Winter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of winter with this delightful Winter Fruit Salad featuring a warm cinnamon vanilla dressing. It’s a refreshing and healthy option perfect for holiday gatherings or a light snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 2 cups of diced pears
- 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup of chopped oranges
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, chopped oranges, and walnuts.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey over low heat until it becomes warm and runny.
- Step 3: Stir the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract into the warm honey until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the warm cinnamon vanilla dressing over the fruit mixture and gently toss to ensure all pieces are coated.
- Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds to vary the texture and flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different natural sweetness.
Storage
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best freshness, add the dressing just before serving if planning to store the fruit separately. Re-toss gently before serving if chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh fruit for this salad to maintain the crisp texture and vibrant flavors. Frozen fruit may release excess water and become mushy when thawed.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon vanilla dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it slightly before pouring over the salad for best results.
PrintWinter Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Vanilla Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and healthy Winter Fruit Salad featuring a mix of diced apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, and oranges, topped with crunchy walnuts and a warm cinnamon vanilla honey dressing. Perfect as a light snack or a festive side dish during the colder months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fruit:
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 2 cups of diced pears
- 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup of chopped oranges
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the fruits and nuts: In a large bowl, mix together the diced apples, diced pears, pomegranate seeds, chopped oranges, and chopped walnuts to create the base of the fruit salad.
- Heat the honey: Place the honey in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat until it becomes fluid and easier to mix.
- Add the spices: Stir the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract into the warmed honey until well combined, forming the cinnamon vanilla dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the warm dressing over the fruit and nut mixture and gently toss everything together to coat the salad evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: You can serve the salad immediately for a slightly warm dressing effect, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve it cold.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours as the fruits may release juices and soften over time.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option, although this recipe is not vegan due to honey.
- To make it extra festive, add pomegranate arils or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving.
Keywords: Winter fruit salad, cinnamon vanilla dressing, healthy fruit salad, holiday fruit salad, pomegranate salad, walnut fruit salad
