Vibrant Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

My go-to winter fruit salad with orange poppy seed dressing combines unexpected seasonal ingredients for a vibrant, refreshing experience.

Crisp citrus and tender berries create a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Bright mandarin segments dance alongside juicy pomegranate kernels, adding rich color and tangy notes.

Delicate greens provide a subtle backdrop for the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Sweet and zesty orange poppy seed dressing drizzled over the top brings a light, creamy finish that ties everything together.

Quick to assemble and packed with nutrients, this salad will become your new favorite winter comfort dish.

You won’t be able to resist its delicious appeal.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake Must-Haves

• Grapes: Sweet and juicy base for the salad.
• Apple: Crisp and refreshing addition.
• Pear: Soft and mellow complement.
• Mandarins: Bright and tangy citrus segments.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Jewel-like and tart burst of flavor.

• Orange Juice: Fresh and zesty liquid base.
• Honey: Natural sweet binding agent.
• White Wine Vinegar: Tangy flavor enhancer.
• Poppy Seeds: Tiny textural element.
• Salt: Flavor balancer.
• Dijon Mustard: Subtle spicy undertone.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and rich emulsifying component.

Guide to Making Winter Fruit Salad

Step 1: Slice and Dice Colorful Fruits

Thoroughly rinse all fruits under cool water. Skillfully halve the grapes into bite-sized pieces. Carefully dice the apple and pear into uniform cubes. Delicately segment the mandarins, removing any white membranes. Gently extract pomegranate seeds. Transfer all prepared fruits into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Citrus Dressing

• Fresh orange juice
• Honey
• White wine vinegar
• Poppy seeds
• Pinch of salt
• Dijon mustard

Gradually stream in olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, well-combined dressing.

Step 3: Marry Fruits with Dressing

Tenderly pour the vibrant dressing over the prepared fruits. Using a soft spatula, gently toss the mixture, ensuring each fruit piece gets a delightful coating of the citrusy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the fruit salad and place in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to rest for at least 30 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the salad from the refrigerator. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish, quick snack, or light dessert. Garnish with extra poppy seeds if desired.

Salad Tips That Keep Winter Fruit Fresh and Bright

• Fruit Freshness First: Choose ripe, firm fruits for the best texture and flavor in your winter salad.
• Dressing Technique Matters: Whisk the dressing ingredients gradually to create a smooth, well-emulsified sauce that coats the fruits perfectly.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator to allow the fruits to absorb the vibrant orange poppy seed dressing.
• Seed Separation Hack: Remove pomegranate seeds carefully in a bowl of water to prevent messy splatters and ensure clean extraction.
• Serve Smart: Present the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful winter fruit colors and textures.

How To Store Winter Fruit Salad With Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

• Transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Cover tightly to prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Not recommended due to the high water content of fresh fruits, which will cause textural changes and mushiness when thawed.
• Best enjoyed cold. If slightly chilled, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften fruits and enhance flavor.
• Store dressing separately from fruits to maintain crisp texture, mixing just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.

Wreath Pear Salad Holiday Pairings

• Pair with Sparkling Moscato: Complement the salad's light, fruity nature with a crisp, sweet white wine that enhances the citrus notes and refreshing character.
• Match with Goat Cheese Crostini: Create a delightful contrast by serving the fruit salad alongside toasted bread topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese that balances the sweetness.
• Serve with Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer the fruit salad with smooth vanilla yogurt to add a creamy, protein-rich element that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Accompany with Mint Tea: Brew a cool, refreshing mint tea that cleanses the palate and echoes the bright, zesty undertones of the orange poppy seed dressing.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake Styles

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace winter fruits with mango, papaya, kiwi, and pineapple for a vibrant, sunny version of the salad.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use agave nectar instead of honey and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan-friendly recipe.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add chopped almonds, chia seeds, or quinoa to boost protein content and create a more substantial dish.

FAQs

• Can I use different fruits in this winter fruit salad?

Yes, you can easily swap or add fruits like kiwi, berries, or blood oranges while keeping the same dressing. Just ensure the fruits are fresh and in season.

• Is this fruit salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars from fresh fruits. The dressing is light and uses heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious option.

• How long can I keep this fruit salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container. However, the fruits might start to soften after the first day, so it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours.

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the orange poppy seed dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.

A Winter Salad That Actually Excites

• Whip Up Quick Refreshment: This winter fruit salad comes together in minutes, making it a perfect go-to option for busy individuals seeking a fast, nutritious treat.
• Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: Packed with winter fruits like grapes, mandarins, and pomegranate seeds, the salad offers a vibrant burst of flavors and nutrients during colder months.
• Customize with Ease: Swap fruits based on availability or personal preference, allowing for endless variations and keeping the recipe flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Healthful Indulgence: Light, zesty dressing made with fresh orange juice and honey provides a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome dish that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Winter Fruit Salad With Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing brings seasonal produce together in a refreshing medley of colors and flavors. Crisp winter fruits dance with a zesty citrus dressing, creating a light and elegant dish perfect for chilly days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 2 cups (473 ml) red grapes, halved
• 2 cups (473 ml) green grapes, halved
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 pear, diced
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) mandarin orange segments
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) pomegranate seeds

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup (59 ml) chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Carefully rinse and prepare all fruits: slice grapes in half, cube apples and pears into uniform bite-sized pieces, separate mandarin segments, and collect pomegranate seeds into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a vibrant dressing by blending fresh orange juice with golden honey, tangy white wine vinegar, crunchy poppy seeds, a pinch of salt, and zesty Dijon mustard in a compact bowl.
3. Gradually incorporate olive oil into the dressing mixture, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, unified emulsion that will beautifully coat the fruit.
4. Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the colorful fruit medley, using delicate folding motions to ensure each morsel receives an even, glistening coating.
5. Transfer the dressed fruit salad into the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and chill for approximately half an hour, which will intensify the intricate flavor profile.
6. Remove from refrigeration and serve immediately, presenting a refreshing and visually stunning winter fruit composition perfect for any occasion.

Notes

• Carefully select ripe, seasonal fruits for the most vibrant and flavorful salad experience.
• Quickly segment mandarins over a bowl to catch all the delicious juices that add extra brightness to the dressing.
• Customize the salad by adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the sweet balance of the dressing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg