Name: Vibrant Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 medium Red Apple (Gala or Fuji recommended); 2 medium Green Apple (Granny Smith preferred); 1 cup Green Grapes (Halved); 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Can substitute with raisins); 2 medium Kiwi (Ripe); 1 cup Strawberries (Fresh and ripe); 1/4 cup Honey (Agave syrup for vegan option); 1/2 cup Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (Optional); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Or ground nutmeg); 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (Adjust quantity if using fresh)

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As I stood in my kitchen surrounded by a medley of vibrant fruits, I couldn’t help but smile at the colorful display before me. Today, I’m whipping up a delightful Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing, and it’s the perfect companion for any holiday gathering. This easy recipe not only brings a burst of color to your table, but it also combines the juicy sweetness of red apples and strawberries with the crisp tartness of green apples and kiwi. Not to mention, the simple yet aromatic dressing adds a delightful zing that elevates this salad to a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re prepping for a festive brunch or looking for a refreshing side at dinner, this fruit salad is a healthful option that can be made ahead of time. Are you ready to fill your bowl with this joyous array of flavors? Let’s get started!

Why is this fruit salad so special?

Festive Colors: The vibrant red and green fruits not only look gorgeous but also make this salad a visual centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this delicious salad ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for those busy days.

Refreshing & Healthy: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this fruit salad is a guilt-free treat that offers a refreshing twist amidst heavier holiday dishes.

Versatile Add-Ons: Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal fruits or swap out the apples for pears; the options are endless!

Crowd-Pleaser: The delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors in this salad is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a must-have for your next potluck.

For more delicious fruit combinations, check out my Easy Fruit Salad recipe.

Red & Green Fruit Salad Ingredients

• This colorful and refreshing salad features a delightful mix of fruit!

For the Fruit

Red Apple – Provides sweetness and crunch; use a Gala or Fuji for best flavor.
Green Apple – Offers a tart contrast to the sweetness; Granny Smith works well.
Green Grapes – Add refreshing juiciness; halve before using for texture balance.
Dried Cranberries – Contribute chewy texture and a tart pop; can use raisins if preferred.
Kiwi – Adds a tropical flavor and bright green color; ensure they’re ripe for the best taste.
Strawberries – Introduce sweetness and vibrant color; fresh, ripe strawberries are best.

For the Dressing

Honey – Acts as a sweetener in the dressing; substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
Orange Juice – Provides acidity and brightness; freshly squeezed enhances flavor.
Poppy Seeds – Offer a decorative touch and slight crunch; omit if unavailable.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth to the dressing; optional ground nutmeg can be used for variation.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and flavor depth; avoid imitation for best results.
Ground Ginger – Adds a spice note; fresh ginger can be used but adjust quantity.

Now you have all the essential ingredients to whip up a delicious Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing. Let’s continue creating this delightful dish!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together ¼ cup of honey, ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Mix until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the fruit.

Step 2: Chop the Fruit
Take the red and green apples and chop them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skins on for color and texture. Halve the green grapes and slice the kiwi and strawberries into thin rounds. As you do this, place all the chopped fruit into a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful medley. The vibrant hues will energize your kitchen!

Step 3: Combine the Fruit
Once all the fruit is chopped, gently toss them together in the large mixing bowl. Be careful not to bruise the delicate strawberries and kiwi—this will enhance the visual appeal of your Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing. Enjoy the refreshing aroma as the fruits intermingle.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared cinnamon orange dressing over the combined fruit mixture in the bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to lightly coat the fruit with the dressing. Ensure that every piece gets a touch of that aromatic flavor without mashing the fruit.

Step 5: Serve or Chill
For the best experience, serve the salad immediately in a large serving bowl, but you can also refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving if you prefer it chilled. This Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing can be a refreshing centerpiece at your holiday table, or a delightful treat for any gathering.

Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this fruit salad your own with these tasty twists!

