Meet your fresh Christmas fruit salad

This bright salad brings color and light flavors to the holiday table. It mixes sweet grapes, tart pomegranate, juicy berries, apples, and kiwi with a simple honey-orange poppyseed dressing. It’s quick to pull together and looks festive on a platter.

You can also find other simple salads for holidays, like this apple and walnut egg salad recipe, if you want more ideas.

Why this is a great dish for the holidays

This salad is fresh, light, and easy to make ahead. Kids like the fruit colors, and adults enjoy the bright dressing. It balances richer holiday foods and adds a healthy option to the spread.

If you like mixing textures and bright flavors, try this idea alongside a savory option such as bruschetta pasta salad.

How to make Christmas Fruit Salad — a quick plan

1. Wash and prep all fruit gently so nothing gets squished.
2. Mix the dressing while fruit waits.
3. Toss fruit with dressing just before serving, or keep fruit and dressing chilled until you’re ready.
   This keeps the fruit crisp and colorful.

Ingredients you’ll need

• 2 cups green grapes
• 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 2 apples, sliced and de-seeded
• 2 cups raspberries
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 cup pomegranate arils (about 1 pomegranate, seeded)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Step-by-step directions

1. Carefully combine all the fruit in a large bowl. Handle gently so you don’t squish berries or grapes.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the honey, orange juice, and poppy seeds until smooth.
3. When you are ready to serve, pour the dressing over the fruit and carefully mix once or twice to coat.
4. If you won’t serve right away, cover the fruit and the dressing separately and chill for up to 6 hours. Mix just before serving.

Simple ways to serve this salad

Serve it in a large glass bowl so the colors show, or spoon it into individual cups for easy portions. Top with a few extra pomegranate arils or a sprig of mint for a festive touch.

How to store the salad

Keep the dressing and fruit in separate containers in the fridge if you plan to wait. Fruit will stay best for up to 6 hours mixed. If mixed, eat within one day for best texture and color.

Handy tips for the best result

• Slice apples and toss them in a little orange juice to slow browning.
• Add the dressing last so berries don’t get soft.
• Use firm strawberries and chilled fruit for a crisper salad.
  For other quick salad tips, you might like this best BLT chicken salad guide.

Easy variations you can try

• Add sliced mandarin segments instead of orange juice for a sweeter dressing.
• Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch (if no nut allergies).
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.

Nutrition snapshot (approximate)

Per serving (about 1 cup): ~120–150 calories, mostly from fruit sugars; provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants from berries and pomegranate. Exact values vary by fruit size and serving.

Serving ideas for a family meal

• Place the salad in the center for sharing with spoons.
• Offer small bowls for kids to customize with extra berries.
• Pair with simple main dishes so everyone can enjoy seconds.

What goes well on the table with this

This salad pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, baked chicken, or savory pies. It also works as a light dessert after a heavy meal.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I make this a day ahead?
A: You can prep and cut the fruit a day ahead, but keep the dressing separate. Mix them up to 6 hours before serving for best texture.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: I don’t recommend frozen fruit because it becomes soft when thawed. Use fresh for the best feel and look.

Q: How do I seed a pomegranate quickly?
A: Cut it in half, hold over a bowl, and tap the back with a spoon to release the arils. Do this over a bowl of water to reduce splatter.

Q: Is there a substitute for poppy seeds?
A: Yes — try chia seeds or omit them if you don’t have any.

Conclusion

For more ideas and variations of this festive dish, see this Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe | The Recipe Critic, this easy version at Christmas Fruit Salad recipe – The Recipe Rebel, and a colorful take at Christmas Fruit Salad – Foxes Love Lemons.

Christmas Fruit Salad

A vibrant and light fruit salad featuring sweet grapes, tart pomegranate, juicy berries, apples, and kiwi, dressed in a honey-orange poppyseed mixture, perfect for the holiday table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 6 servings

Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients

  

Fresh Fruit Ingredients

• 2 cups green grapes Wash gently before use.
• 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 2 apples, sliced and de-seeded Toss in a little orange juice to slow browning.
• 2 cups raspberries Handle gently to avoid squishing.
• 2 cups sliced strawberries Use firm strawberries for better texture.
• 1 cup pomegranate arils (about 1 pomegranate, seeded) Refer to the instructions for seeding tips.

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice Use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds Can substitute with chia seeds if needed.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Wash and prep all fruit gently so nothing gets squished.
• In a small bowl, stir together the honey, orange juice, and poppy seeds until smooth.

Serving

• Carefully combine all the fruit in a large bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the fruit and carefully mix once or twice to coat.
• If you won’t serve right away, cover the fruit and the dressing separately and chill for up to 6 hours. Mix just before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large glass bowl for color visibility or in individual cups. Top with extra pomegranate arils or a sprig of mint for a festive look. Keep an eye on fruit freshness; best if consumed within one day of mixing.

Keyword Christmas Fruit Salad, Festive Salad, Fruit Salad Recipe