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Kid-Approved Winter Fruit Salad with Pomegranate: Easy & Perfect

winter fruit salad with pomegranate - featured image

A quick and easy winter fruit salad with pomegranate, citrus, apples, and pears tossed in a honey-lime dressing. Perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils (about 1 large pomegranate)
  • 2 large oranges (navel or blood oranges)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 2 medium pears (Bosc or Anjou)
  • 2 bananas
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pomegranate: Cut the pomegranate in half crosswise. Hold one half cut-side down over a bowl and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon. The arils will fall out easily. Pick out any white pith. Set aside 1 cup of arils.
  2. Segment the oranges: Cut off the top and bottom of each orange. Stand it upright and slice off the peel and white pith in strips, following the curve of the fruit. Hold the peeled orange over the bowl and cut between the membranes to release the segments. Squeeze the remaining membrane to get any extra juice.
  3. Core and chop the apples: Cut the apples in half, then into quarters. Remove the core and seeds. Slice into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. Toss them with a little lime juice immediately to prevent browning.
  4. Core and chop the pears: Repeat the same process as the apples. Pears are softer, so be gentle. Add them to the bowl with the apples.
  5. Slice the bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Add them to the bowl.
  6. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust — add more honey if you like it sweeter, more lime if you want it tangier.
  7. Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss with a large spoon until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the bananas or pears.
  8. Add the pomegranate and mint: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils and chopped mint over the top. Gently fold them in.
  9. Chill and serve: For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Prep the pomegranate first to avoid mess. Don’t skip the lime juice—it prevents browning. Cut everything roughly the same size for even texture. Add bananas at the last minute to prevent browning and mushiness. Use cold fruit for a more refreshing salad. Avoid overdressing; start with less and add more if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter fruit salad, pomegranate salad, kid-friendly fruit salad, easy fruit salad, honey-lime dressing, healthy fruit salad