Celebrate the festive season with this vibrant Christmas Fruit Salad, a delightful mix of red and green fruits that bring holiday cheer to your table. Combining fresh grapes, kiwi, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranate, this salad bursts with color, flavor, and texture, perfect for any Christmas dinner or holiday gathering.
The refreshing honey poppyseed dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the natural juiciness of the fruits. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and a festive way to enjoy seasonal produce with family and friends.
- A colorful mix of fresh seasonal fruits perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Easy and quick to make with minimal prep time.
- Light, refreshing, and a healthy addition to any Christmas meal.
- The honey poppyseed dressing adds a subtle sweetness and unique flavor twist.
Ingredients
- Green grapes: 2 cups of crisp, seedless grapes add juiciness and a refreshing bite to the salad.
- Kiwi: 4 peeled and sliced kiwis provide a tangy flavor and vibrant green color for visual appeal.
- Apples: 2 medium apples, sliced and de-seeded, lend a crunchy texture and sweet tartness.
- Raspberries: 2 cups of fresh raspberries bring a bright red hue and delicate sweetness.
- Strawberries: 2 cups sliced strawberries give a juicy freshness and festive red color.
- Pomegranate arils: 1 cup of seeds from one pomegranate add a jewel-like appearance and a burst of tart flavor.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons used in the dressing to provide natural sweetness and a smooth consistency.
- Fresh orange juice: 1/4 cup for the dressing, delivering a zesty citrus brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Poppyseeds: 1 teaspoon sprinkled in the dressing adds a subtle crunch and an attractive speckled look.
Instructions
- Combine the Fresh Fruits
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Gently place the green grapes, sliced kiwi, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranate arils into a large mixing bowl. Handle the fruits carefully to avoid bruising or squishing them, preserving their shape and texture for an attractive presentation.
- Prepare the Honey Poppyseed Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh orange juice, and poppyseeds until fully combined. This dressing balances sweetness and citrus tang, while the poppyseeds add visual appeal and a slight crunch to the salad.
- Dress the Fruit Salad
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Right before serving, pour the honey poppyseed dressing over the mixed fruit. Using a gentle folding motion, carefully toss the salad to evenly coat the fruit without damaging its delicate structure.
- Chill Before Serving
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If not serving immediately, cover both the fruit salad and dressing bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing, cool salad.
- Prepare the salad shortly before serving to keep fruits fresh and avoid sogginess.
- Pomegranate arils can stain surfaces; handle with care during seeding.
- Adjust fruit quantities based on availability or personal preference while maintaining balance.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover fruit salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for best freshness and texture, as fruit juices may release moisture over time.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, creamy cheeses, or as a light dessert on its own. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra festive touch and aroma.
- Use ripe but firm fruits to prevent premature mushiness after dressing.
- For easier pomegranate seeding, submerge the fruit halves in water while removing arils to reduce mess.
- Chill all ingredients before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
FAQs
- Can I substitute any fruits in this salad?
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Yes, other red and green fruits like cherries, pears, or green apples can be substituted depending on preference or availability.
- Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
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It is best to assemble and dress the salad close to serving time to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
- Can I make the dressing without honey?
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Absolutely, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- How should I store leftover fruit salad?
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Keep leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge and consume within 1-2 days.
- Can this salad be made gluten-free and vegan?
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Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Christmas Fruit Salad
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups green grapes
- 4 kiwis peeled and sliced
- 2 apples sliced and de-seeded
- 2 cups raspberries
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup pomegranate arils from 1 pomegranate
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Combine all fruit carefully in a large bowl, taking care not to squash the pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh orange juice, and poppy seeds to make the dressing.
- When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the fruit and gently mix to coat evenly.
- If not serving immediately, cover the fruit and dressing separately and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm fruit for best texture.
- Refrigerate separately to keep fruit crisp.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey amount.
