Name: Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 navel oranges or blood oranges, peeled and segmented; 2 red apples, chopped; 2 green pears, chopped; 1 cup red grapes, halved; 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 2 kiwi, peeled and sliced; 1 banana, sliced (optional, add before serving); 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional); 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/2 tsp lime zest; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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This Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is bright, refreshing, and bursting with seasonal flavors. I toss together juicy citrus, crisp apples, and sweet pears, then drizzle it all with a tangy maple-lime dressing that pulls everything together. It’s a fresh, healthy side that brings a little sunshine to even the coldest days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this fruit salad because it’s light, vibrant, and makes the most of winter’s best produce. The maple-lime dressing adds just enough sweetness with a pop of citrus that enhances the natural flavors of the fruit. It’s beautiful on the table, easy to make ahead, and works for breakfast, brunch, or as a refreshing dessert. Every bite is crisp, juicy, and full of color—and it feels like a little burst of brightness in the middle of winter. Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fruit salad:

Navel oranges or blood oranges (peeled and segmented)
Red apples (chopped)
Green pears (chopped)
Red grapes (halved)
Pomegranate seeds
Kiwi (peeled and sliced)
Optional: bananas (sliced right before serving to prevent browning)
Optional: fresh mint (chopped, for garnish)

For the maple-lime dressing:

Pure maple syrup
Fresh lime juice
Lime zest
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by preparing all the fruit—peeling, chopping, and slicing as needed. I make sure everything is bite-sized and as fresh as possible.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the maple syrup, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
I place all the prepared fruit in a large serving bowl.
I pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
I refrigerate the salad for about 15–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.
Just before serving, I sprinkle in the fresh mint and give it one final toss.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes around 15–20 minutes to prep and can be made ahead and chilled until serving.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped dates or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Toasted walnuts or pecans give the salad a nice crunch.
For a tropical twist, I add chunks of pineapple or mango when they’re in season.
If I want a creamy version, I drizzle in a bit of Greek yogurt or coconut cream before serving.
A splash of orange juice can be added to the dressing for even more citrus flavor.

Storage/reheating

I store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture is best on the first day, but the flavors get even better after a few hours.

Since it’s served cold, there’s no reheating needed. I just give it a gentle stir before serving again. Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing

FAQs

Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. I wait to add bananas and mint until just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Will the apples and pears brown?

They might, but the lime juice in the dressing helps slow that down. I also toss the chopped apples and pears in a little lime juice as I cut them.

What’s the best fruit for winter salad?

I use seasonal fruit like oranges, apples, pears, grapes, kiwi, and pomegranate—they’re fresh, flavorful, and easy to find in the colder months.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, I’ve used honey and it works well. I just keep in mind that honey has a slightly different flavor and is a bit sweeter, so I adjust to taste.

How do I make this salad more filling?

I like to add chopped nuts, a dollop of yogurt, or even quinoa if I want it to be more of a meal or hearty breakfast option.

Conclusion

This Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing is a fresh, cheerful way to enjoy seasonal fruit all winter long. I love how easy it is to customize, how beautiful it looks on the table, and how every bite feels light and refreshing. It’s perfect for holiday meals, weekend brunches, or anytime I want to brighten up the day with something healthy and delicious.