Description
A refreshing Persimmon and Apple Salad featuring a vibrant cider vinaigrette, mixed greens, crunchy nuts, and optional creamy feta. This salad combines sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch from candied walnuts and pomegranate seeds, perfect as a light lunch or a colorful starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 pounds Fuyu persimmons and/or Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 16 ounces radicchio or Treviso, torn
- 8 ounces baby kale or another hearty green
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 6 tablespoons candied walnuts or Marcona almonds
- 1 cup crumbled feta (optional, brined feta preferred)
Dressing
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Combine Greens and Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the torn radicchio, baby kale, and thinly sliced persimmons and/or apples to form the base of the salad.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, finely chopped shallots, ground cumin, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared cider vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts or Marcona almonds, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the top. Serve the salad immediately to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Fuyu persimmons are best used firm to hold their shape; softer varieties may become mushy in the salad.
- Substitute radicchio or Treviso with other bitter greens like radish greens or escarole if desired.
- For a nut-free option, omit the candied walnuts or almonds and substitute with roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Feta cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the greens and fruit from wilting or browning.
