Easy Fresh Winter Fruit Salad with Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing
A colorful medley of winter fruits with a warm cinnamon vanilla dressing, perfect for brightening the cold season.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 medium apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji) Choose firm apples for best texture.
- 2 ripe pears, diced (Bosc or Bartlett)
- 2 medium oranges, segmented and chopped (navel or blood oranges)
- 1 large banana, sliced (optional) Optional for added creaminess.
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (about 1 small pomegranate)
- ½ cup red grapes, halved (optional) Add for extra sweetness.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey) Agave syrup or stevia can be used for lower sugar.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Can substitute with lime for a different flavor.
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by washing all your fruits thoroughly.
- Dice the apples and pears into 1/2-inch cubes and slice the banana into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Halve the grapes and segment the oranges into manageable portions.
- To prepare the pomegranate, cut it in half and tap the outer skin with a wooden spoon over a bowl to release the seeds.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all the prepared fruits: apples, pears, oranges, banana, grapes, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat all the fruits evenly.
Chill and Serve
- If time permits, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or a large serving dish.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Avoid using overly ripe fruit for best texture.