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A close-up, overhead shot of a winter fruit salad, showcasing the crisp textures of the apples and pears and the glistening pomegranate arils.

Bright and Refreshing Winter Fruit Salad Recipe

This Winter Fruit Salad features crisp red apples, juicy pears, bright orange segments, and ruby-red pomegranate arils tossed in a light maple, cinnamon, and vanilla bean dressing. It's a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 125
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large crisp red apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala) thinly sliced
  • 2 large ripe but firm pears (like Bartlett or D'Anjou) thinly sliced
  • 2 large navel oranges segmented, juice reserved for dressing
  • 1 cup (170g) pomegranate arils
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Sharp Chef's Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice from one of your oranges, the maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Wash all fruit. Core the apples and pears, then slice them thinly. For the oranges, slice off the top and bottom, trim away the peel and white pith, then cut between the membranes to release the segments.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced apples, pears, and orange segments. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Generously scatter the pomegranate arils over the top, drizzle with the remaining dressing, and serve immediately.

Notes

Choose the Right Fruit: The quality of your salad depends entirely on the quality of your fruit. Choose apples and pears that are firm, crisp, and free of blemishes.
Don't Dress It Too Early: For the absolute best texture, toss the fruit with the dressing just before you plan to serve it.
Slice, Don't Dice: Slicing the apples and pears thinly creates a more elegant presentation and a better eating experience.
Chill Your Bowl: For an extra refreshing touch, chill your serving bowl in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before assembling the salad.