftovers into a smoothie by blending with yogurt or juice

FAQs

Can I make winter fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prep the fruit and dressing separately and mix just before serving.

What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
Chia seeds or hemp hearts can provide a similar nutty crunch.

How long does it keep?
Best eaten within 1–3 hours. If stored, keep fruit and dressing separate for up to 24 hours.

Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended, but thawed frozen fruit can work in a pinch—just note the texture may be softer.

Winter Fruit Salad

This refreshing winter fruit salad combines citrus, apples, kiwi, and pomegranate in a bright honey-poppy seed dressing—perfect for holiday tables or healthy snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 258 kcal

Equipment

• – Large salad bowl
• – Mason jar or shaker for dressing
• – Citrus zester
• Cutting board & knife

Ingredients

  

• – 2 cups clementine segments about 3–4 clementines
• – 2 ripe pears diced
• – 2 apples Fuji or Honeycrisp, sliced thin
• – 5 kiwis peeled and diced
• – ¾ cup pomegranate arils
• #### Dressing
• – ¼ cup honey
• – Zest + 2 tbsp juice of 1 lemon
• – Zest + 2 tbsp juice of 1 orange
• – 1 tsp poppy seeds
• – Optional: chopped fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

 

• Optional: Chill fruit for 15 minutes before starting.
• In a jar, shake honey, lemon/orange zest and juice, and poppy seeds to combine.
• In a large bowl, combine clementines, pears, apples, and kiwis.
• Pour in dressing and toss gently to coat.
• Top with pomegranate arils and mint. Serve within 1–3 hours.

Notes

– Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
– Add slivered almonds for crunch.
– Great with breakfast, brunch, or light lunches.

Keyword Winter Fruit Salad

Conclusion

This Winter Fruit Salad is the kind of dish that surprises everyone—it’s light, vibrant, and bursting with sweet-tart flavor. It’s the antidote to heavy winter meals and a beautiful centerpiece for your table. Whether you’re hosting brunch or meal prepping a healthy snack, this fruit salad brings sunshine to every bite.