Fresh Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing (Print Version)
Brighten winter days with our fresh winter fruit salad. Sweet vanilla dressing makes this easy, vibrant dish a healthy, refreshing treat.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Seasonal Fruit Stars
01 -
1 cup pomegranate arils (from 1 large pomegranate)
02 -
2 large navel oranges, peeled and segmented
03 -
3 kiwis, peeled and diced
04 -
2 Bosc or Anjou pears, cored and diced
05 -
1 cup red or green grapes, halved
→ Creamy Vanilla Dressing Essentials
06 -
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
07 -
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
08 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish
10 -
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
11 -
2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your fruits washed, peeled, and diced. My kitchen counter always looks like a colorful explosion at this stage, with bits of orange peel and kiwi skins everywhere. Segment the oranges over a bowl to catch all that precious juice – don't waste it! For the pomegranate, I usually do it in a bowl of water to avoid staining my entire kitchen. It’s a little messy, but so satisfying when those arils pop out!
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy. This is where you taste and adjust, hon. I almost always add a tiny bit more vanilla, just because I adore that warm aroma. If it tastes too tart, a little more honey. Too sweet? A tiny squeeze more lemon. This is your Vanilla Dressing, make it perfect for you!
03 -
In a large bowl, gently add all your prepped fruits – the pomegranate, oranges, kiwis, pears, and grapes. Pour the luscious Vanilla Dressing over the fruit. Now, this is important: use a spatula or your hands (clean ones, obviously!) to gently fold and toss the fruit until it’s all coated. You don't want bruised fruit, so be tender! I made the mistake of using tongs once, and it was a disaster of squashed grapes.
04 -
Once everything is beautifully coated, cover the bowl and pop your Winter Fruit Salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets all those amazing flavors meld and deepen, and it just tastes so much more refreshing when it's cool. Honestly, I sometimes forget this step because I’m too eager to eat it, and it’s still good, but chilled is definitely better!
05 -
Right before serving, pull the salad out of the fridge. Give it another gentle stir. Now, sprinkle over your fresh mint leaves and those lovely toasted slivered almonds, if you’re using them. The mint adds a burst of freshness, and the almonds give that satisfying crunch. I always find myself adding extra mint, because I just love the smell!
06 -
Dish out your vibrant Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing into pretty bowls or a large serving dish. Take a moment to admire all those beautiful colors and breathe in that wonderful vanilla scent. The final result should look bright, smell amazing, and taste like a little burst of winter sunshine. It’s truly a simple pleasure!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't over-mix the fruit, or you'll have bruised fruit and a watery mess. Gentle is the key!
02 -
You can prep the fruit and dressing separately a day ahead, then combine just before serving. This saves so much last-minute stress.
03 -
No Greek yogurt? Regular plain yogurt works, but the dressing might be a little thinner. I tried sour cream once... interesting, but not the same vibe.
04 -
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny pinch of cardamom in the dressing adds a surprising warmth. I didn't expect that, but it's good!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
medium mixing bowl
03 -
whisk
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
cutting board
06 -
spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 180-220
Total Fat: 5-8g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 5-7g