Fresh, colorful, and festive — this Christmas Fruit Salad combines seasonal fruits with a light honey-lime dressing for a holiday dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Occasion: Christmas, Holiday Parties, Winter Brunch
Ingredients
Fruit Mix
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1 cup red grapes
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1 cup green grapes
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1 pear, sliced
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1 red apple, sliced
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2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
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1 cup fresh raspberries
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¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Honey-Lime Dressing
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp water
Instructions
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Prepare Fruit: Wash and dry all fruit. Slice the pear, apple, and kiwis into bite-sized pieces. Halve large grapes if desired.
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Mix Fruit: In a large glass bowl, gently combine grapes, pear, apple, kiwi slices, raspberries, and pomegranate seeds. Handle raspberries carefully so they stay intact.
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Make Dressing: In a small dish, whisk together honey, lime juice, and water until fully blended and smooth.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey-lime mixture over the fruit. Toss lightly to coat without crushing the softer fruits.
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Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 6 hours before serving.
Brief Introduction
This salad is like Christmas in a bowl — the bright reds, greens, and golds give it a festive look, while the sweet-tart dressing ties everything together. Perfect for adding a healthy, refreshing touch to the holiday table.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Preparing the Fruit
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Use ripe but firm fruits to keep the salad fresh-looking for hours.
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Soak apple and pear slices briefly in lemon water to prevent browning if making ahead.
2. Whisking the Dressing
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The honey-lime combo gives a light glaze and a burst of flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruit.
3. Gentle Mixing
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Add the raspberries last and fold them in gently to keep them whole.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
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Pears: Bosc or Anjou pears work best — they’re sweet yet firm.
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Pomegranate Seeds: Can be swapped for dried cranberries if you prefer.
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Kiwi: Golden kiwi adds a different color and a sweeter flavor.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Minty Twist: Add finely chopped fresh mint for a cool finish.
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Holiday Dessert Parfait: Layer the salad with vanilla yogurt and granola in glasses.
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Tropical Upgrade: Toss in pineapple chunks for extra brightness.
Storage & Make-Ahead Information
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Make Ahead: Prepare fruit and dressing separately. Combine just before serving.
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Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. Best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: ~120 kcal | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Sugar: 24g | Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Q: Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?
A: Absolutely! Just keep the same dressing ratio to maintain flavor balance.
Q: How do I keep raspberries from getting mushy?
A: Add them right before serving and handle gently when tossing the salad.
Personal Story
The first time I made this salad for Christmas brunch, I didn’t expect it to disappear faster than the desserts — but it did. Everyone loved the fresh burst of flavor between heavier holiday dishes, and now it’s a must-have tradition on our table.
Do you want me to also make a matching winter salad photo inspiration guide so it looks perfect on a holiday spread? That could tie in beautifully with the rest of your recipe blog.