Bring a burst of color and fresh flavor to your fall potluck with this vibrant winter fruit salad! Packed with seasonal fruits and topped with a zesty orange poppy seed dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that balances out the heavier comfort foods often found at gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Seasonal and Fresh: Highlights the best fruits of fall and winter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Bright, sweet, and a little tangy—everyone loves it!
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep for maximum flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixed fruits: Pomegranate arils, sliced apples, orange segments, kiwis, and grapes
- For the dressing: Fresh orange juice, honey, Greek yogurt, poppy seeds, and a splash of vanilla extract
Check the full recipe card below for exact quantities and additional ingredients.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Fruits
Wash and slice the apples, peel and segment the oranges, slice the kiwis, and halve the grapes. Arrange them in a large serving bowl along with the pomegranate arils.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, Greek yogurt, poppy seeds, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the orange poppy seed dressing over the prepared fruits. Gently toss to coat the fruits evenly without bruising them.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle additional poppy seeds or a handful of chopped mint leaves for garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Prevent Browning: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Use Ripe Fruits: Choose fruits that are firm yet ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Dressing Balance: Start with less honey and add more as needed to suit your sweetness preference.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add sliced pears or persimmons for a twist.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Include toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This salad is a beautiful addition to a fall potluck spread. Pair it with savory dishes like roasted turkey, baked ham, or a hearty vegetable casserole. It also works as a light dessert when topped with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Storage Tips
If making ahead, prep the fruits and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the fruits fresh and vibrant. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, but the fruits may lose their texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Whisk again before using.
2. What fruits work best in this salad?
Seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, apples, kiwis, and grapes work beautifully. Feel free to customize based on what’s available.
3. Can I skip the yogurt in the dressing?
Absolutely! Replace it with an extra splash of orange juice for a lighter, dairy-free option.
4. How do I keep the salad fresh at a potluck?
Keep it chilled in a cooler or insulated bag until serving. Toss with the dressing just before serving to keep the fruits crisp.
Conclusion
This winter fruit salad with orange poppy seed dressing is a refreshing and colorful addition to any fall potluck. It’s light yet flavorful, easy to prepare, and full of seasonal goodness. Try this recipe, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Print
Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Seasonal
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing addition to any fall potluck. Juicy oranges, crisp apples, sweet pomegranate arils, and tangy kiwi come together with a delightful orange poppy seed dressing. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for the season!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 navel oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, combine orange segments, apple slices, kiwi slices, pomegranate arils, and grapes. Gently toss to mix. - Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit salad. Toss gently to coat all the fruit evenly. - Optional Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch, if desired. - Serve:
Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh!
Notes
- Use a mix of seasonal fruits like pears or persimmons for variety.
- To prevent apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg