I first created this fruit platter as a way to infuse a bit of nutrients into our Christmas dinner. However, it was such a hit that it has become a staple at all our holiday parties and is a favorite recipe on the site, earning a five-star rating from readers!

christmas fruit salad
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Bold in color, it’s full of sweet, tart flavors and offers hints of honey and lemon for a unique dish that both kids and adults love. It’s a fun way to celebrate some of the fresh produce of the season. Plus, it comes together in minutes with no cooking required, meaning it doesn’t add any stress to my already-packed holiday preparations.

I’ve served it as part of breakfast platters, as a side dish, and even as a dessert. No matter what, I never have leftovers. Try it for yourself this holiday season, and I guarantee it will be a for you, too!

Fruits to Use for this Winter Fruit Salad

The secret to a delicious-tasting fruit salad recipe is to use a combination of sweet and tart in-season winter fruit.

Fruits such as apples and bananas are seemingly always in season and easy to find at just about any grocery store. So feel free to combine them with any of the following fruit:

  • Clementines: sweeter than tangerines and easy to peel.
  • Grapefruit: flavor can range from bittersweet to sour taste.
  • Kiwifruit: the riper the fruit, the sweeter and less tart it is.
  • Pears: different varieties of pears ranging from mild to sweet tasting.
  • Persimmon: known for its sugary sweet taste. Let them ripen at room temperature until they are soft.
  • Pomegranates: sweet and tart, and very festive looking.
  • Satsuma oranges: sweet, juicy, seedless, and the easiest variety to peel.
  • Tangerines: a variety of mandarins, known for their sweet flavor and soft, easy-to-peel skins.
ingredients for winter fruit salad

How to Make Christmas Fruit Salad

Instructions for making this winter fruit salad are almost too easy!

  1. Prep the fruit: First, wash the fruit. If necessary, remove stems, and pits, and peel the skin. Chop the fruit into bite-size pieces and add to a large bowl.
  2. Make the honey lemon syrup: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice.
  3. Toss the salad: Pour the syrup over the salad and toss it all together. Serve immediately. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
winter fruit in a bowl

Winter Fruit Salad Recipe Tips

  • Always seasonal. Use seasonal ripe fresh fruit. It will taste the best.
  • No pre-chopped fruit. Avoid using pre-chopped fruit from the supermarket. It’s not always fresh!
  • Variety of color and texture. Mix fruit of different colors and textures.
  • Sweet and tart. Use a variety of sweet and tart fruit.
  • Chop the same. Chop the fruit into similar size pieces.
  • Clean the fruit. Remove stems, pits, and skin when necessary.
  • Avoid frozen fruit. Do not use frozen fruit as it will turn mushy as soon as it thaws.
honey lemon syrup with fruit

How to Store Holiday Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is best enjoyed immediately or on the same day that it is made.

If you plan to save leftover fruit salad, transfer the fruit salad to the refrigerator as quickly as possible after cutting and mixing the fruit. It will last for 3-4 days before becoming too soft.

Fruit Salad Christmas FAQs

What makes a winter fruit a winter fruit?

Winter fruits are grown and harvested in the colder months, meaning they’re sold fresh in the winter. This includes fruits like pomegranate, persimmons, oranges, apples, pears, and grapes.

How do you make a fruit platter look amazing?

Preparing a showstopping fruit platter is all about including a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. For example, I like to cut my fruit into different sizes, arrange them in overlapping patterns, and garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Can I prepare a fruit platter the night before?

Fruit platters are best served right away. However, if needed, you can prepare them a day in advance. Simply arrange the fruit on a platter, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and transfer it to the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If not using a dressing, I recommend tossing the fruit lightly in lemon juice to prevent it from browning.

christmas fruit salad recipe

More Fruit Recipes

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Strawberry Blueberry Jam

Watermelon Balsamic Salad

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles

If you try our holiday fruit salad, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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Winter Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Syrup - healthy, festive and vibrant winter fruit salad with simple 2 ingredient honey syrup. Healthy Thanksgiving fruit | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Holiday Fruit Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 10-12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Who said fruit salads are only for summer? This festive Christmas fruit salad combines popular winter fruit with 2-ingredient lightly sweet and tart syrup. It’s perfect for holidays and potlucks.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 ½ cup pomegranate arils (from about 1 large pomegranate)
  • 2 Asian pears, seeded and chopped
  • 3 persimmons, chopped
  • 4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, seeded and chopped

Syrup

  • 1 Tbsp. liquid honey, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1-2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

To Serve, optional

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the fruit together.
  2. Whisk together the honey and lemon juice and pour the syrup over the fruit salad. Gently toss to combine. This salad is meant to be lightly sweet and tart. If desired, drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Fruit salad is best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days in a sealed container. Or transfer the fruit into single-serving Ziploc bags and freeze for later to use in smoothies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 101
  • Sugar: 17.6 g
  • Sodium: 2.7 mg
  • Fat: 0.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25.3 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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