Winter Fruit Orange Cranberries

Featured in: Quick Lunch Fixes

This vibrant winter salad combines juicy orange slices and tart cranberries for a refreshing burst of flavor. The dish is dressed with a lightly sweetened honey or maple syrup dressing, balanced by fresh lime juice and a hint of cinnamon. Garnished with chopped mint leaves, it offers a delightful mix of bright, crisp, and sweet notes. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for adding a colorful, healthy touch to cold-weather meals. Optional additions like toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds can enhance texture and taste.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:19:00 GMT
Vibrant winter fruit salad with orange slices and cranberries, a refreshing burst of color. Save
Vibrant winter fruit salad with orange slices and cranberries, a refreshing burst of color. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A vibrant, refreshing winter salad featuring juicy orange slices and tart cranberries, perfect for brightening up cold-weather meals.

This salad quickly became a favorite during cold months because it adds a burst of color and brightness to the table.

Ingredients

  • Oranges: 3 large, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • Cranberries: 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh lime juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh mint leaves: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
  • Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon optional

Instructions

Arrange fruit:
Arrange the orange slices on a large serving platter, slightly overlapping them.
Add cranberries:
Scatter the cranberries evenly over the orange slices.
Make dressing:
Whisk together honey or maple syrup, lime juice, and cinnamon if using.
Drizzle dressing:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the fruit.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves.
Serve:
Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
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We enjoy this salad as a refreshing side during family dinners in the winter months.

Notes

For extra crunch add a handful of toasted sliced almonds or pistachios. Swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds if desired. For a sweeter flavor macerate the cranberries in honey for 15 minutes before assembling.

Required Tools

Sharp knife Cutting board Small mixing bowl Whisk or spoon Serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains honey if used substitute maple syrup for a vegan option Nut-free as written optional nuts can be omitted for allergies Always check labels of packaged ingredients for hidden allergens

Close-up of a bright orange slices and cranberry salad drizzled with honey, ready to serve. Save
Close-up of a bright orange slices and cranberry salad drizzled with honey, ready to serve. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This winter fruit salad is a perfect fresh addition to your seasonal meals.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

Yes, maple syrup works well as a vegan-friendly alternative, maintaining sweetness and flavor balance.

How can I add crunch to this salad?

Adding toasted sliced almonds or pistachios provides a nice crunch and complements the fruit's textures.

What is the best way to prepare the cranberries?

Use fresh or thawed frozen cranberries. To soften their tartness, macerate in honey for 15 minutes before adding.

Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled and chilled for up to 2 hours before serving to enhance flavors.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, this salad contains no gluten ingredients, making it safe for gluten-free eating.

Winter Fruit Orange Cranberries

Bright and easy winter salad featuring orange slices and tart cranberries with a honey-lime drizzle.

Time to Prepare
10 mins
0
Complete Time
10 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Quick Lunch Fixes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American Contemporary

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Fruit

01 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
02 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen cranberries)

Garnish & Dressing

01 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
02 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
03 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
04 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Arrange fruit: Place orange slices on a large serving platter, slightly overlapping.

Step 02

Add cranberries: Scatter cranberries evenly over the orange slices.

Step 03

Prepare dressing: Whisk honey or maple syrup, lime juice, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Step 04

Dress fruit: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged fruit.

Step 05

Garnish: Sprinkle chopped mint leaves over the dressed fruit.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Serving platter

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains honey if used; opt for maple syrup for vegan compliance.
  • Nut-free as prepared; optional nuts may be omitted for allergies.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 85
  • Fats: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 1 g