Winter Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful and vibrant dish that shines during the cold months. This refreshing salad combines a variety of seasonal fruits, including crisp apples and pears, with a creamy poppyseed dressing that is sure to please anyone at your table. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also brings together flavors that embody the essence of winter. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a nutritious snack, this dish can become a staple in your winter menu.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Fruit Salad with
There are countless reasons to adore this winter fruit salad with poppyseed dressing. First, it’s a true winter fruit medley that highlights the best seasonal fruits available. This salad is also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand. It’s a quick and easy seasonal fruit salad recipe that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. Additionally, this salad serves as a colorful centerpiece on any table, making it an excellent choice for festive occasions. It’s also a healthy winter fruit snack option that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Finally, this dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted to fit vegan lifestyles by swapping the dressing.
Ingredients for Winter Fruit Salad with
Gather these items:
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons diced onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
- 4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup cashews
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
How to Make Winter Fruit Salad with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Add sugar, lemon juice, onion, Dijon mustard, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Step 2: Blend until smooth.
- Step 3: With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until thick and creamy.
- Step 4: Add poppy seeds and pulse briefly to combine.
- Step 5: Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear.
- Step 7: Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Step 8: Pour dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Step 9: Toss lightly until coated and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Winter Fruit Salad with
Keep these in mind:
- Always use fresh, seasonal fruits for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Chill your dressing before adding it to enhance its creamy texture.
- Feel free to add more nuts or seeds for additional crunch and health benefits.
- To keep fruits from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice.

Best Ways to Serve Winter Fruit Salad with
There are numerous ways to present this winter fruit salad with that will make it even more enjoyable. Serve it as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or as part of a buffet spread. You can also turn it into a light main course by adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. For a more festive touch, consider garnishing it with mint leaves or a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds, enhancing the colorful winter fruit platter.
How to Store and Reheat Winter Fruit Salad with
To store your winter fruit salad with, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a few days for optimal freshness. If you’re planning to prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving. This will help maintain the crispness of the fruits and the lettuce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Fruit Salad with
What’s the secret to perfect Winter Fruit Salad with?
The secret lies in selecting the freshest fruits available during the season. Incorporating a variety of textures and flavors, such as crunchy apples and creamy Swiss cheese, creates an enjoyable experience. Adding a sweet and tangy dressing enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Can I make Winter Fruit Salad with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Simply chop the fruits and store them separately. Mix them with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Winter Fruit Salad with?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your fruits are not overly ripe, which can lead to a mushy salad. Additionally, toss the salad gently to prevent bruising the fruits. Lastly, be mindful of the amount of dressing you use; too much can overpower the delicate flavors of the fruits.
Creative Variations of Winter Fruit Salad with You Can Try
Experimenting with variations can add excitement to your winter fruit salad with. Try adding citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits for a festive fruit salad with citrus twist. You can also create a nutritious winter fruit bowl by incorporating chia seeds or flaxseeds. For a unique flair, consider a winter fruit salad with yogurt dressing to enhance the creaminess and flavor. Lastly, a vegan winter fruit salad idea could involve substituting cheese with avocado for a creamy texture without dairy.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. If you’re looking for a comforting dish, our creamy potato soup is a perfect choice.
For more information on the health benefits of fruits, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Winter Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing: 7 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Winter Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a flavorful and easy recipe that looks beautiful on any table.
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons diced onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
- 4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup cashews
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
Instructions
- Add sugar, lemon juice, onion, Dijon mustard, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until thick and creamy.
- Add poppy seeds and pulse briefly to combine.
- Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear.
- Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss lightly until coated and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 26 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Winter Fruit Salad, Poppyseed Dressing, Salad Recipe











