This Winter Fruit Salad is the perfect healthy and refreshing dish to enjoy during the colder months. Packed with seasonal fruits like Clementine oranges, kiwis, pears, apples, and pomegranate, it’s a vibrant and nutrient-rich addition to any meal. The homemade Lemon Lime Syrup, made with honey, lime juice, and lemon juice, adds a zesty, sweet finish to the salad, making it irresistible. This easy fruit salad is perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a light dessert. With its bright, fresh flavors, it’s an excellent choice for holiday meals, brunches, and healthy snacks.

Ingredients

For the Winter Fruit Salad:

1 lb (5 count) Clementine oranges, peeled and separated into segments
2 pears, cored and sliced
2 apples, cored and sliced
1 large pomegranate (to yield 1 to 1 ½ cups of arils/seeds)
4 kiwis, peeled and sliced

For the Lemon Lime Syrup:

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared fruit: 5 segmented Clementine oranges, 2 sliced pears, 2 sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, and 4 sliced kiwis.
In a measuring cup, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lemon juice until the honey dissolves. If the honey is not dissolving easily, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Drizzle the dressing over the fruit salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Winter Fruit Salad is the perfect mix of fresh, vibrant fruits, making it a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. With the sweetness of Clementines, crisp pears and apples, and the tang of pomegranate and kiwi, this salad is a delicious celebration of winter produce. The Lemon Lime Syrup ties everything together, adding a zesty and sweet finish that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a light breakfast, a side dish, or a healthy dessert, this salad is sure to brighten your day!

Tips

Use Fresh Fruit: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe fruit.
Honey Substitution: If you prefer a vegan version, you can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the fruit ahead of time but add the syrup just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.
Pomegranate: If you don’t want to deal with fresh pomegranate seeds, you can buy pre-packaged arils from most grocery stores.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on how sweet your fruit is. If it’s particularly sweet, you can reduce the honey or even omit it for a lighter dressing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Berries: Feel free to add seasonal berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Citrus Swap: You can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits if you want to change the flavor profile.
Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Spices: If you like a bit of spice, a pinch of cinnamon or ginger in the syrup can elevate the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! This recipe is highly customizable. You can add other fruits like pineapple, mango, or even grapes depending on what’s available or your preference. Just make sure to balance the sweet and tart flavors.

How long can I store the fruit salad?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1-2 days. If it sits too long, the fruit may begin to release moisture and lose its crispness. Add the syrup right before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I prepare the syrup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk it again before using to ensure it’s smooth and well combined.

Serving

Serve this Winter Fruit Salad as a refreshing side dish at holiday dinners, or enjoy it as a healthy snack or dessert. It’s also perfect for breakfast when paired with yogurt or granola. You can garnish it with a sprig of mint for added flair.

Suggestions

Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with light meals like grilled chicken, fish, or a simple quinoa salad.
For a Holiday Feast: Serve it as a colorful side dish during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve celebrations. The bright citrus flavors make it a festive addition to any table.