Bright Winter Fruit Salad with Tangy Orange Poppy Seed (Print Version)

Winter Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. Refreshing, vibrant, and easy. Brighten your chilly days with this simple, delightful kitchen joy!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Vibrant Winter Fruits

01 - 3 Navel Oranges, peeled and segmented
02 - 1 cup Pomegranate Arils (from 1 large pomegranate or pre-packaged)
03 - 3 Kiwis, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 Crisp Apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped

→ Zesty Dressing Essentials

05 - 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice
06 - 2 tablespoons Honey
07 - 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
08 - 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds

→ Aromatic Touches

09 - 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
10 - 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

→ Optional Sparkle

11 - Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
12 - A pinch of flaky sea salt

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your beautiful fruit ready. Peel and segment those navel oranges, making sure to cut away all the white pith; that stuff is bitter, hon! Then, peel and slice your kiwis into nice rounds, or half-rounds if they're big. Core and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. I usually go for about half-inch cubes, but honestly, whatever makes you happy works. Get those pomegranate arils ready too. This is where the kitchen starts smelling fresh and vibrant, a real mood lifter!
02 - Now for the magic! In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, olive oil, and that lovely vanilla extract. This is where I always taste-test like crazy, adding a little more honey if the oranges were super tart, or a tiny splash more juice if it feels too sweet. Then, stir in the poppy seeds and the fragrant orange zest. Give it a good whisk until it's all combined. It should look slightly emulsified, a bit creamy, and smell absolutely divine. Don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth; homemade is charming!
03 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all your prepped fruits—the segmented oranges, the kiwi slices, the chopped apples, and those gorgeous pomegranate arils. This is where the Winter Fruit Salad really starts to come alive with all those vibrant colors! I love seeing the reds, greens, and oranges mingle. Be gentle with those pomegranate arils; they have a way of, shall we say, *splashing* if you're too enthusiastic. Just a light toss is what we're after, alright?
04 - Pour that glorious orange poppy seed dressing evenly over the mixed fruits. Now, gently toss everything together. You want every piece of fruit to get a lovely coating of that tangy, sweet, and slightly nutty dressing. I usually use two large spoons for this, trying to be careful not to crush the more delicate fruits. I’ve definitely gone a little too wild before and ended up with mushy kiwi, so learned that lesson the hard way! Take your time here; it’s worth it for a beautifully coated Winter Fruit Salad.
05 - Once dressed, cover the bowl and pop your Winter Fruit Salad into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This isn't just about making it cold; it gives all those amazing flavors time to meld and get to know each other. Honestly, the longer it sits, the more the fruit soaks up that delicious dressing, and the better it tastes. I’ve left it for a couple of hours before, and it was even better. Just don't forget it in there for too long, or the apples might get a bit soft.
06 - When you’re ready, give the Winter Fruit Salad a final gentle stir and transfer it to a beautiful serving bowl. I sometimes garnish with a few extra poppy seeds or a sprig of fresh mint if I'm feeling fancy. It looks so bright and inviting, a real feast for the eyes before you even take a bite! It should smell citrusy, fresh, and just a little sweet. The perfect refreshing side or light dessert. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the dressing; a gentle whisk is all it needs, truly!
02 - Pre-cut the sturdier fruits like apples and oranges a day ahead, but add delicate fruits like kiwi and pomegranate just before serving for ultimate freshness.
03 - A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished salad makes the fruit flavors pop in an unexpected, delicious way.
04 - No poppy seeds? Toasted sesame seeds give a fun crunch, though the flavor profile shifts a bit.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 2g

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