Side Dishes

Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing Recipe

ByJoe Grayson January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

This Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant medley of seasonal fruits, perfectly balanced with a zesty honey-lime dressing. It’s a simple, healthy dish that brightens up any meal or makes a delightful snack on its own.

The image shows a clear glass dessert cup filled with three layers of fresh fruit. The bottom layer has white fruit chunks with light yellow interiors, the middle layer includes bright orange slices and green kiwi rounds with dark seeds, and the top layer is made of red pomegranate seeds scattered over the fruits. The glass sits on a wooden tray with a shiny golden spoon beside it, and a soft yellow cloth is partially in view next to the glass. There is a blurred green plant in the background, and the surface underneath the tray has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium red apple, chopped
1 medium green apple, chopped
2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
1 medium pear, chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon lime zest
Fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Gently mix the chopped apples, orange segments, pear, kiwi slices, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lime zest until combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to ensure all the fruit is coated.
Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top and enjoy chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use a combination of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced flavor profile.
Freshly squeezed citrus juice enhances the brightness and freshness of the salad.
Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds just before serving.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fruit fresh and prevent browning, add the honey-lime dressing just before serving if possible. Leftovers are best enjoyed chilled and can be gently stirred before eating.

How to Serve

The image shows a flat lay of fresh fruit and ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one whole red apple at the top left, and next to it is a half-cut lime showing its light green inside. Below the apple, two whole oranges with bright orange skin sit side by side. Below the oranges, a green apple and a pear with a brownish green skin are placed close together. To the right, two halves of a kiwi with bright green flesh and black seeds are aligned vertically. At the bottom right, a half-cut pomegranate is visible with its deep red juicy seeds. There are also three small clear glass bowls, one filled with golden honey, another with fresh green mint leaves, and the last with light yellow jelly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Yes, feel free to substitute or add seasonal fruits like grapefruit, pomegranate arils, or persimmons to suit your taste and availability.

How can I prevent the apples and pears from browning?

Coating the chopped apples and pears with the lime juice in the dressing helps prevent browning. Keeping the salad refrigerated also slows down oxidation.

Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus-Honey Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

A refreshing Winter Fruit Salad combining crisp apples, juicy oranges, sweet pears, tangy kiwis, and vibrant pomegranate seeds, all tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing and garnished with fresh mint leaves. Perfectly chilled, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors ideal for a healthy snack or side dish during the colder months.

Author: Joe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

1 medium red apple, chopped
1 medium green apple, chopped
2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
1 medium pear, chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced

Dressing

2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon lime zest
Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Gently mix the chopped red and green apples, orange segments, chopped pear, sliced kiwis, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl until well combined, ensuring the fruits stay intact and juicy.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lime zest until the dressing is smooth and well blended, balancing sweetness with citrus brightness.
Toss the Salad: Pour the honey-lime dressing over the mixed fruit and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly without bruising the fruit.
Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly, enhancing the refreshing taste.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top for a refreshing herbal note and serve the salad chilled for best flavor.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
Freshly squeezed citrus juice enhances the brightness and freshness of the salad.
Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld and results in a more refreshing taste.

Keywords: Winter fruit salad, fresh fruit salad, honey lime dressing, healthy salad, easy fruit salad recipe, seasonal fruit salad

Joe Grayson

Leave a Reply Cancel reply