Winter Fruit Salad brings a pop of color and brightness to the coldest days of the year. Featuring juicy clementines, crisp apples, sweet pears, tangy kiwi, and vibrant pomegranate arils, this salad is tossed in a zesty lemon-orange poppyseed dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for everything from holiday feasts to healthy snacking.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want a vibrant side to break up the heavier winter fare, this Winter Fruit Salad is a delicious way to celebrate seasonal produce in its prime.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍊 Packed with seasonal fruits – Fresh and flavorful in every bite
🕒 Quick to prep – Ready in under 30 minutes
🎄 Perfect for holidays – A beautiful, colorful addition to your table
🍯 Naturally sweet – No added sugar beyond honey
🥗 Light & healthy – Great after a heavier main course

Ingredients

For the Fruit Salad:

2 cups clementines (about 3–4), peeled and segmented
2 ripe but firm pears, diced
2 apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
5 kiwis, peeled and diced
¾ cup pomegranate arils
Optional: fresh chopped mint, for garnish

For the Dressing:

¼ cup honey
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp juice + 1 tsp zest)
Zest and juice of 1 large orange (about 2 tbsp juice + 1 tsp zest)
1 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions

Chill the fruit (optional):
For a cool, refreshing result, refrigerate all fruits before slicing.
Prepare the dressing:
In a jar or sealed container, combine honey, lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, and poppy seeds. Shake or whisk until smooth and emulsified.
Assemble the salad:
In a large serving bowl or platter, gently toss the clementines, diced pears, sliced apples, and diced kiwi.
Dress the salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the fruit (you may not need all of it). Gently toss to coat.
Finish & serve:
Sprinkle pomegranate arils and optional chopped mint over the top. Serve immediately.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

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

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on fruit ripeness and quantities used.

Tips & Variations

🍐 Use ripe but firm fruit for best flavor and texture
🍏 Evenly cut fruit helps with presentation and easy eating
❄️ Chill your fruit ahead of time for a crisp, refreshing bite
🍊 Don’t add dressing too early – it can make fruit soggy if sitting too long
🍓 Swap-ins: Try mango, grapes, or even dried cranberries for variety

FAQs

Can I make this Winter Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the fruits and dressing a few hours in advance. Keep them separate and combine just before serving.

How long does it keep?
This salad is best within 1–3 hours of assembling. If you have leftovers, use them in a smoothie the next day!

Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh citrus?
Fresh is best, especially for zest, but bottled lemon and orange juice will work in a pinch.

Is this salad good for brunch?
Absolutely! It’s great for brunch, potlucks, and even as a refreshing dessert after a rich meal.