Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing and colorful mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a light honey citrus dressing. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of winter produce while adding a touch of sweetness and zest to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (5 count) Clementine oranges, peeled and separated into segments
- 2 pears, cored and sliced
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 large pomegranate (to yield 1 to 1 1/2 cups arils or seeds)
- 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and segmented clementines, sliced pears, sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, and sliced kiwis.
- Step 2: In a measuring cup, mix together the honey, lemon juice, and lime juice until the honey is fully dissolved. If the honey is thick and not dissolving easily, warm the mixture for about 10 seconds in the microwave.
- Step 3: Drizzle the honey citrus dressing over the combined fruits and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate if you’re not serving right away.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added depth of flavor.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh mint or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture and aroma.
- For easier pomegranate aril removal, tap the back of a half pomegranate with a spoon over a bowl.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fruit may release some juice, so give it a gentle toss before serving. The dressing helps preserve freshness, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a day for optimal texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s ideal to add the dressing just before serving or shortly before.
Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include seasonal fruits you enjoy, such as oranges, grapefruit, or pomegranate varieties, depending on availability and taste preferences.
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Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Winter Fruit Salad featuring a mix of clementines, pears, apples, pomegranate seeds, and kiwis, tossed in a tangy honey-lime-lemon dressing. This easy-to-make, no-cook salad is perfect for a healthy snack or a colorful side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 lb (about 5) Clementine oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 pears, cored and sliced
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 large pomegranate, seeds removed (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups arils)
- 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and segmented clementines, sliced pears, sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, and sliced kiwis. Make sure all fruit pieces are roughly similar in size for an even salad texture.
- Make the dressing: In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix together the honey, fresh lemon juice, and fresh lime juice until the honey dissolves completely. If the honey is too thick or doesn’t dissolve easily, warm the mixture for about 10 seconds in the microwave and stir again.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the honey-lemon-lime dressing evenly over the mixed fruit in the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all fruit is coated with the dressing.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. Alternatively, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate if serving later, preferably within a few hours to maintain freshness and prevent the fruit from browning.
Notes
- You can substitute pears and apples with other winter fruits like persimmons or grapefruit for variation.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- To prevent apple and pear slices from browning, toss them immediately with a little lemon juice before mixing in the other fruit.
- Keeping the salad chilled before serving enhances the fresh taste and texture.
- If preparing in advance, add the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Winter fruit salad, clementine salad, pomegranate fruit salad, healthy fruit salad recipe, easy fruit salad, no-cook salad
