The Festive Persimmon Salad is a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday table. With vibrant colors and a mix of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit.
This recipe features fresh persimmons, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds, all tossed together with a homemade maple vinaigrette dressing.
Festive Persimmon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- Mixed salad greens (4-6 cups)
- 2-3 fuyu persimmons
- 1 pomegranate
- 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- For the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp real maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 large garlic clove (grated or minced)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Toast the Pumpkin Seeds: Start by toasting your pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them occasionally until they become fragrant and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, real maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. If using a mason jar, you can simply shake it up before using.
Prepare the Persimmons: Take your fuyu persimmons and remove the tops using a teaspoon. Simply get the spoon under the top and flip it off. Slice the persimmons into thin segments. Fuyu persimmons are perfect for this salad because they can be enjoyed even while they’re crisp.
Seed the Pomegranate: To seed the pomegranate, cut it in half and hold each half over a bowl with the seeds facing down. Tap the back of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon to release the seeds. Make sure to remove any white pith that may fall into the bowl. For an easy tutorial on how to seed a pomegranate in one minute, you can check out our video linked in the recipe notes.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place your mixed salad greens. Add the sliced persimmons on top of the greens. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the salad. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the salad. Finally, sprinkle the toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
Dress the Salad: Just before serving, pour the maple vinaigrette dressing over the salad. You can add the dressing to taste, but the whole amount is usually perfect for this salad. Give the salad a gentle toss to ensure everything is coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress the salad as the salt in the dressing can soften the greens if left for too long.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. This salad is a wonderful combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements. It’s perfect for any holiday celebration and will surely be the star of the table.
Tips and Variations
Substitutes for Persimmons: If you can’t find persimmons while they are in season, you can substitute them with apples or pears. They will provide a similar sweet and crisp element to the salad.
Other Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute the toasted pumpkin seeds with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture.
Goat Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use feta cheese or blue cheese as an alternative. Both will add a lovely creamy and tangy element to the salad.
Vinaigrette Variations: The maple vinaigrette dressing is perfectly balanced and not too sharp, but you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup or vinegar.
Health Benefits of Persimmons and other Ingredients
Health Benefits of Persimmons
Rich in Vitamins: Persimmons are a great source of vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A is essential for eye health, vitamin C boosts the immune system, and vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant.
High in Fiber: Persimmons are high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Low in Calories: Despite their sweet taste, persimmons are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Health Benefits of Pomegranates
Antioxidant-Rich: Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Heart Health: They may help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Rich in Vitamins: Pomegranates provide vitamins C, K, and several B vitamins, all of which are essential for overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis.
Health Benefits of Goat Cheese
Good Source of Protein: Goat cheese is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: It contains vitamins A, B2, B12, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which support bone health.
Easier to Digest: Goat cheese is often easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance.
Probiotics: Some varieties of goat cheese contain probiotics, which promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
High in Nutrients: Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, iron, and healthy fats, which are essential for overall health.
Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells.
Heart Health: The healthy fats in pumpkin seeds can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Rich in Fiber: Pumpkin seeds are high in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
Health Benefits of Mixed Salad Greens
Low in Calories: Salad greens are low in calories, making them a great option for weight management.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: They provide essential vitamins like A, C, K, and folate, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
High in Fiber: The fiber content in salad greens helps support digestive health and keeps you feeling full.
Antioxidant Properties: Salad greens contain various antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that contains more nutrients compared to refined sugar.
Rich in Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Minerals: Maple syrup provides minerals like manganese and zinc, which support immune function and overall health.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Persimmon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
The bright colors of the persimmons, pomegranate seeds, and mixed greens make it a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday meal. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds and leave your guests impressed.
Remember to make the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad right before your guests arrive.
The maple vinaigrette dressing can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply looking for a special salad to enjoy with your family, this Festive Persimmon Salad is a fantastic choice. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
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