Winter Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing and Fresh Mint Recipe
Introduction
This Winter Fruit Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of seasonal fruits. Easy to prepare and naturally colorful, it makes a perfect snack or a light dessert during chilly months.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cubed pineapple
- 1 cup of peeled, quartered and sliced kiwis
- 2 cups of mandarin orange or clementine segments
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the pineapple, kiwi, mandarin oranges, and pomegranate arils in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, honey, and poppy seeds.
- Step 3: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add some chopped walnuts or almonds just before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the kiwi with green grapes or apple slices for a different twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the honey to 1 or 2 tablespoons.
Storage
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fruit fresh and prevent sogginess, toss the salad again just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and eaten within a day for optimum freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned mandarin oranges for this salad?
Yes, canned mandarin oranges can be used. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra liquid making the salad watery.
How do I prevent the fruit from browning?
Use citrus juice like lemon or lime in the dressing to help slow down the browning process and keep the fruit looking fresh longer.
PrintWinter Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing and Fresh Mint Recipe
A refreshing and colorful Winter Fruit Salad featuring a vibrant mix of pineapple, kiwi, mandarin oranges, and pomegranate, tossed in a zesty honey-lemon poppy seed dressing. This healthy salad is perfect as a light snack, side dish, or a festive addition to any meal during the colder months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fruit:
- 3 cups of cubed pineapple
- 1 cup of peeled, quartered and sliced kiwis
- 2 cups of mandarin orange or clementine segments
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine fruits. Place the cubed pineapple, sliced kiwi, mandarin orange segments, and pomegranate arils into a large mixing bowl to prepare the base of the salad.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, honey, and poppy seeds until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss fruit with dressing. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the prepared fruit mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure the fruit is evenly coated without bruising it.
- Garnish and serve. Optionally, garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves for an added burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For extra zest, substitute honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan.
- Make sure to peel and slice kiwis carefully to avoid bitterness from skins.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best taste and texture.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Keywords: winter fruit salad, poppy seed dressing, pineapple salad, kiwi salad, mandarin oranges, pomegranate, healthy fruit salad
