It’s funny the memories that certain smells and tastes can unlock. For me, the bright, zesty aroma of citrus immediately transports me back to winter holidays spent with my family. I can almost feel the cool air on my face as we sat together, peeling oranges and enjoying each other’s company.
My mom always made sure we had a colorful fruit salad during the colder months, a little bit of sunshine on a plate when the days were short and gray. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always delicious and felt like a special treat. This Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is my grown-up take on that beloved childhood staple, a way to bring those happy memories to life and share them with my own family. And just like those holiday gatherings, I always like to add a sweet treat afterwards like these easy cinnamon roll bars.
Why you’ll love this Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- It’s incredibly refreshing, a burst of bright flavors that cuts through the heaviness of winter comfort foods.
- This Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, a healthy and delicious way to boost your immune system during cold and flu season.
- The honey-lime dressing adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the fruits.
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The colors are beautiful! The vibrant hues of the fruit make it a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress.
- It is easily customizable. You can swap out any of the fruits for your favorites or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
Directions
Step 1
Winter fruit salad makes every moment feel velvety. In a large bowl, combine the orange segments, clementine segments, pomegranate arils, kiwi slices, grape halves, diced apple, and diced pear.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, water, and lime zest until well combined. Make sure the honey is fully incorporated for the best flavor.
Step 3
Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to overmix, or the fruit may become mushy.
Step 4
Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint. This adds a lovely aroma and a pop of freshness.
Step 5
Serve immediately or chill for later. For best results, let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This allows the dressing to soak into the fruit.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding different nuts for a bit of crunch. Walnuts or pecans would be great additions to this Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing.
You can also experiment with different herbs. Instead of mint, try basil or even a little bit of rosemary for a more savory note. The possibilities are endless!
Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This will add a nice texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors.
Pairings
This Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is the perfect side dish for roasted chicken or turkey. The bright, refreshing flavors help to balance out the richness of the meat.
It also pairs well with grilled fish. The acidity of the lime juice complements the delicate flavor of the fish.
For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty grain bowl. The fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the savory bowl.
Serving ideas
For a festive touch, serve the Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing in individual parfait glasses. This makes it look extra special and elegant.
You can also serve it on a platter as part of a larger brunch spread. Arrange the fruit attractively and garnish with extra mint leaves.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation! As Fork Haven highlights in this easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe at forkhaven.com, a beautiful dessert is one that is sure to be eaten!
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days.
Keep in mind that the fruit may release some liquid as it sits. This is perfectly normal, but you may want to drain off the excess liquid before serving.
Freezing is not recommended, as the fruit will become mushy when thawed.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the fruit salad up to 1 day in advance. Store the fruit and dressing separately in the refrigerator.
Combine the fruit and dressing just before serving. This will prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
If you’re short on time, you can also buy pre-cut fruit at the grocery store. Just be sure to choose fresh, high-quality fruit.
Common mistakes when making Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- Using overripe or underripe fruit: Choose fruit that is ripe but still firm. Overripe fruit will be mushy, while underripe fruit will be tart and lack flavor.
- Adding the dressing too early: If you add the dressing too early, the fruit will become soggy. Wait until just before serving to add the dressing.
- Overmixing the salad: Overmixing the salad will cause the fruit to break down and become mushy. Gently toss the fruit with the dressing until it is just coated.
- Skipping the mint: The fresh mint adds a lovely aroma and a pop of freshness to the salad. Don’t skip it!
- Not letting the flavors meld: Letting the salad sit for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen. This will result in a more flavorful salad.
Final notes
This Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of winter.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and herbs to create your own unique version. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. I guarantee you’ll love it!
Loved this Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing? Try these next
- Easy cinnamon roll bars
- Banana split fluff salad
- Coconut snowball cake recipe
- Easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake
- Easy mississippi sin sliders
Winter Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Brighten up a cold day with this refreshing winter fruit salad! Packed with seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and kiwi, tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing, it’s the perfect healthy treat.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange segments, clementine segments, pomegranate arils, kiwi slices, grape halves, diced apple, and diced pear.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, water, and lime zest until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
- Serve immediately or chill for later. For best results, let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
This salad is best served fresh. If making ahead, store the fruit and dressing separately and combine just before serving. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of shredded coconut. You can substitute any winter fruits you enjoy, such as blood oranges, mandarins, or persimmons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg