Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing
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Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing
This Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing is a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavors, offering a quick and refreshing twist on tradition. In just 20 minutes, crisp apples, sweet pears, and succulent pineapple come together with a zesty lime and honey glaze. It’s the perfect healthy salad to brighten holiday gatherings or serve as a light dessert after a comforting meal like my classic Homemade Apple Pie.
I first fell for this combination of flavors during a winter market visit in California, where the abundance of citrus and hearty fruits inspired a new appreciation for the season. The balance of sweet honey and sharp lime juice elevates every bite of this fresh fruit salad, making it feel both special and wholesome. I often prepare this quick salad when hosting friends, as it pairs beautifully with richer dishes like Pumpkin Pie or a slice of Cranberry Orange Bread for a complete seasonal spread.
What Makes This Winter Fruit Salad Special
- Refreshingly Bright: The lime dressing brings a zesty contrast to the sweet winter fruit.
- No Cooking Required: This quick salad comes together in just 20 minutes with simple prep.
- Wholesome Ingredients: You get a vibrant mix of vitamins and natural sweetness from fresh produce.
- Perfect for Parties: Its colorful appearance and make ahead ease make it ideal for gatherings.
What You’ll Need for Your Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Pure lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for the brightest, most refreshing salad dressing.
- Honey: It naturally sweetens the lime dressing while complementing the fruit’s flavors.
- Fresh ginger: A small amount adds a lovely warm, aromatic note to the dressing.
- Bartlett pears: Choose firm but ripe pears that hold their shape when chopped.
- Crisp apple: Fuji or Honeycrisp varieties provide a nice crunch and sweet-tart balance.
- Kiwis: Ripe but firm kiwis add vibrant green color and tropical flair.
- Red grapes: Seedless grapes offer juicy bursts of sweetness throughout the salad.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Use fresh pineapple for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves: Finely chopped mint provides a refreshing herbal finish.
Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing
Make this refreshing Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing using fresh pears, apples, kiwis, grapes, and pineapple tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing.
Equipment
- small bowl
- whisk
- vegetable peeler
- paring knife
- cutting board
- large serving bowl
- spatula
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Lime Dressing
- 1/2 cup pure lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
Fruit Salad
- 2 firm but ripe Bartlett pears cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large crisp apple (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp) cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 ripe but firm kiwis peeled, sliced and quartered
- 1 cup seedless red grapes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks about 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of pure lime juice, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of finely grated ginger until the honey is fully dissolved into the liquid. Set this dressing aside.
- Core the 2 pears and the 1 apple, then cut them into 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces. Place the cut fruit into a large serving bowl.
- Peel the 2 kiwis with a vegetable peeler or paring knife. Slice them into rounds, then cut each round into quarters. Add the kiwi pieces, 1 cup of red grapes, and 1 cup of pineapple chunks to the bowl with the pears and apple.
- Pour the reserved lime dressing over all the fruit in the bowl. Using a large rubber spatula or spoon, gently toss the salad until every piece of fruit is lightly and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of finely chopped mint over the top of the salad. Gently toss one more time to incorporate the mint. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend before serving.
Notes
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add Citrus Zest: Include some grated lime or orange zest in the dressing for extra fragrance.
- Spiced Version: Whisk a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the honey lime dressing.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Firm Fruit: Select fruits that are ripe but still firm to prevent a mushy salad texture.
- Cut Evenly: Chop all fruit into similar 1/2-inch pieces for consistent dressing coverage and eating.
- Gentle Tossing: Fold the fruit salad gently with a spatula to avoid bruising the delicate pieces.
- Timing Matters: For best texture, serve within an hour of preparing. The flavors of this healthy salad will meld nicely if you let it chill briefly, much like the preparation for Overnight Oats.
How to Store Your Winter Fruit Salad
- Store: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The fruit may release some juice over time.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the thawed fruit will become too soft and watery.
- Serve: This refreshing salad is best served chilled directly from the refrigerator.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the lime dressing up to two days ahead and store it separately, then combine with freshly cut fruit just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make winter fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this winter fruit salad up to an hour ahead. I recommend storing it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. For longer prep, keep the dressing separate and toss with the fruit just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
What fruits are best for winter fruit salad?
Firm winter fruits like apples, pears, and citrus work beautifully. I also include kiwi and pineapple for tropical notes. The key is choosing fruits that hold their shape when dressed, similar to the fruit selection in my Fruitcake but with a fresher approach.
How do you keep fruit salad from getting watery?
Using firm, ripe fruit and serving within an hour of preparation helps prevent excess liquid. The honey in the lime dressing also helps create a light glaze that coats the fruit rather than making it soggy.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lime juice provides the brightest flavor, you can use bottled in a pinch. The taste will be slightly less vibrant, so you might want to add a little zest if available.
Other Favorite Winter Recipes
Why This Winter Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing Is A Favorite
With its vibrant colors and refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this fruit salad brings sunshine to the coldest days. It’s incredibly easy to prepare yet feels special enough for holiday tables. I hope this becomes your go to healthy salad for winter gatherings, offering a bright finish to any meal.
