Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy seasonal fruit in a light, colorful side dish.
Easy to make and perfect for brunch, Thanksgiving, or feeding a crowd, this dish brings freshness to every bite.
Blessed be God for filling our lives with the gift of nourishing food!
Winter fruit salad with lemon poppyseed dressing is one of those simple salads I find myself making again and again, especially during the colder months when apples, tangerine oranges, kiwi, pears, and juicy pomegranate seeds are at their peak.
The mix of crisp, sweet, and tangy fruit with that zesty, crunchy dressing creates a texture that's both refreshing and satisfying.
I often prepare it for brunch or family gatherings because it feeds a crowd without any fuss.
If you're a fan of fresh recipes like my spinach strawberry avocado salad, apricot strawberry salad, banana strawberry fruit salad, or apple and cucumber salad, this will be another favorite on your list.
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🍎Ingredients
For The Salad
- Mandarin oranges
- Kiwi
- Apples
- Pears
- Pomegranate seeds
For The Poppy Seed Dressing
- Poppy seeds
- Lemon juice
- Pure maple syrup
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🔪How To Make Winter Fruit Salad
Prepare the fruit: Wash and peel the kiwi, tangerine oranges, and pears. Core the apples and pears, then cut all the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Remove the seeds from the pomegranate.
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and poppy seeds. Whisk well until completely combined.
Combine: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the prepared fruit with the lemon poppyseed dressing until everything is evenly coated.
📋Substitutions and Variations
Fruit substitutions:
- Mandarin oranges: Instead of mandarin oranges, you can use orange segments or grapefruit.
- Pears: Replace pears with pineapple, mango, or sliced bananas.
- Apples & kiwi: Feel free to swap apples or kiwi with other seasonal fruits like grapes, berries, or figs.
- Pomegranate seeds: Can be replaced with cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, or red currants.
Dressing variations:
- Use agave or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup.
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a different tang.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Use fresh, seasonal fruit: Choose fruits that are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Cut fruit evenly: Chop the fruit into similar-sized pieces so every bite has a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
- Make the dressing ahead: Whisk the lemon juice, maple syrup, and poppy seeds in advance to save time and let the flavors meld.
- Customize your salad: Don't be afraid to swap fruits or sprinkle in nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
You can prepare the dressing ahead of time, but it's best to deseed the pomegranate and chop the fruits just before serving, as apples and pears brown quickly. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a day and are perfect for blending into smoothies the next day.
🥗Fruit Salad Recipes
📖 Recipe
Winter Fruit Salad With Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Equipment
- 1 big salad bowl
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Salad Fruits
- 1 + ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 5 mandarin oranges peeled and segmented
- 5 kiwi peeled, chopped
- 2 apples chopped
- 2 pears chopped
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup add more if you like
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Wash and peel kiwi, mandarins, and pears. Core the apples and pears, then chop all fruit into bite-sized pieces. Remove seeds from the pomegranate.1 + ½ cup pomegranate seeds, 5 mandarin oranges, 5 kiwi, 2 apples, 2 pears
- In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, maple syrup, and poppy seeds. Whisk until smooth and well combined.3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Place the chopped fruit in a large bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Gently toss to coat.
Notes
- Prep ahead: Make the dressing in advance, but chop the fruit just before serving to keep it crisp and prevent browning.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day. Use them in smoothies for a quick, no-waste option.
Nutrition
If you try this winter fruit salad, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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