Winter Fruit Salad with Orange

Embrace the bright, refreshing flavors of winter with this vibrant Winter Fruit Salad with Orange. Perfectly balancing sweet and tangy notes, this salad brings together seasonal citrus and fresh fruits that awaken your senses and brighten any meal.

Whether served as a light dessert or alongside your favorite main courses, this colorful fruit salad is a celebration of winter’s freshest produce, enhanced by a zesty citrus dressing and a sprinkle of fresh mint for an invigorating finish.

Ingredients

• Oranges (2 large): Peeled and segmented to provide juicy citrus bursts that brighten the salad’s flavor profile.
• Strawberries (1 cup): Hulled and halved for a sweet, fragrant texture that complements the citrus perfectly.
• Grapes (1 cup): Halved, adding juicy pops of juicy sweetness, available in any color for visual appeal.
• Apple (1 medium): Cored and diced to add crispness and subtle sweetness, balancing softer fruit textures.
• Kiwis (1–2): Peeled and sliced for a tart, tropical contrast and vibrant green color.
• Pomegranate Seeds (½ cup, optional): Optional but recommended for jewel-like bursts of tart flavor and beautiful color.
• Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons): Chopped finely to infuse a refreshing herbal note that lifts the salad.
• Orange Juice (Juice of 1 orange, approx. ¼–⅓ cup): Base for the dressing, adding fresh citrus brightness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tablespoon): Natural sweetener to balance acidity and enhance fruit flavors.
• Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a zesty tang to brighten the dressing.
• Cinnamon or Ground Ginger (pinch, optional): Adds warm spice notes to the dressing for a cozy winter twist.

Instructions

Prepare All Fruit

Rinse all the fruits thoroughly under cold water. Peel the oranges carefully and segment them to remove any bitter pith. Hull the strawberries and cut them in halves to maintain bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes to release their juicy centers, dice the apple after coring to preserve its crisp texture, and peel and slice the kiwis. Gathering all the fruit and prepping them uniformly ensures even mixing and optimal flavor balance.

Combine Fruit in a Large Bowl

Place all the prepared fruits into a spacious mixing bowl. This will allow ample room for tossing with the dressing without bruising the delicate segments, ensuring each bite stays fresh and colorful.

Whisk Together Citrus Dressing

In a small bowl, blend the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice thoroughly. This combination creates a bright, sweet, and tangy dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger if using, to introduce subtle warm undertones that complement winter flavors.

Toss Fruit with Dressing Gently

Pour the citrus dressing evenly over the mixed fruit. Using a large spoon or salad tossers, gently fold the dressing through the fruit mixture to coat each piece lightly. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the integrity and texture of the fruit segments.

Garnish with Fresh Mint and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the salad just before serving. The mint adds a cooling freshness and vibrant color contrast that elevates the overall presentation. Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience.

Storage Tips

Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. To prevent browning of apples and kiwi, toss them with a little extra citrus juice before mixing.

Serving Suggestions

This winter fruit salad shines as a bright and healthy side dish alongside roast chicken or fish. It also makes a fantastic light dessert after holiday meals or a refreshing breakfast accompaniment to yogurt or granola.

FAQs

Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and toss the salad up to a day in advance, but add fresh mint garnish just before serving to keep it vibrant.

What fruits can I substitute if I don’t have kiwis or pomegranate seeds?

Pears, mandarins, or any citrus supremes make excellent substitutes that complement the salad’s flavor profile.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it fully vegan.

How can I enhance the salad’s texture?

Adding toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds provides a satisfying crunch, while chia seeds boost nutrition and texture.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?

Yes, simply modify the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing based on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference.

What is the best way to serve this salad?

Serve chilled in a large bowl or individual cups for a refreshing side or dessert. It pairs well with grilled dishes or creamy yogurt.

Will the fruit salad last in the fridge?

For optimal freshness, consume within 2 days. Citrus juice helps slow browning of fruits like apple and kiwi.

Winter Fruit Salad Orange

A bright and refreshing winter fruit salad with seasonal citrus, sweet berries, and a zesty orange dressing. Perfect as a light dessert or healthy side dish with fresh mint for flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 5 people

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large bowl (for mixing fruit)
• 1 small bowl (for dressing)
• 1 whisk (for dressing)

Ingredients

  

• 2 large oranges peeled and segmented
• 1 cup strawberries hulled and halved
• 1 cup grapes halved
• 1 apple cored and diced
• 1 –2 kiwis peeled and sliced
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped

• Juice of 1 orange about ¼ to ⅓ cup
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of cinnamon or ginger optional

Instructions

 

• Wash and prepare all fruit: segment oranges, halve grapes, hull strawberries, dice apple, and slice kiwis.
• Place all prepared fruit in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dressing if desired and whisk to combine.
• Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the salad before serving.

Notes

• Add pears or mandarins for variety.
• Adjust honey to taste for desired sweetness.
• Include toasted nuts or chia seeds for texture and nutrition.
• Serve chilled for best flavor, great with grilled meats or yogurt.