Full of fresh fruit and bright colors, this winter fruit salad really brings the flavor! Packed with fresh mandarins, kiwi, apples, pears and pomegranate arils, then tossed in a delicious honey lime poppyseed dressing and garnished with fresh mint.

Fruit salad of mandarins, kiwi, apples, pears and pomegranate arils in white bowl with orange striped towel underneath

Winter months are usually filled with hearty soups, baked casseroles and comfort foods. Fresh fruit isn’t usually top of mind when there’s a blanket of snow on the ground.

But winter is full of sooo many delicious in-season fruits (and veggies, of course!) that we just can’t forget about them. Citrus, apples, pears, kiwi and more are all in peak season and super affordable this time of year.

For this winter fruit salad, we’re bringing together all those fresh fruits for a nutrient-packed dish that will also satisfy that sweet tooth!

Ingredients for fruit salad laid out in individual glass bowls

Key Ingredients for this Winter Fruit Salad

  • Mandarins – I love the juiciness of fresh mandarins in this recipe, but canned mandarins can also be used. Just look for those packed in 100% juice instead of heavy syrup.
  • Kiwi – You definitely want ripe kiwi for this recipe. They should give a little when you apply gentle pressure.
  • Apples – I prefer a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Gala, but any variety would work.
  • Pears – I used Bartlett pears in this recipe, but any variety would work well. Don’t forget to “check the neck” for a good, ripe pear – apply gentle pressure near the stem. It should give slightly to the pressure.
  • Pomegranate arils – Seed your own pomegranate (see below) or buy ready-to-eat pomegranate arils from the produce department.
  • Lime juice – Fresh squeezed is the way to go. For extra lime flavor, add a little zest to your dressing.
  • Honey – Substitute for agave nectar or maple syrup to make this recipe vegan.
  • Poppy seeds and Fresh mint for garnish
Pomegranate being seeded over white bowl

How to Seed a Pomegranate

  1. Score around the middle of the pomegranate, cutting into the skin, but not deep enough to cut into the seeds inside. Using your hands, gently break apart the two sides.
  2. Loosen up the sections but pulling them apart where you see the segments.
  3. Hold each half over a bowl with the seeds facing down and tap with the skin with a wooden spoon to release the seeds.
Kiwi, apples, mandarins, pears and pomegranate arils in white bowl with lime, poppy seeds and honey in background

How to Make this Fruit Salad

It’s as easy as 1…2…3…

  1. Prep your fruit – Peel and chop your fruit and place in a large fruit
  2. Mix the dressing – Place honey, lime juice and poppyseeds in a small mason jar and shake, shake, shake.
  3. Toss everything together – Pour your dressing over the fruit, toss well and garnish with fresh mint.
Close up of apple, mandarin and kiwi on fork. Bowl of fruit salad blurred in the background

Make-Ahead Tips

This fruit salad can definitely be made ahead of time and should keep up to 2-3 days. Here are some quick tips:

  • The lime juice in the dressing can help prevent the pears and apples from browning when made the day of.
  • You can prep the whole salad a day in advance and leave out the apples and pears. Chop and add prior to serving to prevent browning.
  • Peel and segment your mandarins, seed your pomegranate and peel/chop kiwi. Store them in individual containers in the refrigerator up to 3 days ahead of time.
  • To prevent sogginess, wait to add your dressing until the day of or you’re ready to serve.

Store leftovers of this fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or, pack leftovers into freezer-safe ziplock bags or containers to make smoothies later.

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Winter Fruit Salad

Q: What fruits are in the Winter Fruit Salad?
A: Our Winter Fruit Salad contains mandarins, kiwi, apples, pears, and pomegranate arils.

Q: What is the dressing made of for the Winter Fruit Salad?
A: The dressing is made of lime juice, honey, and poppy seeds.

Q: Can you make the Winter Fruit Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, the salad can be made 2-3 days ahead. It’s best to store the fruit separate from the dressing until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Q: How do you seed a pomegranate for the salad?
A: To seed a pomegranate, score around the middle and break it apart. Then hold each half over a bowl with the seeds facing down and tap the skin with a spoon to release the arils.

Q: What can I substitute for the honey in the dressing?
A: You can substitute agave nectar or maple syrup to make the recipe vegan instead of using honey.

Q: How should I store leftover Winter Fruit Salad?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or freeze leftovers in bags/containers to use for smoothies later.

Q: What fresh herb is used to garnish the salad?
A: Fresh mint is used as a garnish for the Winter Fruit Salad.

Other Fruit-Filled Recipes to Try

Winter Fruit Salad

Amber Gray
Full of fresh fruit and bright colors, this winter fruit salad really brings the flavor! Packed with fresh mandarins, kiwi, apples, pears and pomegranate arils, then tossed in
a delicious honey lime poppyseed dressing and garnished with fresh mint.


Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 mandarins peeled, segmented
  • 3 kiwi peeled, chopped
  • 1 apple chopped
  • 1 pear chopped
  • ¼ cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • ½ tsp. poppy seeds
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Combine mandarins, kiwi, apples, pears and pomegranate arils in large bowl.
  • Mix lime juice, honey and poppy seeds in small bowl. Pour over fruit and mix well.
  • Garnish with fresh mint.
Keyword fruit, healthy, salad, winter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!