This Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing is prepared in simply quarter-hour and pairs effectively with any fundamental dish—whether or not it is rooster, steak, seafood, pasta, or pizza. That includes toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and feta cheese, it’s a terrific selection for fall and winter, highlighting recent, seasonal flavors. Take pleasure in persimmons from October by way of December, and take into account including this salad to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu!
How to decide on the correct of persimmon
Persimmons are an underrated fruit of fall and winter! They’re considered one of my all-time favourite fruits, however it’s necessary to teach your self and know the distinction between the 2 fundamental varieties: Fuyu and Hachiya otherwise you’ll be disenchanted! Fuyu persimmons are brief and squat and may be eaten instantly—that is the range you wish to purchase. In distinction, Hachiya persimmons are extra elongated and should be absolutely ripe to keep away from an astringent “cotton-mouth” feeling. Even when ripe, they’re higher fitted to use in puddings, blended into yogurt, or made into sorbet, moderately than being eaten uncooked in a salad. Their creamy flesh makes them a preferred selection for baked items like muffins, breads, and puddings. Personally, I do not look after Hachiya persimmons and don’t purchase them.
Fuyu persimmons on a plate.
What’s a persimmon?
Persimmons are vivid orange fruits with a clean pores and skin and a novel, candy taste that mixes hints of honey, mango, and apricot. There are two fundamental varieties: Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyu persimmons are spherical and squat, comparable in form to a tomato, whereas Hachiyas are extra elongated. Learn on beneath to be taught extra about these varieties!
What’s the distinction between Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons?
- The Fuyu selection is non-astringent and may be eaten whereas nonetheless agency, making it excellent for salads! You possibly can even get pleasure from it like an apple or peach, as its pores and skin is edible. Fuyu persimmons are brief and squat, sometimes formed like a flattened tomato.
- However, Hachiya persimmons are astringent and excessive in tannins, which may trigger a dry, puckering sensation and “cotton mouth” if eaten earlier than absolutely ripe. As soon as delicate, they turn out to be tender and candy, however it may be laborious to know after they’re really prepared. Hachiya persimmons are longer and extra elongated, resembling a big acorn or teardrop. They’re taller and extra oval-shaped in comparison with the Fuyu selection. Many individuals, myself included, favor Fuyus for his or her ease and consistency.
The place are persimmons grown?
Persimmons originated in China however are actually grown in lots of international locations, together with Spain and the US. I personally fell in love with this fruit throughout a go to to Maui, Hawaii, the place I usually purchased them at native farmers’ markets!
When are persimmons in season?
Persimmons are a fall crop, sometimes ripening as early as mid-September and remaining obtainable for harvest till late December, typically extending into early the next yr.
Why you may love this persimmon salad
This fall-inspired salad options easy components—spinach, persimmons, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans—and a home made four-ingredient dressing of honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Prepared in simply quarter-hour, it’s excellent for including a seasonal twist to your dinner rotation. Share it at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, however make sure to style the persimmon first to make sure you have the precise selection (it ought to be Fuyu selection – see extra on that above)! This versatile salad additionally works effectively on busy weeknights or for entertaining; add your favourite protein like grilled rooster, salmon, or shrimp for a whole meal. In search of extra salads with seasonal twists? Take a look at my pear and pomegranate spinach salad or apple spinach salad.
What can you utilize as a substitute of persimmons?
- Apples – particularly sweeter varieties like Fuji, Gala, Envy, or Honeycrisp.
- Pears – akin to Bosc, Bartlett, or Asian pear. They’ve the same agency texture and gentle sweetness.
- Mango has a honey-like, candy, and juicy texture when absolutely ripe.
- Yellow peaches or nectarines have a candy and juicy taste with a touch of tartness – an ideal substitute for persimmon!
Storage and make-ahead suggestions
- Persimmon salad is greatest served instantly whereas it is freshest. Nonetheless, you may put together it upfront by assembling the salad (with out the nuts and dressing) and refrigerating it for as much as 12 hours. Add the nuts and dressing simply earlier than serving.
- In case you have leftovers, the salad may be saved within the fridge for as much as 2 days. For the perfect outcomes, maintain the salad and dressing in separate containers.
Different fall-inspired salads that includes seasonal components
- Spinach Salad with Sautéed Apples, Pecans, and Maple-Lime Dressing
- Christmas Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Pomegranate, and Cranberries
- Pear Spinach Salad
- Fall Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Maple-Lime Dressing
- Mango and Blueberry Spinach Salad
- Fall Harvest Salad with Pears, Apples, Butternut Squash, Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds, and Bacon
Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing
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Components
Salad dressing
- ¼ cup further virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice
Salad components
- 1 cup pecan halves toasted
- 2 massive persimmons sliced (select Fuyu selection, not Hachiya – see the notes beneath for extra particulars)
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- 5 oz child spinach
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
Directions
Make the salad dressing
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Mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a mason jar. Whisk with a fork for 1-2 minutes till clean and emulsified.
Put together the salad components
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Toast the pecans in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, simply till they flip a bit darker.
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Rinse the persimmon underneath cool water and take away the leafy prime with a pointy knife. The pores and skin is edible for non-astringent varieties like Fuyu, so you may skip peeling. I left the pores and skin on – it provides fiber and is scrumptious! Slice the fruit into rounds or wedges.
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Soak dried cranberries in sizzling water for a couple of minutes to make them delicate and juicy.
Assemble the salad
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Add child spinach to particular person salad bowls or a big serving dish. Prime with sliced persimmons, plumped cranberries, and crumbled feta. Add toasted pecans (some complete, some chopped) and drizzle generously with the dressing.
Notes
- Fuyu persimmons are brief, flat, and squat, formed like a tomato, and may be eaten instantly—that is the range you wish to purchase.
- In distinction, Hachiya persimmons are extra elongated and should be absolutely ripe earlier than consuming; in any other case, they’ll go away an astringent, “cotton-mouth” sensation. I personally do not like or purchase Hachiya persimmons.
- Check out the photograph beneath to see the Fuyu persimmons I used on this recipe. I additionally advocate doing a fast Google search to match the shapes of Fuyu and Hachiya—the distinction may be delicate, however understanding it should assist you to keep away from any disappointment!
Diet
Fuyu persimmon on a plate.
