Description
A refreshing and cozy winter fruit salad combining sweet Cuties mandarin oranges, crisp Fuji apples, and jewel-like pomegranate arils, all tossed in a warm cinnamon and real vanilla infused dressing. Perfect as a light dessert or a festive side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 4 pieces Cuties mandarin oranges (sweet and easy to peel)
- 2 pieces Fuji apples (crisp texture and natural sweetness)
- 1 cup pomegranate arils (extract jewel-like arils from 1 pomegranate)
Dressing
- 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the dressing)
- 1/2 cup water (used to dissolve the sugar)
- 2 pieces cinnamon sticks (infuse cozy warmth)
- 1 piece vanilla bean (real vanilla adds depth)
Instructions
- Peel and segment the mandarins: Carefully peel the Cuties mandarin oranges and segment them into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds or membranes for a pleasant texture.
- Core and dice apples: Core the Fuji apples and cut them into uniform chunks to ensure even distribution and bite.
- Extract pomegranate arils: Cut open the pomegranate and carefully remove the jewel-like arils, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Prepare the cinnamon vanilla syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently and simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add vanilla bean: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and pod to the saucepan with the syrup to infuse deep vanilla flavor.
- Cool the dressing: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cinnamon vanilla syrup to cool completely, so it doesn’t wilt the fruit.
- Toss the fruit with dressing: In a large bowl, combine the prepared mandarins, apples, and pomegranate arils. Pour the cooled cinnamon vanilla dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat evenly without bruising.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the dressing in advance to allow flavors to fully meld.
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for optimal sweetness and texture.
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature shortly after tossing.
- To vary the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a splash of fresh orange juice.
- The vanilla bean can be substituted with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract if unavailable.
