Winter Fruit Salad
I still remember bringing this crisp, jewel-toned bowl to a winter potluck—everyone kept going back for more. This Winter Fruit Salad is a no-fuss, bright-tasting mix of apples, pears, pomegranate, kiwi and citrus, finished with a maple-lime dressing and mint. It’s the kind of salad that feels festive yet effortless, perfect for holiday tables, a light dessert, or a healthy addition to brunch.
Why you’ll love this dish
This salad hits several sweet spots: it’s quick to assemble, uses winter fruit that’s easy to find, and balances sweetness and acidity so every bite feels fresh. There’s no cooking involved, which makes it ideal for last-minute entertaining or a weeknight side. Kids love the colorful pieces, while adults appreciate the bright maple-lime dressing and pop of pomegranate.
“A simple bowl of seasonal fruit that looks like a centerpiece and tastes even better—refreshing, colorful, and perfectly balanced.” — happy potluck guest
How this recipe comes together
Before you dive in, here’s the simple flow so you know what to expect:
- Prep and chop all fruit (about 10–15 minutes).
- Whisk together maple syrup, lime juice and zest to make the dressing.
- Toss fruit with dressing gently to coat without bruising.
- Garnish with mint and serve right away or chill briefly.
Gather these items
What you’ll need — adjust quantities to taste:
- 2 Apples, cubed or sliced (choose firm varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 2 Pears, cubed or sliced (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 1 cup Pomegranate arils (about 1 medium pomegranate or pre-peeled arils)
- 4 Kiwis, peeled and cubed or sliced
- 2 Oranges or clementines, peeled and cubed or sliced
- A few fresh mint leaves, torn or chiffonade
- 3 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice (fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon Lime zest
Substitution notes: swap honey for maple (if not vegan), use lemon instead of lime in a pinch, or add a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. For a creamy twist, fold in a spoonful of Greek yogurt just before serving.
Directions to follow
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Set aside so flavors meld.
- Prepare the fruit: Core and cube or slice the apples and pears. Peel and slice the kiwis. Peel and section the oranges or clementines. Remove pomegranate arils and pat fruit dry if damp.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, gently place all the prepared fruit — apple, pear, pomegranate, kiwi and oranges.
- Dress the salad: Pour the maple-lime dressing over the fruit. Using a large spoon, gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the softer pieces.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a few hours if not serving right away.
Best ways to enjoy it
This salad is versatile:
- Serve it as a colorful side with roasted pork or turkey.
- Spoon over plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a light dessert.
- Add to a holiday brunch table beside warm pastries and quiche.
- For a picnic, keep dressing in a separate container and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Short-term storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Best eaten within 24–48 hours—fruit will soften and juices may run over time. Keep chilled at or below 40°F (4°C) and discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing: Fresh fruit salad doesn’t freeze well; apples, pears and citrus become mushy. If you want frozen components, freeze apples or pears briefly for smoothies, or freeze pomegranate arils separately for later use. For safety, always use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.
Pro chef tips
- Choose firm fruit: Use slightly firm apples and pears so they hold up after tossing.
- Prevent browning: Lime juice in the dressing helps slow apple and pear browning—toss them promptly.
- Cut uniformly: Same-size pieces make the salad easier to eat and look more attractive.
- Chill the bowl: A chilled serving bowl keeps the salad crisp longer on the table.
- Make-ahead hack: If prepping ahead, chop fruit and store separately; dress and assemble within a few hours. For inspiration on flavor pairings, check this take on a different winter fruit dressing: winter fruit salad with cinnamon-vanilla dressing.
Creative twists
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans or pumpkin seeds just before serving.
- Add creaminess: Fold in a dollop of ricotta or Greek yogurt and a splash of vanilla for a creamy fruit salad.
- Spiced version: Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice notes.
- Cocktail-friendly: Spoon fruit into champagne flutes and top with prosecco for an elegant brunch cocktail.
- Make it tropical: Swap kiwi for mango and add shredded coconut for a summer vibe.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: Best within 24 hours for peak texture and appearance, up to 48 hours if tightly sealed and kept cold. Apples and pears will brown and soften over time.
Q: Can I swap the maple syrup for something else?
A: Yes — honey or agave are good substitutes. For a lower-sugar option, reduce syrup and add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of stevia.
Q: Is it okay to prepare this a day ahead?
A: You can prep and store the chopped fruit separately, but don’t dress the salad until serving to keep fruit from becoming soggy.
Q: Any tips for removing pomegranate arils quickly?
A: Cut the pomegranate in half and tap the skin with a wooden spoon over a bowl to release arils, or score and open sections under water to avoid juice splatter.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes—stir in cubed burrata, crumbled feta, or a handful of toasted nuts to make it more substantial.
Conclusion
If you love simple recipes that celebrate seasonal fruit, this Winter Fruit Salad is a dependable, beautiful choice—easy enough for weeknights and pretty enough for entertaining. For more ideas and similar recipes, see this fresh take on a winter bowl at Easy Winter Fresh Fruit Salad – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe and another classic version at Winter Fruit Salad – Dinner at the Zoo.
Internal links used in article:
- winter fruit salad with cinnamon-vanilla dressing (Tips section)
- Berry cheesecake fruit salad (Ingredients / substitution inspiration)
- Best-ever fruit salad with honey-lime magic (Tips / variations)
Winter Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 pieces Apples, cubed or sliced (choose firm varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp) Use firm varieties to avoid mushiness
- 2 pieces Pears, cubed or sliced (Bosc or Anjou work well) Use firm varieties to maintain texture
- 1 cup Pomegranate arils (about 1 medium pomegranate or pre-peeled arils) Use fresh arils for best flavor
- 4 pieces Kiwis, peeled and cubed or sliced
- 2 pieces Oranges or clementines, peeled and cubed or sliced
- a few leaves Fresh mint leaves, torn or chiffonade
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Maple syrup For a vegan option, ensure the syrup is pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice (fresh is best) Fresh lime juice enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon Lime zest Zest adds brightness
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Set aside.
- Core and cube or slice the apples and pears. Peel and slice the kiwis. Peel and section the oranges or clementines. Remove pomegranate arils and pat the fruit dry if damp.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, gently place all the prepared fruit: apple, pear, pomegranate, kiwi, and oranges.
- Pour the maple-lime dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the softer pieces.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving.
