Christmas Fruit Salad

This Christmas fruit salad is a fresh, sweet treat for a morning snack, dessert after dinner or brunch during the holidays. Keeping the colors of Christmas, the mixed fruit give different layers of sweetness, from the fragrant strawberries to the tart green apple.

Ingredients

• green apples - cleaned, cored and chopped (can leave the peel on)
• kiwis - peeled and chopped
• strawberries - hulled and quartered (small strawberries can just be halved)
• liquid honey - to enhance the sweetness of the fruits and balance the acidity of the fruits that are more tart
• orange juice - freshly squeezed
• whipped cream topping - for serving (such as Cool Whip)
• fresh mint leaves - to garnish (optional)

*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.

Recipe Tweaks

• If you wish to add more fruit that matches the Christmas colors, the fruits that best pair with the ones in this fruity Christmas salad are cranberries, red apples or cherries. Pitted cherries taste amazing in fresh fruit salads and baking, including my cherry galette.
• There are two green fruits in the salad already, so it makes sense to add a red fruit to balance the colors but a green fruit suggestion for you would be green grapes. A ripe starfruit is slightly green at the edges and would go beautifully with the Christmas theme.
• You can even add some white fruits if you wish.
• For some extra crunch, sweetness and Christmas colors, crumble these easy Christmas cookies over the top of the fruit salad.

If you would like to get more adventurous, you can add warm holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, basil for a strong, peppery flavor or spinach for more iron and more green for the holidays. Warm Christmas spices aren't limited to desserts like these Christmas-spiced cake pops. Think outside the box.

How to Make Christmas Fruit Salad

This recipe makes 4 servings but it can easily be scaled up for more guests.

Step 1: Combine Fruit. In a large glass bowl, combine all of the fruit.

Step 2: Whisk Juice. Whisk together the honey and orange juice in a separate small bowl.

Step 5: Serve. Transfer the Christmas fruit salad to individual bowls. Top with the whipped cream topping and fresh mint leaves (if using). Serve!

Chef's Note: You can also serve it buffet-style and let guests serve themselves and customize their portions.

Food & Drink Pairings

• Roast meats: Serve it alongside whole roasted chicken, turkey or ham as a refreshing, light side dish that contrasts with the richness of the meat. You can also try this Christmas beef tenderloin.
• Holiday desserts: Pair it with Christmas desserts like fruitcake, gingerbread cake pops, or mince pies.
• Brunch items: It complements brunch staples like cinnamon rolls, pancakes, or quiche.
• Cheese platters: Fruit salad goes well with a selection of cheeses like brie, cheddar, or gouda.
• Drinks: The cool and fruity salad is a nice temperature contrast to warm or spiced holiday drinks like eggnog, hot chocolate or this hot, spiced mulled wine cocktail.

Storage Tips

Like with most fresh fruit, it is recommended to eat them as soon as they are prepared. If certain fruits are left out for a long period of time, they start to brown (like apples) or get squishy (like grapes). This is where orange juice comes in; it adds a fresh flavor to the fruit salad and the acid helps prevent browning.

Fruit salads usually last up to three to five days. If you still have leftovers and want to have your salad in the morning or after dinner, store it in an airtight container as soon as possible.

If you wish to take it to-go, reusable silicone bags are great for individual portions and keep your salad fresh.

Christmas Fruit Salad FAQs

More Festive Holiday Recipes to Try