Save to Pinterest This refreshing winter fruit combination brings together crisp apples and pears with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds and sweet clementines. A light citrus dressing with honey and cinnamon ties everything together, creating a naturally sweet and healthy bowl that's perfect for cold weather snacking.
The preparation takes just 15 minutes and requires no cooking—simply dice, toss, and serve. The citrus juice prevents fruit from browning while adding brightness, and cinnamon gives that cozy winter spice flavor we crave during cooler months.
Top with walnuts or pecans for satisfying crunch, or keep it nut-free with pumpkin seeds. This mix pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt for breakfast or stands alone as an energizing afternoon snack.
Snow was falling outside my kitchen window when I first threw together this fruit mix. I had a bowl of winter fruits sitting on the counter and wanted something bright to cut through the gray afternoon. The combination of crisp apples, sweet pears, and those jewel-like pomegranate seeds made the whole kitchen feel cheerier somehow.
Last winter I served this at a small gathering and everyone kept asking what I put in the dressing. The honey and cinnamon transform simple fruit into something that feels special without being fussy. My friend actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her bowl.
Ingredients
- Apples and pears: Choose firm varieties that hold their shape when diced, Honeycrisp and Bosc work beautifully
- Clementines or mandarins: These bring a burst of citrus brightness that balances the sweeter fruits
- Pomegranate seeds: The little jewels add incredible color and a satisfying crunch throughout
- Red grapes: Halving them helps distribute their sweetness more evenly
- Orange juice: Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference in the dressing
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to pull everything together without making it dessert sweet
- Ground cinnamon: The secret ingredient that makes this taste like winter comfort
- Walnuts or pecans: Optional but recommended for that lovely buttery crunch on top
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit:
- Core and dice the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces, peel and separate the clementines, seed the pomegranate, and halve the grapes. The fruit should all be roughly similar sizes for the best eating experience.
- Make the dressing:
- Whisk together the orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon in a small bowl until completely smooth and combined.
- Combine everything:
- Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit in a large bowl and toss gently. You want every piece coated without bruising the delicate fruits.
- Add the finishing touch:
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the top right before serving if using them.
Save to Pinterest This became my go-to during holiday season when I wanted something lighter than cookies but still festive. Theres something about the red and green colors dotted with white pomegranate seeds that feels perfect for December gatherings.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in dried cranberries for extra tartness or diced kiwi when I want more green in the bowl. The base recipe is forgiving enough that you can use whatever winter fruit looks best at the market.
Serving Ideas
While its perfect on its own, this fruit mix is lovely over Greek yogurt for breakfast or as a topping for oatmeal. I have also served it alongside vanilla ice cream for a simple but elegant dessert.
Storage Tips
This keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the nuts will lose their crunch if added too far in advance. The fruit actually tastes better after marinating for a bit.
- Add the nuts right before serving for maximum crunch
- Use a glass container to prevent the cinnamon from staining plastic
- Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing
Save to Pinterest Hope this brightens up your winter days as much as it has mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long does this winter fruit mix stay fresh?
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The citrus dressing helps prevent browning, so this mix stays fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. For best texture, add nuts just before serving.
- → Can I prepare this fruit mix ahead of time?
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Yes! You can dice all the fruits and store them separately. Toss with the citrus dressing and spices up to 4 hours before serving. The citrus juice keeps apples and pears from oxidizing.
- → What other winter fruits work well in this mix?
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Persimmons, sliced kiwi, blood oranges, or grapefruit segments make excellent additions. Dried cranberries or chopped dates also complement the fresh fruits nicely.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
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Absolutely. Portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat if storing longer than 24 hours.
- → Can I make this without honey or maple syrup?
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The natural sweetness from ripe fruits and orange juice is often sufficient. Simply omit the sweetener or substitute with a teaspoon of agave or date syrup if preferred.
