Winter Fruit Salad with Candied Grapes
This winter fruit salad is sweet, refreshing, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Candied grapes add a sparkling touch that makes it feel extra festive, while the fresh mix of seasonal fruit keeps it light and delicious. A simple recipe that’s as beautiful on the table as it’s so easy to make!
If you need more festive salad ideas, don’t miss this festive wreath salad, and this gorgeous 7-layer Christmas salad!
Recipe Ingredients: Winter Fruit Salad
For the salad:
Ingredient Notes, Substitutions & Additions
Apples: I like to go for the sweet and savory balance, so I use a combo of sweet apples (such as Gala) and tart apples (such as Granny Smith).
Grapes: Choose firm purple grapes for this salad — they look so pretty when sugared!
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but if you can use pre squeezed OJ if that’s what you have on hand.
Seasonal fruit: This recipe is flexible! Swap in pears, persimmons, different types of apples, oranges, or even banana slices.
Yummy additions: Besides swapping out or adding seasonal fruit, here are a few more additions that will make this salad shine: candied nuts, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, fresh mint leaves.
How to make sugared grapes
Making sugared grapes for this Christmas fruit salad makes it super fun and festive…and it could not be easier!
Expert Tips
- Prevent apples from browning: Right after you cut them, toss the apples in the orange juice/honey “dressing” to keep them from browning.
- Peeling the kiwi: It’s easier than you think if you try this spoon hack!
- Make it ahead: You can sugar the grapes up to a day in advance to make this recipe come together super quickly. Wait to cut the apples until the day-of to ensure they are super crisp and delicious!
- Storage: You can store leftovers in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. Add a bit more orange juice or a squeeze of lemon to keep the apples from browning.
How to serve
Holiday side dish: This sweet salad pairs well with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing — it’s something a little sweet to balance out the savory!
Holiday cocktail party: Serve alongside a cheese board with creamy brie, crackers, and nuts. Enjoy with champagne, sparkling cider, or mulled wine.
Holiday brunch: Add it to a spread with cinnamon rolls, Christmas quiche, and coffee cake!
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on this winter fruit salad by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Winter Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges, juiced (juice divided) or about 1/2 cup store-bought orange juice
- 2 cups red grapes
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 2 red apples, cored and sliced
- 2 green apples, cored and sliced
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced See this hack for peeling your kiwis!
- 4 oz. pomegranate seeds about 3/4 cup
Instructions
- Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sugar to a plate or shallow bowl. Juice oranges and place juice in a small bowl.
- Make the sugared grapes: Add grapes to a medium bowl. Add 2 tbsp. of orange juice to the grapes and toss to coat. Roll each grape in sugar and transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad. Optional: Make the sugared grapes the day before and keep them cold in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Make the dressing: To the remainder of the orange juice, whisk in honey until combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: To a large bowl, add the apples and toss with the honey/orange juice mixture. Layer in the kiwi and pomegranate seeds. Last, place the sugared grapes on before serving.
Notes
- Prevent apples from browning: Right after you cut then, toss the apples in the orange juice/honey “dressing” to keep them from browning.
- Peeling the kiwi: It’s easier than you think if you try this spoon hack!
- Make it ahead: You can sugar the grapes up to a day in advance to make this recipe come together super quickly. Wait to cut the apples until the day-of to ensure they are super crisp and delicious!
- Storage: You can store leftovers in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. Add a bit more orange juice or a squeeze of lemon to keep the apples from browning.
Everyone LOVES this salad for a little something sweet on the holiday table! I hope you love it! XO ~ Casey