Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in refreshing, vibrant flavors that brighten up the season. This Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is an explosion of fresh, juicy fruits dressed in a tangy-sweet dressing that will tantalize your taste buds! Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or craving a nutritious snack, this salad promises to be anything but boring.

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Why You’ll Love This Winter Fruit Salad

This salad is a celebration of winter’s finest fruits, paired with a luscious orange poppy seed dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

• Refreshing and Flavorful: Sweet grapes, crisp apples, and juicy pomegranate seeds create a medley of textures and tastes.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a light dessert, or even a festive centerpiece for your table.
• Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes to prep, with no cooking required!

The Taste Test

Each bite is a burst of contrasting flavors—sweet, tangy, and nutty with just a hint of citrusy zing. The orange poppy seed dressing adds a velvety touch, making the fruits taste even more vibrant and decadent. Trust me, the smell of fresh oranges as you whisk the dressing is pure joy!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups red grapes: Halved for easy eating and a pop of color.
• 2 cups green grapes: A sweet, slightly tart complement to the red grapes.
• 1 apple: Crisp and diced; Honeycrisp or Gala works best.
• 1 pear: Juicy and tender; Bosc or Anjou are ideal.
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: For a burst of tartness and festive flair.
• 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments: Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-citrusy.
• Optional toppings: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch, or 1/4 cup shredded coconut for tropical vibes.

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice: Bright and flavorful—fresh is best!
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: For texture and a hint of nuttiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Creamy and slightly sharp for depth.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: For a silky, emulsified finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl for the salad.
• Small bowl for whisking the dressing.
• Whisk to emulsify the dressing.
• Sharp knife and cutting board for fruit prep.
• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful).

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Berries: Swap in strawberries or blueberries if you have them on hand.
• Nuts: Pecans or almonds work beautifully in place of walnuts.
• Coconut-free: Skip the shredded coconut if it’s not your thing.
• Alternative sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Wash and halve the red and green grapes. Dice the apple and pear, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized. Peel and segment the mandarins and gather the pomegranate seeds. Place all the prepared fruits into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, white wine vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Combine

Pour the dressing over the fruit. Gently toss everything together to ensure the fruits are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the salad chilled, either as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite entrees.

Serving Suggestions

This Winter Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled or roasted chicken for a light dinner.
• A cheese platter as a fresh counterpoint to rich, creamy cheeses.
• Pancakes or waffles for an elegant holiday brunch.

Tips for the Perfect Winter Fruit Salad

1. Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture.
2. Chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors.
3. Prep ahead: You can chop the fruits and make the dressing up to 12 hours in advance; just toss everything together before serving.
4. Prevent browning: Toss the diced apple and pear in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep any extra dressing in a separate container and use it within 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice for the dressing?

Fresh orange juice is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup in the dressing.

What’s the best way to remove pomegranate seeds?

Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it over a bowl, and tap the back with a wooden spoon to release the seeds.

A Festive Delight

This Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of the season’s freshest flavors. Quick, healthy, and brimming with color, it’s sure to brighten up any winter gathering or quiet moment at home.

If you loved this recipe, don’t miss these:

• Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Perfect for pairing with this salad at brunch.
• Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip – A creamy, festive appetizer for your holiday table.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – A hearty, easy meal to complement this refreshing salad.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

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