Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The combination of red and green fruits creates a visually appealing dish that embodies the holiday spirit.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Versatile: Serves well as a side dish or a light dessert, complementing various holiday meals.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1 red apple, sliced
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup red grapes
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Combine Fruits: In a large glass bowl, gently mix the pear, apple, green and red grapes, kiwis, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds. Be careful to keep the raspberries intact.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and water until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the honey-lime dressing over the mixed fruits. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are lightly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for up to 6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Substitutions: Feel free to substitute or add fruits like strawberries, cherries, green melon, or green apples to maintain the festive red and green theme.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Herbal Hint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to enhance the freshness and add a pop of color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this fruit salad?
You can prepare this salad up to 6 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld without the fruits becoming too soft.
Can I use different fruits?
Yes, you can swap fruits while keeping the red and green theme. Try strawberries, cherries, green melon, or green apple for variety.
How do I prevent the fruits from browning?
The lime juice in the dressing helps prevent browning. Ensure all fruit pieces, especially apples and pears, are well coated.
Is the dressing necessary?
The honey-lime dressing adds flavor and helps keep the fruits looking fresh. You can skip it, but the salad might not look as vibrant.
Can I add bananas to this salad?
Bananas can be added, but they tend to brown quickly. If you choose to include them, add just before serving and ensure they're coated with the dressing.
How should I handle delicate fruits like raspberries?
Raspberries are delicate. Add them last and stir very gently to keep them whole. You can also place them on top for presentation.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly softer but will still be delicious.
Can I freeze this fruit salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the fruits can become mushy upon thawing.
How can I add more flavor to the dressing?
For additional flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of zest from citrus fruits to the dressing.
Conclusion
This Christmas Fruit Salad is a delightful and healthy addition to your holiday menu. Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors provide a perfect balance to traditional holiday dishes. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it's sure to become a favorite at your festive gatherings.
Christmas Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Fruit Salad is a festive and refreshing holiday dish featuring a vibrant mix of red and green fruits with a sweet honey-lime dressing. It’s quick, healthy, and a perfect addition to your Christmas table. Serve it as a side dish or a light dessert for a fresh contrast to rich holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1 red apple, sliced
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup red grapes
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Combine Fruits: In a large bowl, gently mix the pear, apple, grapes, kiwis, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds. Handle raspberries carefully to keep them intact.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and water until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the mixed fruits and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
- To prevent browning, ensure apples and pears are well coated with lime juice.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added freshness and color.
- Best served chilled and consumed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
