Bright and Zesty Winter Fruit Salad to Lift Your Spirits Recipe
This Bright and Zesty Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for lifting your spirits during the colder months. Combining juicy citrus fruits, crisp apples, and tart pomegranate seeds with a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing, it offers a burst of flavor and color. Finished with fresh mint, this fruit salad is easy to prepare, nutritious, and ideal as a light snack or a healthy dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 oranges (or grapefruits, or tangerines)
- 2 cups crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds (or dried cranberries as substitute)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan)
- 1 lime (zest & juice) (or lemon zest as alternative)
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (or basil/lemon balm as alternative)
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare Fruits: Begin by washing your selected fruits thoroughly. Chop the crisp apples into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy eating.
- Segment Citrus: Peel and segment the citrus fruits, carefully removing the white pith to reveal the juicy, colorful interior which adds vibrancy to the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey with the juice and zest of one lime. Whisk this mixture until smooth and well blended to create a bright and tangy dressing.
- Combine Fruits and Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared apples, citrus segments, and pomegranate seeds. Pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruits.
- Mix Gently: Gently fold the fruits and dressing together, making sure each piece is lightly coated without bruising or crushing the delicate fruits.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped mint over the top to add a refreshing aroma and flavor that elevates the overall dish.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the fruit salad into serving bowls and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing experience when served.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- If pomegranate seeds are not available, dried cranberries provide a good alternative, though with a chewier texture.
- Try different herbs such as basil or lemon balm if mint is not preferred or available.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours though freshness and texture are optimal within the first day.
- Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
Keywords: Winter Fruit Salad, Citrus Salad, Healthy Fruit Recipe, Vegetarian Fruit Salad, Honey Lime Dressing, Fresh Mint, Easy Fruit Salad
