Crisp pears, juicy oranges, and bursts of tart cranberries come together in this vibrant winter fruit salad. The creamy cinnamon vanilla dressing adds a touch of warmth and sweetness, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe works because the combination of sweet and tart fruits is perfectly balanced by the richness of the Greek yogurt-based dressing, making it a refreshing yet satisfying dish.
Perfect as a light dessert after a hearty meal or a bright addition to a holiday brunch, this festive dish is a celebration of winter’s bounty.
Why you’ll love this Festive Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
- It’s quick and easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes.
- The combination of fruits offers a refreshing and healthy dessert option.
- The cinnamon vanilla dressing adds a warm and comforting flavor that perfectly complements the fruit.
- This festive winter fruit salad is a beautiful and colorful addition to any holiday table.
- It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your diet.
- This recipe is easily customizable to suit your personal preferences.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 pears, cored and diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: For a richer dressing, use full-fat Greek yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Honey can be used as a substitute if you don’t have maple syrup.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Pinch of salt
How to make Festive Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the fruit
Winter fruit salad makes every moment feel lush. Peel and segment the oranges, core and dice the pears, and halve the grapes. Combine all prepared fruits (oranges, pears, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and grapes) in a large bowl.
Chef’s Tip: To prevent browning, toss the diced pears with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and serve
Pour the cinnamon vanilla dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using). Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy this winter fruit salad with cinnamon vanilla dressing as a refreshing dessert or side.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality fruits for the best flavor.
- Don’t overdress the salad; add just enough dressing to coat the fruit lightly.
- If chilling before serving, wait to add the pecans until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This winter fruit salad is delicious on its own as a light dessert or snack. It also pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal
- Yogurt and granola for a healthy breakfast
- Pancakes or waffles for a festive brunch
Try pairing it with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced cider.
If you’re looking for another delicious side dish, check out this potsticker stir fry recipe. And for a festive touch, consider serving with a simple peanut butter blossom cookie.
Storage & Reheating
This fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juices as it sits, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this fruit salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the fruit will become mushy and the dressing may separate upon thawing.
Can I use different types of fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other seasonal fruits like kiwi, mandarin oranges, or grapes.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This Festive winter fruit salad with cinnamon vanilla dressing is the perfect way to brighten up a chilly day. The combination of fresh, seasonal fruits and a creamy, spiced dressing makes it a delightful and refreshing treat. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Festive Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
Embrace the winter season with this vibrant and refreshing fruit salad, featuring a medley of juicy seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, oranges, pears, and cranberries. Drizzled with a creamy cinnamon vanilla dressing, this salad is the perfect blend of sweet and spice, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crispness of the pears, the burst of pomegranate, and the tang of cranberries are all elevated by the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and vanilla. A light yet satisfying dessert or side dish, this fruit salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table or a cozy winter brunch. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to brighten up even the chilliest of days.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 pears, cored and diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Peel and segment the oranges, core and dice the pears, and halve the grapes. Combine all prepared fruits (oranges, pears, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and grapes) in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and serve: Pour the cinnamon vanilla dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using). Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy this winter fruit salad with cinnamon vanilla dressing as a refreshing dessert or side.
Notes
For a richer dressing, substitute full-fat Greek yogurt. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey can be used as a substitute. To prevent browning, toss the diced pears with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg