Winter Fruit Mint Salad (Printable)
Refreshing winter fruits combined with a fragrant mint syrup for a bright, vibrant dish.
# What's Needed:
→ Fruit
01 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
02 - 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
03 - 1 pomegranate, seeds only
04 - 1 large apple, cored and diced
05 - 1 ripe pear, cored and diced
06 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
→ Mint Syrup
07 - 1/2 cup water
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, gently toss orange segments, kiwi slices, pomegranate seeds, apple, pear, and halved grapes until evenly mixed.
02 - In a small saucepan, stir together water and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat, add chopped mint leaves, and steep for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice.
04 - Strain syrup to remove mint leaves if preferred, then allow syrup to cool for 5 minutes.
05 - Pour cooled mint syrup over the fruit mixture, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
06 - Refrigerate the dressed fruit for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor before serving.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- Bright, clean flavors that wake up your palate when everything outside feels dull and cold.
- The mint syrup is ridiculously easy but makes people think you fussed.
- You can use whatever winter fruit looks good at the store, no strict shopping list required.
02 -
- Do not skip the chilling time, warm fruit salad with syrup tastes like confusion.
- Strain the mint leaves unless you enjoy surprise green bits between your teeth.
- If the syrup is still warm when you pour it, the fruit will soften too much and lose its snap.
03 -
- Double the syrup and keep extra in the fridge, it is good on yogurt, oatmeal, or drizzled over pound cake.
- Use a serrated knife for the oranges and kiwis, it grips the skin without slipping.
- Taste the syrup before you pour it, if it is too sweet add another squeeze of lemon.