Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed: Bright & Zesty (Print Version)
Brighten winter days with this vibrant Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed dressing. A fresh, easy recipe for a cheerful, healthy boost!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Modern)
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Fruits
01 -
Navel Oranges (2-3 large), segmented
02 -
Pomegranates (1 large), deseeded
03 -
Kiwi (3-4 medium), peeled and sliced
04 -
Apples (2 medium, Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
05 -
Red Grapes (1 cup), halved
→ Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
06 -
Fresh Orange Juice (1/4 cup)
07 -
Poppy Seeds (1 tablespoon)
08 -
Honey or Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
09 -
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
10 -
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon)
11 -
Orange Zest (1 teaspoon)
12 -
Pinch of Salt
→ Optional Garnish
13 -
Fresh mint leaves
14 -
Extra pomegranate arils
15 -
Toasted slivered almonds
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your beautiful fruits ready. I usually start with the oranges, carefully segmenting them to get rid of all that pith—it’s a bit fiddly, honestly, but makes for a cleaner bite. Then comes the pomegranate; my pro tip for this messy job? Do it in a bowl of water to minimize the red splatters. Trust me, I've had many kitchen disasters involving crimson walls. Peel and slice your kiwis, core and dice the apples, and halve those grapes. It’s a bit of a fruit prep party!
02 -
Once all your fruit is prepped, gently toss it all together in a large, pretty bowl. I like to admire the colors here, it's such a vibrant mix! Be gentle, especially with those delicate pomegranate arils and kiwi slices. I once got a little too enthusiastic with my mixing spoon and ended up with slightly squashed kiwi, which wasn't the look I was going for. We live and learn, right? Just a light hand does the trick.
03 -
Now for the star of the show, the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, poppy seeds, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, and that tiny but mighty pinch of salt. Whisk it well until everything is combined and the honey is dissolved. This is where the magic happens, where the smells start to make you smile. Don't forget that salt, it really makes a difference!
04 -
Pour that glorious dressing over your mixed fruit. Gently, and I mean *gently*, toss everything together until all the fruit is lightly coated. You don't want to drown it, just give it a lovely sheen. I've had moments where I've poured too much too fast and ended up with a somewhat soupy salad; it still tasted good, but the texture was off. A little goes a long way with this zingy dressing!
05 -
Cover the bowl and pop your Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This chilling time is crucial, honestly. It lets all those beautiful fruit flavors get to know each other, and the dressing has a chance to really meld with everything. I've served it immediately before, and it was good, but that little chill time just elevates it. It's like letting your friends chat before the main event!
06 -
Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. If you want to be fancy, you can garnish with a few extra pomegranate arils or a sprig of fresh mint. The final result should look like a jewel box, smell bright and citrusy, and taste like pure winter sunshine. This is where all your efforts pay off, and it just feels so rewarding!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the dressing; bottled juice just doesn't have the same vibrant flavor, I learned that the hard way.
02 -
Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep fruit crisp.
03 -
If pomegranates are scarce, fresh raspberries can add a similar tartness and color.
04 -
Serve in clear glass bowls to really show off the vibrant colors - it makes it feel extra special!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
small whisk
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 180-220 kcal
Total Fat: 5-7g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-35g
Protein: 2-3g