Name: Holiday Fruit Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 red apple (sliced); 1 pear (sliced); 1 cup red grapes; 1 cup green grapes; 2 kiwis (peeled and sliced); 1 cup fresh raspberries; ½ cup pomegranate seeds; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon water

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Experience the vibrant flavors of the season with this Holiday Fruit Mix, a dazzling medley bursting with crisp apples, juicy grapes, and zesty kiwi. Every bite offers a refreshing sweetness balanced perfectly with a tangy honey-lime drizzle, bringing brightness to your holiday table.

Whether served as a light dessert or a festive side dish, this colorful fruit salad embodies the spirit of celebration, with every ingredient chosen for their fresh textures and natural sweetness. It’s deliciously simple yet wonderfully elegant, making it a perfect complement to any holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines a colorful variety of fresh fruits for a visually stunning and nutritious dish.
The honey-lime dressing adds a light, zesty sweetness that enhances natural fruit flavors.
Quick and easy to prepare, suitable for last-minute holiday gatherings or make-ahead planning.

Ingredients

Red Apple: One crisp, firm red apple, sliced to add sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Pear: A fresh pear, sliced thinly to provide a juicy, mellow sweetness and soft texture.
Red Grapes: One cup of plump, washed red grapes offering juicy bursts of flavor.
Green Grapes: One cup of crisp green grapes for a tangy contrast and textural balance.
Kiwis: Two peeled and sliced kiwis, delivering a tangy, tropical zing and bright green hue.
Fresh Raspberries: One cup of delicate raspberries, adding natural sweetness and rich red tones.
Pomegranate Seeds: Half a cup of jewel-like seeds to provide a burst of tartness and festive sparkle.
Honey: Two tablespoons of golden honey for a natural sweetener in the dressing.
Lime Juice: One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice to add a refreshing citrus tang.
Water: One tablespoon of water to slightly thin the dressing for easy drizzling.

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit

Wash all the fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues. Slice the apple and pear into thin, uniform pieces to ensure every bite has a balanced texture and flavor.

Peel the kiwis and slice them carefully to maintain their shape and vibrant color, while rinsing the grapes and raspberries gently to preserve their delicate structure.

Combine the Fruit

Place all the prepared fruits—apple, pear, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds—into a large bowl.

Use a gentle folding motion to mix them together, ensuring the delicate raspberries and pomegranate seeds remain intact and the colors stay vibrant.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and water until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

This light dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit while lending a subtle tangy brightness and a glossy finish.

Dress the Fruit

Drizzle the honey-lime dressing evenly over the mixed fruit bowl.

Toss gently yet thoroughly to coat all the fruit pieces without breaking the more fragile berries, allowing the dressing to infuse every bite.

Chill & Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to a few hours.

This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully, offering a refreshingly chilled fruit salad that’s perfect as a side or dessert.

You Must Know

Choose the freshest, firmest fruit available to ensure the best texture and flavor in your salad.
To prevent browning on apples and pears, toss them with an extra splash of lime juice if preparing in advance.
Feel free to add seasonal fruits like cranberries, orange segments, or melon chunks for extra variety and color.
Serve chilled alongside holiday main courses such as roasts or ham, or as a light dessert with whipped cream or yogurt.

Storage Tips

Store your prepared fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The honey-lime dressing helps preserve freshness, but delicate berries are best eaten sooner to maintain texture.

Serving Suggestions

This holiday fruit mix pairs beautifully with rich holiday meats like glazed ham or roasted turkey. Alternatively, serve it as a refreshing dessert topped with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a healthy indulgence.

Professional Tips

Use ripe but firm fruits to prevent the salad from becoming mushy over time.
Adjust the honey and lime juice quantity based on your preferred sweetness and tartness balance.
Serve the salad chilled in clear glass bowls or decorative dishes to showcase its festive colors.

FAQs

Can I prepare this fruit mix a day in advance?: Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess and browning of fruits like apples and pears.
What can I substitute for the honey in the dressing?: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as plant-based alternatives to honey, maintaining sweetness and consistency.
Can I freeze this fruit salad?: Freezing is not recommended as the fresh fruits and delicate berries will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
How can I prevent the berries from breaking when mixing?: Gently fold the berries into the salad at the end using a large spoon or spatula to minimize bruising.
Are there any fruits to avoid in this mix?: Avoid overly soft or watery fruits like bananas and melons unless eaten immediately, as they can make the salad soggy.
Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?: Yes, toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
Is this fruit salad suitable for kids?: Absolutely! It offers natural sweetness, vibrant colors, and is loaded with vitamins, making it a healthy, kid-friendly option.