Ah, winter—the season of cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and, surprisingly, fresh fruit salads that dance on your taste buds like snowflakes in a gentle breeze. This easy winter fruit salad is a delightful contradiction, offering a burst of summer’s sweetness amidst the chill. It’s like a little slice of sunshine on your plate, just when you thought every juicy berry and crisp apple had gone into hibernation!
Steps
- In a serving bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, peeled and diced kiwi, mandarin orange segments, diced apples or pears, halved grapes, and pomegranate seeds. If using pears, toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning before adding them to the mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing by combining honey, orange juice, and a light pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit in the serving bowl and gently toss to ensure all fruit pieces are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Prepare the salad a couple of hours before serving if desired, but note that the colors of the fruit may bleed over time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup peeled and diced kiwi
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained, or fresh mandarin/navel orange segments
- 1 cup diced apples or pears
- 1 cup halved grapes
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (option to substitute with 1 tablespoon each of orange and lemon juice)
- A light pinch of cinnamon (less than 1/8 teaspoon)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 156g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 18mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 120g
FAQ
- What fruits are best for a winter fruit salad?
- For a delightful winter fruit salad, use a mix of vibrant and textured fruits such as pomegranate seeds, fresh blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, apples or pears, and halved grapes. Pomegranate seeds are highly recommended for their color and flavor.
- Can I use canned fruit in this salad?
- Yes, canned mandarin oranges can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the salad.
- What makes the dressing special in this fruit salad?
- The dressing is a simple blend of orange juice, honey, and a light pinch of cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that elevates the salad’s flavors without overpowering them.
- Is it possible to prepare this fruit salad in advance?
- You can prepare the fruit salad a few hours ahead of time, although be aware that the colors of the fruits might blend as they sit. If using pears, tossing them with a little lemon juice can prevent browning.
- Can I substitute lemon juice for orange juice in the dressing?
- Absolutely, you can replace some or all of the orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangier flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, stick with the orange juice.
Tips
- Use Fresh Pomegranate Seeds: Seeding a pomegranate yourself is recommended as pre-packaged seeds can often be mushy. You can either gently pound the halved pomegranate skin with a spoon to release the seeds or submerge the quarters in water and let the seeds fall out.
- Experiment with the Dressing: For a tangier salad, mix equal parts of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter taste, stick with all orange juice.
- Add a Pinch of Cinnamon: A very light pinch of cinnamon (less than 1/8 teaspoon) in the dressing adds a delightful warm note without overpowering the salad.
- Prepare Ahead but Mind the Colors: The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, but be aware that the colors of the fruits may bleed into each other over time.
Equipment
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for freshly squeezing orange and lemon juice for the dressing.
- Pomegranate Deseeder Tool – Helps in extracting seeds from a pomegranate efficiently.
- Mixing Bowl – A large bowl for combining and tossing the fruit salad.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
