If you’re craving a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the best flavors of the season, the Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe is your go-to delight. This salad combines juicy pears, crisp apples, tart pomegranate seeds, and other bright winter fruits, all tossed in a luscious cinnamon and vanilla-spiced dressing. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a warming hint of spice that feels just like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it as a healthy snack, a light dessert, or a festive side, this salad brightens any table with its gorgeous colors and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in putting together this tasty masterpiece. From the juicy fruits adding freshness and color to the warming cinnamon and vanilla in the dressing, every component lifts the salad to something really special.
- 2 ripe pears, cored and diced: Pears bring juicy sweetness and a soft texture that pairs wonderfully with crisp apples.
- 2 red apples, cored and diced: Apples add crunch and a fresh tartness that balances the salad beautifully.
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds: These little ruby gems add bursts of bright, tart flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved: Grapes bring a juicy bite and subtle sweetness to the mix.
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced: Kiwi’s vibrant green and slightly tangy sweetness brighten the dish visually and in taste.
- 1 banana, sliced: The banana adds creaminess and mellow natural sugar to balance the tart fruits.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Walnuts lend a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft fruits.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These tiny bursts of chewy sweetness complement the fresh fruit flavors perfectly.
- Juice of half a lemon: Lemon juice prevents the fruit from browning and adds a fresh, zesty note.
- For the Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing:
1/4 cup orange juice: Bright, citrusy base that brings everything together. - 1 tablespoon honey: Naturally sweet and smooth, honey pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warming spice that feels perfect for winter.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings a soft floral note and depth to the dressing.
How to Make Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Fruits
Begin by tossing your diced pears and apples in a large mixing bowl along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice is key here—it keeps the apples and pears from browning and adds a lovely tang that wakes up the flavors. Mix them gently until every piece is evenly coated. This is the foundation of your salad, so making sure these fruits are well-balanced is important for the overall freshness of the dish.
Step 2: Add the Colorful Mix-ins
Next, layer in the visual and textural star players: pomegranate seeds, halved grapes, kiwi slices, banana slices, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Each fruit and nut brings something unique to the party—the tart pop of pomegranate, the crisp bite of grapes, the creamy softness of banana, and the crunchy walnuts. This is what makes your salad vibrant and exciting with every bite.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. This dressing is truly the magic touch—it’s sweet yet spiced, and as it coats the fruit, it creates a delightful glaze that amps up all those fresh flavors. The cinnamon and vanilla make it cozy, perfect for a winter gathering.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the mixed fruit and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the softer fruits—use a folding technique to get even coverage without squishing. The goal is a beautiful, shiny coat of cinnamon vanilla goodness enveloping every piece.
Step 5: Chill and Marinate
Cover your bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time is essential because it lets the dressing seep into the fruits, softening their flavors and marrying all the ingredients into a harmonious bite. Think of it as letting the salad take a little winter nap to come back tasting even better.
Step 6: Serve with a Final Toss
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up. Transfer it to a pretty serving dish, and get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious healthy snack!
How to Serve Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts make fantastic garnishes. Mint adds a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warm cinnamon dressing, while walnuts add extra crunch and a lovely nutty aroma that complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This winter fruit salad pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Try serving it alongside roasted chicken for a fresh contrast or with a creamy cheese platter for a sweet and savory balance. It also works well as a light breakfast alongside yogurt or oatmeal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out orange or apple halves to add a whimsical touch. Layer the salad in clear glasses for an elegant parfait look, or arrange it atop a bed of baby spinach or arugula to introduce some leafy greens and make the dish even more colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing tastes best when eaten within 1–2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the fruits fresh and the flavors vibrant. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit textures and dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The fruits tend to become mushy when thawed, and the dressing may separate, altering the salad’s appealing texture and appearance.
Reheating
This fruit salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not suggested. The fresh, juicy textures and chilled flavors are what make this dish so delightful, especially with the cinnamon vanilla dressing providing a cool warmth contrast.
FAQs
Can I substitute any fruits in the Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add any seasonal fruits you love. Citrus segments, persimmons, or even pomegranate arils are fantastic options that keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
Is the cinnamon vanilla dressing suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! The dressing uses natural ingredients like honey and ground spices, making it gluten-free and free from common allergens. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld beautifully. However, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours without any loss in flavor or texture.
Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Yes, this salad is perfect for make-ahead prep. Just toss the fruit with lemon juice first, keep the dressing separate, and combine them right before serving to preserve the freshest taste and texture.
What is the best way to prevent the fruits from browning in this salad?
Using the lemon juice on apples and pears immediately after cutting is the key to preventing browning. The acidic juice slows down oxidation and keeps the fruit looking fresh and appetizing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe. Its mix of seasonal fruits, warmed with the inviting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, manages to feel both refreshing and comforting all at once. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing it with your friends and family as much as I do. It’s such a joyful way to bring a burst of winter sunshine to your table!
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Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Winter Fruit Salad featuring pears, apples, pomegranate seeds, grapes, kiwis, banana, walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a fragrant Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing. This no-cook, vibrant salad is chilled to blend flavors perfectly, making it a perfect healthy snack or side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
Fruit Salad
- 2 ripe pears, cored and diced
- 2 red apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Juice of half a lemon
Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pears and apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, diced apples, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix well to coat the fruit, which helps prevent browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
- Add remaining fruits and nuts: Add pomegranate seeds, halved grapes, sliced kiwis, sliced banana, chopped walnuts (if using), and dried cranberries to the bowl with the pears and apples. Gently stir to combine all the fruits evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing over the fruit mixture in the large bowl and gently toss everything together to thoroughly coat all the fruit pieces with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste of the salad.
- Serve: Before serving, give the fruit salad a gentle toss once more, then transfer it to a serving dish or bowl. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing winter treat.
Notes
- Walnuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and extra nutrition.
- To keep the apples and pears from browning longer, you can add a little extra lemon juice if desired.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- This salad is best served within 24 hours of preparation for optimal freshness.
- Make sure to chill the salad well to let the flavors fully develop before serving.
