Winter Fruit Salad

Winter Fruit Salad with fresh, juicy fruits like clementines, pomegranate, apples, kiwi, and pears, all mixed in a simple poppy seed dressing.

Serve this salad with cozy cold-weather dishes like Crockpot Roast, Shepherd’s Pie, or Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Winter Fruit Salad

This winter fruit salad is a favorite in my house—my kids are absolutely obsessed with it. I’ve learned to serve it after they’ve eaten their main meal because if I don’t, they’ll skip everything else and fill up on this salad alone. It’s that good!

This refreshing and easy-to-make salad is perfect for cold weather, packed with in-season winter fruits. It’s a delicious way to enjoy fruit, even when it’s chilly outside.

Ingredients

Remember this Fruit Salad that went wild on social media?! I’m bringing that starburst-like dressing to this Winter Fruit Salad!

• Clementines: Peel and separate segments; go for plump, firm ones for juicy bites.
• Pears: Dice right before mixing to avoid browning; choose ripe but firm pears.
• Apples: Use sweet, crisp types like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
• Kiwis: Peel with a vegetable peeler and dice; ripe ones should feel slightly soft like the tip of your nose.
• Pomegranate Arils: These are available pre-seeded to save time (and energy!).
• Lemon & Orange: Zest and juice both for brightness.
• Honey: Sweetens and balances the citrus.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds a tiny nutty crunch.
• Fresh Mint: Optional, but adds a cool, freshness that ties everything together nicely.

How To Make Winter Fruit Salad

1. Chill Fruit (optional): Cool fruit in the fridge for a refreshing salad.
2. Mix Dressing: Combine honey, lemon and orange zest, juice, and poppy seeds in a jar; shake well.
3. Assemble Salad: Add clementines, pears, apples, and kiwis to a bowl; pour dressing and toss gently.
4. Top and Serve: Add pomegranate arils and mint, if using; enjoy within 1–3 hours.

What To Serve With Winter Fruit Salad

• CrockPot Turkey Breast: The fresh fruit goes well with a hearty main.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: A warm, filling main that pairs nicely.
• Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy soup that balances the fruit’s freshness.
• Grilled Cheese: A warm, cheesy option to enjoy with the fruit salad.

Quick Recipe Tips

• Pick ripe fruit: Ripe fruit gives the best flavor and texture.
• Cut evenly: Slice fruit into similar sizes for easy bites. Pre-cut fruit may need to be cut once more.
• Chill first: Put fruit in the fridge before making the salad for a cool, refreshing salad.
• Add dressing last: Mix in dressing right before serving to keep salad from getting soggy.

More Cold-Weather Recipes

• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with veggies
• French Dip Sandwich made in the slow cooker
• Mississippi Pot Roast made in the slow cooker
• Crockpot Cajun Chicken served over rice
• Crockpot Cowboy Casserole with sausage and potatoes