1. Start
  2. Meal Ideas
  3. Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus

Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus

Save to Pinterest Share Skip to Recipe
By Natalie Chen • January 25th, 2026
A vibrant bowl of Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus, showcasing juicy orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and crisp apple slices glistening with a zesty honey-ginger dressing. Save to Pinterest
A vibrant bowl of Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus, showcasing juicy orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and crisp apple slices glistening with a zesty honey-ginger dressing. | freshforklab.com

This winter fruit salad combines the season's best citrus and stone fruits in one vibrant bowl. Oranges, clementines, grapefruit, pomegranate, pear, and apple are gently tossed with a simple lemon-orange dressing brightened with honey and optional ginger. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Finish with fresh mint and orange zest for brightness. Serve chilled as a light dessert or elegant brunch side.

There's something magical about making a fruit salad in winter when everything outside is gray and dormant. I discovered this recipe during a particularly harsh January when I was craving something bright and lively. The vibrant colors of the citrus and pomegranate seeds against the white winter light streaming through my kitchen window literally made me gasp with delight.

Last Christmas morning my sister was skeptical about serving fruit salad instead of our traditional heavy breakfast casserole. But watching her eyes light up as she took her first bite, then immediately ask for the recipe while going for seconds, felt like the best gift I could have received that day.

Ingredients

  • Pomegranate seeds: These ruby-red jewels add unexpected pops of sweetness and a beautiful contrast to the citrus fruits.
  • Fresh citrus: I learned that using a combination of oranges, clementines, and grapefruit creates layers of flavor you just cant get from a single citrus variety.
  • Pears and apples: Choose firm but ripe fruits for the perfect texture that holds up without turning mushy.
  • Fresh mint: This isnt just garnish, its the secret ingredient that ties all the flavors together with its bright aroma.

Instructions

Prep your fruit:
Take your time segmenting the citrus by cutting away all the white pith, its worth the extra few minutes for silky, bitter-free bites.
Mix your dressing:
Whisk the citrus juices with honey until they become slightly thickened, adding the ground ginger for a subtle warmth that balances the acidity.
Gentle assembly:
Fold everything together with a light hand to keep the delicate fruits intact, especially those juicy pear pieces.
Finishing touches:
Let the salad chill for about 15 minutes before adding the mint and zest at the last moment to preserve their aromatic oils.
Freshly made Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus, featuring a colorful mix of segmented oranges, clementines, red grapes, and diced pear, all tossed with a bright citrus dressing. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus, featuring a colorful mix of segmented oranges, clementines, red grapes, and diced pear, all tossed with a bright citrus dressing. | freshforklab.com

My neighbor brought over some homemade scones one Sunday morning just as I was finishing this salad. We ended up sharing an impromptu winter brunch, the tartness of the grapefruit and the buttery scones creating this perfect harmony that made us forget about the snowstorm outside.

Customizing Your Winter Fruit Salad

Some weekends I add a handful of toasted pistachios or walnuts when serving this to friends who arent nut-averse, the crunch creates this wonderful textural contrast against the juicy fruits. The nuts also soak up some of that gorgeous citrus dressing, becoming little flavor bombs in each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Ive served this alongside everything from yogurt parfaits to savory quiches. My personal favorite pairing happened by accident when I had leftover salad with a glass of prosecco one evening, the bubbles somehow enhancing the brightness of the fruit in the most delightful way.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One rainy Sunday I discovered that this salad keeps remarkably well for about two days in the refrigerator, though the apples and pears may begin to soften slightly after the first day.

  • Keep the mint separate until serving if youre making this ahead, as it will darken over time.
  • Give everything a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the juices that settle at the bottom.
  • For meal prep, segment all your citrus in advance and store in separate containers until ready to mix.
Served in a clear glass bowl, this Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus offers a refreshing medley of winter fruits, garnished with fresh mint leaves and fragrant orange zest. Save to Pinterest
Served in a clear glass bowl, this Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus offers a refreshing medley of winter fruits, garnished with fresh mint leaves and fragrant orange zest. | freshforklab.com

This winter fruit salad has become my edible sunshine during the darkest months of the year. Its proof that sometimes the most refreshing dishes come when you work with whats in season rather than fighting against it.

Recipe FAQs

Yes, prepare the fruit up to 4 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Add the dressing and garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.

Kiwi, persimmon, and fresh figs are excellent additions. You can also use pomelo, blood oranges, or tangerines depending on seasonal availability.

Toast walnuts, pistachios, or almonds for crunch. Alternatively, add a handful of granola or coconut flakes just before serving.

Absolutely. This salad is naturally vegetarian, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for multiple dietary preferences.

Serve with sparkling wine, light Moscato, or fresh citrus-infused water. It also pairs beautifully with champagne or a crisp white wine.

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey, add a splash of vanilla extract, or include fresh ginger juice for extra warmth and spice.

Pin
A vibrant bowl of Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus, showcasing juicy orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and crisp apple slices glistening with a zesty honey-ginger dressing.
Print

Winter Fruit Salad with Citrus

Vibrant winter fruits tossed with zesty citrus dressing. Refreshing, light, and perfect for brunch or dessert.

Prep 20m
0
Total 20m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Fruit

  • 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
  • 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
  • 1 pomegranate, seeds only
  • 1 ripe pear, cored and diced
  • 1 apple, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, halved

Citrus Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely sliced
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1
Prepare Fruit: Segment oranges and clementines by removing peel and white pith. Peel grapefruit and separate segments. Extract pomegranate seeds. Core pear and apple, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Halve red grapes. Place all prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl.
2
Create Citrus Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and ground ginger until fully incorporated and emulsified.
3
Combine and Dress: Pour citrus dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss using a folding motion to coat all pieces evenly while maintaining fruit integrity.
4
Plate for Service: Transfer dressed fruit to a serving bowl or distribute among individual serving dishes.
5
Garnish and Serve: Top with finely sliced fresh mint leaves and orange zest immediately before serving.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Citrus zester, optional

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 140
Protein 2g
Carbs 36g
Fat 0.5g

Allergy Information

  • Recipe is naturally free of gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and tree nuts in base preparation
  • Nut allergen present if walnuts or pistachios are added as optional garnish
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination or sensitivities
Natalie Chen profile photo
Natalie Chen

Sharing easy, flavorful recipes and kitchen tips for everyday cooks and food lovers.