Winter Citrus & Pomegranate Fruit Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Winter Citrus & Pomegranate Fruit Salad is a bright and refreshing way to enjoy seasonal fruits. Combining juicy oranges, tangy grapefruits, and sweet pomegranate seeds, it’s perfect for a light dessert or a vibrant side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
- 1 large pomegranate (or 1¾ cups ready-to-eat pomegranate arils, with juices)
- 2 large navel oranges
- 2 pink grapefruits
- 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the pomegranate on a surface that won’t stain. Starting at the crown, cut a cross about halfway down. Over a large bowl set in the sink, hold the fruit crown side down and break it into quarters. Squeeze each quarter firmly to release seeds and juice, then bend the quarters to loosen more seeds. Pick out any white membrane pieces, leaving only seeds and juice in the bowl.
- Step 2: For the oranges and grapefruits, slice off the top and bottom so they sit flat. Using a sharp knife, remove all the skin and pith by cutting down the sides. Holding the fruit over the bowl, carefully cut out the segments between the membranes, cutting only to the fruit’s center. Squeeze the remaining membranes to release all juice into the bowl.
- Step 3: Taste the fruit mixture and add up to 1 tablespoon of sugar if needed. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve in bowls, allowing the juice to be spooned along with the fruit.
- Step 4: To avoid staining, cut pomegranates on disposable plastic bags or a surface that can be easily cleaned.
Tips & Variations
- Use ready-to-eat pomegranate arils for a faster prep or if pomegranates are hard to find.
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal note.
- Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
- Include other winter fruits like kiwi or persimmons to vary flavors and colors.
Storage
Store the fruit salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Juice may separate over time, so stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the fruit vibrant and juicy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, it’s best to serve it within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
How do I handle pomegranate juice stains?
Pomegranate juice can stain surfaces and clothes easily. Use disposable plastic bags or a non-porous cutting board to prepare the fruit, and clean any spills immediately with cold water to minimize staining.
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Winter Citrus & Pomegranate Fruit Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Winter Citrus & Pomegranate Fruit Salad featuring juicy pomegranate arils, sweet navel oranges, and tangy pink grapefruits, lightly sweetened if desired. This vibrant salad is perfect for a healthy snack or a festive side dish, showcasing the brightness of winter citrus fruits combined with the jewel-like seeds of pomegranate.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 large pomegranate (or 1¾ cups ready-to-eat pomegranate arils with juices)
- 2 large navel oranges
- 2 pink grapefruits
Additional
- 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the pomegranate: Place the pomegranate on a surface that won’t stain. Starting at the crown, cut a cross about halfway down. Hold the pomegranate crown side down over a large bowl placed in the sink and break it into quarters. Squeeze each quarter firmly over the bowl to release seeds and juice, bending back the quarters to release more seeds. Squeeze again to extract remaining juice. Remove any white membrane bits, leaving only seeds and juice in the bowl.
- Segment the citrus fruits: Cut a slice off the top and bottom of each orange and grapefruit so they sit flat. Use a sharp knife to remove all skin and pith by working around the fruits. Hold each fruit over the bowl and carefully cut segments out by cutting between the membranes, cutting only until the center. Squeeze the remaining membranes over the bowl to release all juices.
- Sweeten and chill: Taste the fruit salad and add up to 1 tablespoon of sugar if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve the salad in bowls to allow the juice to be spooned up with the fruit.
- Helpful Tips: To avoid staining your cutting board or countertop, consider cutting pomegranates on disposable plastic bags.
- Note: Nutritional info does not include the optional tablespoon of sugar added.
Notes
- Pomegranate juice can stain wooden cutting boards and some countertops; use disposable plastic bags to prevent stains.
- The optional sugar is added only if needed, depending on the sweetness of the fruits.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: winter fruit salad, pomegranate salad, citrus salad, healthy fruit salad, no-cook salad, vegan fruit salad
