Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a stunning, crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table, this Christmas Fruit Salad is just the thing. Bursting with seasonal colors, refreshing flavors, and a delightful mix of textures, it’s the perfect side or dessert for Christmas brunches, parties, or any festive gathering. Not only does it taste amazing, but it comes together quickly—leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fruit Salad
- Festively Colorful: Red, green, and white fruits shine on your holiday table.
- Quick & Easy: Just 20 minutes of prep with no baking or cooking required.
- Light & Refreshing: The perfect palate cleanser between rich holiday dishes.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite seasonal fruits or flavors.
- Make Ahead: Can be prepped in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients for Christmas Fruit Salad
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
- 1 red apple, chopped (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 large orange (about 1/3 cup)
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Christmas Fruit Salad: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Fruits
Rinse all fresh fruits under cold water. Hull and slice the strawberries, halve the grapes, dice the kiwis, chop the apple (leave the skin on for color!), cut pineapple if using fresh, and slice the banana.
Step 2: Mix the Citrus Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, orange zest, and ground cinnamon until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together all the prepared fruits and dried cranberries. Pour over the citrus dressing and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Christmas Fruit Salad Notes
- Prevent Browning: Toss apples and bananas with a bit of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Freshness Tip: Use ripe, in-season fruit for the sweetest flavor. Learn more about healthy fruit choices.
- Serving Suggestion: This fruit salad looks beautiful in a clear glass trifle bowl at your holiday table.
Christmas Fruit Salad Variations
- Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt for a rich, tangy twist.
- Tropical Christmas: Mix in mango, papaya, and fresh coconut for a Caribbean flair.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts just before serving.
Required Equipment for Christmas Fruit Salad
- Sharp paring knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon
Storage Instructions for Christmas Fruit Salad
Store any leftover Christmas Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again. For best texture, avoid freezing as it will make the fruit mushy.
Christmas Fruit Salad Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or your favorite Christmas mains.
- Pairs perfectly with brunch items like cinnamon rolls or breakfast casseroles.
- Try it as a topping for pound cake, vanilla ice cream, or creamy panna cotta.
Christmas Fruit Salad Pro Tips
- Uniform Pieces: Cut fruits into similar sizes for even mixing and eye appeal. How to chop fruits perfectly.
- Last-Minute Banana: Add banana slices just before serving to keep them from turning brown.
- Flavor Boost: For extra zing, sprinkle in a few fresh mint leaves or a splash of Grand Marnier (for adults only!).
Christmas Fruit Salad FAQ
- Can I make Christmas Fruit Salad the day before?
- Yes! Prep all fruits except banana in advance. Add banana and dressing right before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
- Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
- What other fruits can I use for Christmas Fruit Salad?
- Pear, mandarin oranges, blueberries, or red grapes work great—mix and match based on what’s in season! Check seasonal fruit ideas here.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 min chilling) | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 cup green kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple chunks, red grapes, kiwi slices, strawberries, orange segments, and pomegranate seeds.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together honey and fresh lime juice until well blended.
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3Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the mixed fruit. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
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4Optionally, add chopped fresh mint and toss to combine for a refreshing flavor.
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5Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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