Fresh Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing (Print Version)

Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing offers a vibrant, fresh taste for your table. Enjoy this simple recipe to brighten any meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Seasonal Fruit Stars

01 - 2 Navel Oranges, peeled and segmented
02 - 1 large Pomegranate, arils removed
03 - 3 Kiwis, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 Anjou Pears, cored and diced

→ Creamy Vanilla Dressing

05 - 1 cup plain full-fat Greek Yogurt
06 - 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 2 tbsp Honey (or Maple Syrup), adjust to taste
08 - 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (from segmented oranges)

→ Optional Toppings

09 - 1/4 cup Toasted Pecans or Almonds, chopped
10 - 2 tbsp Shredded Coconut (unsweetened)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let’s get those fruits ready! Peel your oranges and carefully segment them over a bowl to catch all that glorious juice – you'll want that for the dressing, trust me. Next, tackle the pomegranate. This is where things can get a little wild. Cut it in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and whack the back with a spoon. The arils should pop out. Slice your kiwi and pear, then gently toss all the prepped fruit together in a large bowl. I always forget to do the orange segments over a bowl, ending up with sticky fingers and wasted juice, oops!
02 - Now for the magic. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, pure vanilla extract, honey (or maple syrup), and that fresh lemon juice you saved from the oranges. Whisk it all together until it's smooth and creamy. You want it to be just sweet enough, with that lovely vanilla aroma. Give it a taste. Sometimes I add an extra splash of vanilla if I'm feeling fancy. This is where the dressing for your Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing comes alive!
03 - Once your dressing is perfectly smooth, gently pour it over the mixed fruit. Use a spatula or a large spoon to carefully fold the dressing into the fruit, making sure every piece gets a lovely coat. You don’t want to mash the fruit, so be tender! I always hold my breath a little here, hoping I don't accidentally turn my beautiful segments into mush. This step is key to making a cohesive Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing.
04 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is so important, it lets all those amazing flavors meld together and gets the salad nice and cold, which is honestly how it tastes best. I've been impatient and served it immediately, and while still good, it just wasn't the same. Patience is a virtue, especially for a good Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing.
05 - Right before serving, give the Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing another gentle stir. This ensures the dressing is evenly distributed. Now's the time to add any optional toppings you’re using, like toasted pecans or shredded coconut. I like to scatter them right on top for a beautiful presentation, but you can mix them in too. It just adds that extra bit of texture and visual appeal.
06 - Spoon the vibrant Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Dressing into individual bowls or a pretty serving dish. See how the colors pop? That’s what we’re going for! It should smell fresh and sweet with a hint of vanilla. This salad is so versatile; it works beautifully as a light breakfast, a refreshing side dish, or even a healthier dessert. Enjoy the simple, bright flavors!

# Notes:

01 - Always use full-fat Greek yogurt for the dressing; it gives it that rich, creamy texture that lighter versions just can't match.
02 - De-seeding pomegranates under water in a bowl minimizes the mess and keeps your kitchen from looking like a crime scene.
03 - Don't dress the salad too far in advance, especially if you're using softer fruits like pears, as they can get a bit soggy.
04 - For a beautiful presentation, layer the fruits and drizzle the dressing just before serving, then top with nuts.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - sharp knife
05 - cutting board
06 - spatula or large spoon
07 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180-220
Total Fat: 5-8g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 5-7g

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