Pears Instead of Apples: Swap red and green apples for juicy pears for a sweeter and softer texture that complements the dressing beautifully.
Add Citrus: Toss in segments of mandarin oranges or a handful of pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color. The zest from citrus can elevate your salad’s freshness and appeal so much!
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. They add richness and rustic flavor, elevating your simple salad to a new level.
Dried Fruit Mix: Use a blend of dried fruits like apricots or figs instead of cranberries for a chewier texture and deeper sweetness. This will infuse a lush, rich aspect into your fruit medley.
Spicy Heat: For a little kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing. It pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the fruits, giving your salad a unique twist!
Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing for a sweet vegan alternative. This adjustment will keep the flavors intact while accommodating everyone at the table.
Zesty Lime Dressing: Swap out the orange juice with lime juice for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. Lime adds a refreshing zing that is perfect on a warm day.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for a surprising indulgence. It turns this healthy salad into a dessert-worthy delight that children and adults alike will adore!

Want to expand your fruit salad repertoire? Check out my Easy Fruit Salad recipe for more delightful ideas!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply whisk together the honey, orange juice, poppy seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and ginger, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the fruit, chop the green grapes, kiwi, and strawberries ahead of time, but wait to cut the red and green apples until just before serving to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, combine the fruit in a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and toss gently. This way, you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Red & Green Fruit Salad

Chop Wisely: Minimize browning by chopping apples last. This keeps your Red & Green Fruit Salad looking fresh and vibrant.
Prep Ahead: Make the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate. This saves time and allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
Fruit Freshness: Use ripe fruits for the best taste. Underripe kiwi and strawberries can disappoint, so give them a gentle squeeze in the store!
Visual Appeal: For a stunning presentation, layer the fruits instead of mixing them. This keeps colors distinct and enhances the visual impact.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container and enjoy within a day to maintain freshness.
Experiment: Try adding seasonal favorites like mandarin oranges or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist on your salad.

What to Serve with Festive Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing

This delightful fruit salad is not just a treat for the eyes but a refreshing addition to any meal.

Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt serves as a delicious contrast, adding creaminess that complements the crisp fruits beautifully.
Savory Cheese Platter: Pairing this fruit salad with a selection of cheeses like feta or goat adds a savory balance, enhancing your holiday spread.
Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts bring a delightful texture and warmth, enriching the salad’s flavors and giving your taste buds an extra kick.
Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the ham harmonizes with the fruity notes of the salad, creating a perfect harmony that evokes holiday nostalgia.
Quinoa Salad: A light and nutty quinoa salad on the side provides a healthy, protein-packed option, making your meal hearty yet refreshing.
Prosecco or Sparkling Water: A glass of bubbly drink adds celebratory flair, enhancing the festive atmosphere that this Red & Green Fruit Salad brings.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a sweet ending, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside for a contrast of rich and fruity flavors that every guest will adore.

How to Store and Freeze Red & Green Fruit Salad

Fridge: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fruits will stay fresh, but for best flavor, add the dressing just before serving.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the textures of fresh fruits will change and become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad; enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat. If you have mixed in edible flowers, remove them before storing.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. Keep the fruit separate until just before serving to maintain freshness in your Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing.

Red & Green Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Orange Dressing Recipe FAQs

What types of apples are best for this fruit salad?
I recommend using a Gala or Fuji red apple for their natural sweetness and crunch. For the green apple, Granny Smith is an excellent choice as it provides a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the red apple.

How should I store leftovers of the fruit salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze the Red & Green Fruit Salad?
I advise against freezing this salad, as the textures of the fresh fruits will change and become mushy once thawed. If you have leftover dressing, you can store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge instead.

How can I prevent the apples from browning?
To keep the apples looking fresh, chop them last just before serving. Additionally, you can toss them in a bit of lemon juice after cutting to help prevent oxidation. This little trick works wonders!

What if I have allergy concerns?
If anyone has allergies or dietary restrictions, you can customize this salad easily! Omit the dried cranberries if there’s a concern about dried fruits, and you can use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Always check for any additional ingredients people might be sensitive to.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance and refrigerate it. However, to maintain the freshness of the fruit, it’s best to chop it and combine everything just before serving.