Winter Fruit Salad Recipe – Seasonal Citrus & Pomegranate with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
This Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing is a refreshing and festive way to enjoy seasonal produce. Juicy oranges, crisp apples, sweet pears, and ruby-red pomegranate seeds are tossed in a warm-spiced dressing made with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of honey. It’s naturally sweet, beautifully colorful, and perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or light desserts. Easy to prep ahead and bursting with flavor, this salad brings cozy vibes to your winter table.
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
- Citrus juicer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Serving bowl (preferably glass)
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
Fruit:
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
Dressing:
- ¼ cup orange juice (fresh)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: Wash, peel, core, and slice all fruit into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Pour dressing over fruit and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer to a clear glass bowl. Garnish with mint, nuts, or cranberries if desired.
Notes
- Use firm fruit to maintain texture after tossing.
- Lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds brightness.
- Make ahead: Prep fruit and dressing separately, then combine before serving.
- Variations: Add Greek yogurt for creaminess, swap citrus for persimmons, or use spiced maple syrup for depth.
- Vegan-friendly: Use maple syrup and dairy-free yogurt if adding creaminess.